Guide
For landlords and property managers
A death, an assault or a hoarded unit puts the owner in an awkward spot: the unit has to be made safe, the family is grieving, and other tenants are next door.
Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
When a sole tenant dies
Minnesota lets either the landlord or the estate's personal representative end the lease with at least two months' written notice, ending on the last day of a month. The estate stays responsible for rent through that period and for restoring the unit, ordinary wear and tear excepted (Minn. Stat. 504B.265).
That gives you time. Agree with the family, in writing, who arranges and who pays for the cleanup, and when they will collect belongings.
Your duties to the other tenants
A landlord promises that the premises and common areas are fit to live in and meet health and safety laws (Minn. Stat. 504B.161). If fluids or odor reached a hallway, a shared wall or a unit below, include those areas in the cleanup.
- Keep the unit locked and limit who has keys.
- Neighbors need only the practical part, for example which days the company will be there.
- Do not send maintenance staff in to clean. Employers need an exposure plan before staff handle blood (OSHA).
What to ask the company
- Will you check the subfloor, the unit below and the shared walls?
- Can you give a written scope that I can share with the estate and my insurer?
- Who replaces flooring and drywall afterwards?
- Can you work around other tenants' hours and keep the hallway clear?
When you are ready, call
You will speak with an independent cleanup company that works in and around Minneapolis. Describe what happened in your own words and ask what they would do. You decide whether to go ahead.
Talk to a cleanup company
Call (612) 493-4397Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Calls may be recorded. More in the referral disclosure and privacy policy.