After a violent crime: the state
The Minnesota Crime Victims Reimbursement Board repays out-of-pocket losses after violent crimes in Minnesota, and its list of benefits includes crime scene clean-up. Homicide, assault, domestic abuse, robbery and arson are among the crimes it covers. Property crimes are not.
- The crime was reported to police within 30 days.
- You file within three years of the crime.
- Insurance and other sources pay first, and the board covers what is left.
- The victim cooperates with police and prosecutors.
A family member, the estate, or the person who paid for the service can apply, online through the Victim Services Portal or on paper. Call 651-201-7300 or 888-622-8799. A local victim assistance program can help with the form.
Homeowner, renter and auto insurance
Some policies pay for biohazard cleanup and some exclude it. Wording differs, so the only way to know is to ask your insurer before work starts. Ask what it covers, whether it wants photos, and whether it needs to approve the company or the price.
A car is usually a question for the auto policy rather than the home policy.
Rented homes and apartments
In Minnesota a landlord promises to keep a rental fit to live in and in line with health and safety laws (Minn. Stat. 504B.161). Who pays for the cleanup can still depend on the lease and on what happened. Talk to the landlord or manager early. The landlord guide has more.
The estate
When someone dies, cleanup bills for their home can often be paid from their estate. If a sole tenant dies, Minnesota law keeps the estate responsible for rent through the notice period and for restoring the unit, apart from ordinary wear and tear (Minn. Stat. 504B.265). The person handling the estate should see the invoice.
Keep the paperwork
- An itemized invoice with the address and dates
- Photos taken before work started, if the insurer asked for them
- The police case number
- Any letter from your insurer saying what it will and will not pay
The state board, an insurer and an estate will all ask for some of these.
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.