This is one of the hardest guides I've written, because I know who's reading it. You've just learned that someone you cared about died alone and wasn't found for days, weeks, or longer. The scene is something you weren't prepared for. You may have walked into it yourself.
I've cleaned hundreds of decomposition scenes. I'm going to be direct about what's involved — not to be graphic, but because you need honest information to make good decisions during an impossible time.
What Happens During Decomposition
Understanding the process helps explain why professional cleanup is necessary and what determines the cost.
Timeline of Decomposition (Indoor, Room Temperature)
| Time After Death | What Happens | Cleanup Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 0–24 hours | Rigor mortis, skin discoloration begins | Minimal — standard biohazard cleanup |
| 1–3 days | Bloating begins, fluids start to release, odor noticeable | Moderate — affected surfaces need treatment |
| 3–10 days | Significant bloating, fluid release, strong odor, insect activity | Significant — flooring, subfloor likely affected |
| 10–30 days | Advanced decomposition, extensive fluid spread, severe odor | Major — structural remediation often required |
| 30+ days | Skeletal remains, fluids have penetrated deeply into structure | Extensive — may require demolition and rebuild of affected area |
Temperature, humidity, and ventilation dramatically affect this timeline. A body in a heated apartment in summer decomposes much faster than one in an unheated room in winter.
Health Risks
Decomposition creates multiple biohazard categories:
- Bloodborne pathogens — HIV, Hepatitis B/C remain viable in decomposition fluids
- Bacteria — Clostridium, Staphylococcus, and other bacteria multiply rapidly in decomposition fluids
- Decomposition gases — hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell), methane, ammonia. In confined spaces, these can cause respiratory distress or unconsciousness
- Insect vectors — flies that feed on decomposition can spread pathogens to other surfaces in the home
Do not enter the scene without respiratory protection (N95 minimum, full-face respirator recommended) and protective gloves.
What Professional Cleanup Involves
- Assessment — technicians in full PPE evaluate the extent of contamination using visual inspection, moisture meters, and UV lights
- Containment — negative air pressure and plastic barriers isolate the affected area
- Removal of contaminated materials — carpet, padding, subfloor, drywall, furniture, mattress — anything that absorbed fluids is removed and disposed of as biohazard waste
- Subfloor treatment — concrete subfloors are treated with enzyme-based cleaners that break down organic matter, then sealed. Wood subfloors may need partial or complete replacement
- Structural treatment — wall studs, joists, and other structural elements are treated if fluids seeped into wall cavities
- Odor neutralization — ozone treatment, thermal fogging, hydroxyl generators. This often requires multiple rounds
- Verification — final inspection, ATP testing (measures biological contamination), and air quality check
Costs
| Scenario | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Death discovered within 24 hours, single room | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Death undiscovered 3–7 days | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Death undiscovered 1–4 weeks | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Death undiscovered 1+ month, extensive penetration | $15,000 – $25,000+ |
| Multi-room contamination or structural involvement | $20,000 – $40,000+ |
Restoration costs (new flooring, drywall, painting) are typically additional.
Insurance
Whether insurance covers decomposition cleanup depends on your policy:
- Homeowner's insurance — many policies cover biohazard cleanup as "sudden and accidental damage." However, some policies exclude it. Read your policy or call your agent
- Renter's insurance — typically covers your personal property damage, not the structure. The landlord's insurance covers structural cleanup
- If the deceased was the policyholder — the policy typically remains in effect. The estate representative can file the claim
- If you're a landlord — your landlord insurance should cover the cleanup. If the tenant died, their renter's insurance may cover personal property, but the structural cleanup is your responsibility
See our detailed guide: Does Insurance Cover Biohazard Cleanup?
The Emotional Reality
This section matters as much as the practical information.
- You will not forget what you saw. If you walked into the scene, you experienced something traumatic. Consider talking to a mental health professional, even if you feel "fine" right now. Trauma can surface weeks or months later.
- You don't have to handle this alone. A good cleanup company handles everything — you don't need to be present during the work.
- Guilt is normal but not logical. "If I'd checked on them sooner..." is the most common thought families have. You didn't cause this.
- The property can be restored. Even severe decomposition scenes can be fully remediated. The home can be lived in again, sold, or rented. It's not "ruined forever."
If You're a Landlord
- You cannot charge the deceased tenant's estate for cleanup costs (in most states)
- Your landlord insurance should cover the remediation
- You do NOT need to disclose a death to future tenants in most states (check your state's disclosure laws)
- Do not enter the unit until law enforcement releases it
- See our landlord guide for detailed information
Finding the Right Company
Decomposition cleanup requires specific expertise. Look for:
- ABRA certification (American Bio Recovery Association)
- Specific experience with decomposition scenes — ask how many they've done
- 24/7 availability (decomposition gets worse every hour)
- Written estimate before work begins
- Experience working with insurance companies
- Compassionate, discreet service — ask about unmarked vehicles
If you're dealing with a decomposition scene, we're here to help. Call (855) 566-2405 24/7 or find a vetted specialist in our directory.