Who Is Legally Responsible for Crime Scene Cleanup?
Property Owners, Landlords, and Insurance Considerations
Dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event such as a homicide, suicide, unattended death, or accident is emotionally and mentally overwhelming. Many people are surprised to learn that after law enforcement and emergency services leave the scene, crime scene cleanup is not their responsibility. So who is legally responsible for cleaning up a crime scene?
If you’re a property owner, landlord, or tenant in Colorado Springs or nearby areas, it’s important to understand your responsibilities, your rights, and how CrimeTech Services can help navigate this challenging process.
Property Owners Typically Bear the Burden
In most situations, the legal responsibility for crime scene cleanup falls to the property owner. Whether it’s a private home, apartment, commercial property, or vehicle, the owner is responsible for making sure the scene is properly cleaned and remediated before it can be safely reoccupied or used again.
If a traumatic event occurs inside a private residence, the homeowner (or their family) is responsible. If it happens in a rental unit, the landlord is typically liable for ensuring the property is professionally cleaned before renting it again. In commercial buildings, the business owner or property management may be responsible, depending on lease terms and ownership.
What About Landlords and Renters?
In rental properties, landlords often hold the legal responsibility for biohazard cleanup, especially if the affected tenant is no longer living on the premises. However, the specifics can vary depending on the lease agreement and the nature of the incident. For example, if a tenant caused the biohazardous situation through negligence or criminal activity, the landlord may pursue financial recovery through the tenant’s deposit or legal channels.
Renters should consult their lease and notify the landlord immediately. In some cases, renter’s insurance may cover the cost of cleanup or relocation.
Will Insurance Cover Crime Scene Cleanup?
The good news is that many homeowner’s and commercial insurance policies do cover the cost of crime scene cleanup. This can include biohazard remediation, odor removal, and even property restoration if needed. However, coverage depends on the policy, and it’s essential to file a claim as soon as possible.
At CrimeTech Services, we work directly with your insurance provider to streamline the claims process, reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, and ensure everything is documented properly. We’ll help you understand what’s covered, what’s not, and how to move forward efficiently.
Why You Should Never Attempt Cleanup Yourself
Even though property owners are responsible for arranging crime scene cleanup, you should never attempt to handle it yourself. Bodily fluids, blood, and other biohazards can carry dangerous pathogens that pose serious health risks. Over-the-counter cleaning supplies are not sufficient to ensure complete disinfection.
At CrimeTech Services, we use professional-grade equipment, EPA-approved disinfectants, and follow OSHA and local health regulations to safely clean, sanitize, and restore the area. Our trained technicians are discreet, compassionate, and experienced in handling sensitive situations with care and professionalism.
Serving Colorado Springs and Beyond
Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, property manager, or business owner in Colorado Springs, Fountain, Security-Widefield, Falcon, Peyton, Monument, Pueblo and nearby cities, CrimeTech Services is here to help. We provide 24/7 emergency response and thorough, reliable crime scene cleanup tailored to your situation.
Contact CrimeTech Services Today
If you’re facing a situation that requires crime scene or biohazard cleanup, don’t face it alone. Call CrimeTech Services at 719-201-2726 for expert assistance, guidance on insurance claims, and compassionate support every step of the way. We’ll help restore your space—and peace of mind.