Deceased tenant in unit

[Tone Church]

Yesterday I received a call letting me know that my tenant was found deceased in one of my units yesterday morning. They lived alone.

I spoke with a family member who said they are waiting on the examiners report and will let me know the official cause of death and if it was related to COVID-19 or not. All of the police and ambulance that surrounded the house were wearing gloves and masks, I was told by a neighbor in the house next door.

As a relatively new landlord not sure what the order of operations is here, what I should be considering etc. Any advice would be appreciated.

1. Should I file an insurance claim? I will need a professional cleaning from a disaster recovery company for COVID-19 if it comes back that that was a factor. I may also need a cleaning at the site the body was found depending on how long it had been there. I was told by someone that if it had been a while I may need to replace all carpets.

2. What should my communications be to the downstairs tenant? An elderly woman that may also be fearful and had just signed a 12 month lease renewal?

3. Family member of deceased individual asked if they still have to pay rent. From what I understand the terms of the lease get passed on to executor. The lease was set to expire May 31.

Any other advice would be appreciated. Very stressful situation as I have only been a landlord for a year and feel awful for the family.

Thanks everyone.