After Death Cleaning in Flats and Apartments: Shared Areas and Responsibilities Explained

After a death in a flat or apartment, cleaning considerations can be more complex than in a single-occupancy house. In addition to the affected property, there may be concerns about shared or communal areas within the building.

This guide explains how after death cleaning works in flats and apartments in the UK, including who is responsible for cleaning shared spaces and what factors affect the process.

Why Flats and Apartments Are Different

Unlike houses, flats often involve:

shared entrances and corridors
stairwells or lifts
adjoining properties

This means contamination or odour may extend beyond one private space.

Private Areas vs Shared Areas

Inside the Flat

Cleaning inside the flat usually involves:

the tenant’s estate
the property owner or landlord
managing agents (in some cases)

Responsibility depends on tenancy agreements and ownership arrangements.

Shared or Communal Areas

Communal areas may include:

hallways
staircases
lifts
shared storage spaces

If contamination or odour spreads into these areas, additional cleaning may be required to protect other residents.

Who Is Responsible for Cleaning Shared Areas?

Responsibility for communal areas often falls to:

the building owner
the freeholder
a management company

However, costs may sometimes be recovered from the estate depending on circumstances and agreements.

Odour Spread in Flats

Odour can travel through:

ventilation systems
gaps around doors
floor or wall cavities

This can result in neighbouring flats being affected, even if contamination occurred in only one unit.

When Specialist Cleaning Is Recommended

Professional cleaning is often advised if:

odour is noticeable outside the flat
bodily fluids affected shared spaces
neighbours have raised concerns
the body was undiscovered for some time

Early assessment helps prevent disputes and repeat issues.

Communication With Neighbours and Managing Agents

In flats and apartment blocks:

clear communication is important
managing agents may coordinate access
cleaning may need to be scheduled carefully

This helps minimise disruption to other residents.

Legal and Practical Considerations

Delays may occur due to:

police involvement
access restrictions
coordination with building management

Once access is granted, a proper assessment determines what level of cleaning is needed.

Related Guides

Final Thoughts

After death cleaning in flats and apartments often involves additional considerations due to shared spaces and neighbouring properties. Understanding responsibilities and acting early helps protect residents and avoid further complications.