Guide
Who pays for biohazard cleanup?
There is often more than one possible payer. Here is how they fit together in Texas.
After a violent crime
Texas Crime Victims' Compensation
Texas Crime Victims' Compensation, run by the Attorney General's office, lists crime scene clean-up among the costs it may help pay. What the program says about clean-up. It describes clean-up as removing stains, odors, broken glass or other debris.
If you hire a licensed company, its charges may be reimbursed. If you clean it yourself, only the supplies are. Keep every receipt.
By law the program comes last: if homeowners or renters insurance covers it, that is used first. To be paid you send the company's bill, an itemized list of supplies and your insurance declaration page or a statement that you have no insurance.
Apply within three years of the crime. Businesses cannot apply (eligibility). Questions go to the program at (800) 983-9933, weekdays.
Insurance
Homeowners, renters and auto policies
Policies differ. Some cover cleanup after a death or a crime, some cover part of it, and some exclude it. Only your insurer can tell you.
Call the insurer before work starts. Ask what it covers, whether it wants to inspect, and what photos and paperwork it needs. Then share that with the cleanup company.
Other payers
Landlords, estates and families
- Rented homes
- The lease and the cause matter. Talk to the landlord early. The landlord page covers a tenant who lived alone.
- Estates
- When the person who died owned the home, the cost often falls to the estate. The executor or the family's lawyer can say how.
- Families
- Sometimes nobody else pays. Ask the company to explain each line of the price, and what could be left out.
Cost
What changes the price
How far fluids spread, what has to be removed (carpet, pad, drywall, subfloor), how long the room was closed up, how much contents have to go, and access, such as stairs or a third-floor apartment.
There is no fixed price for this work. A written price after a walk-through is the honest answer.
When you are ready, one call
There is no rush on your side. Call when the police have released the place and you want to know what the cleanup involves.
Talk it through with a cleanup company
You will speak with an independent company that works around Arlington. Ask how they would handle your situation and how they set the price. Nothing is booked until you agree.
Call (817) 803-8687Answered 24 hours a day, every day of the year
Calls may be recorded. How referrals work: referral disclosure. Your information: privacy policy.