Housing cooperatives and sanitary duties after a death in a residential unit

When a death occurs in a residential unit, housing cooperatives and property managers face specific legal and sanitary responsibilities. While the interior of a private apartment is the responsibility of the owner or heirs, managers must intervene if there is a direct sanitary-epidemiological threat to the building.

In cases of immediate danger, managers have the right to enter a unit via an emergency commission with the assistance of the Police or Fire Department. They are also solely responsible for maintaining the sanitary state of common areas, such as stairwells and ventilation shafts, especially if odors or gases spread from a private unit into shared spaces.

From a health perspective, decomposing bodies release toxic substances like cadaverine and putrescine, along with pathogens. To prevent biological contaminants from deeply penetrating floors, plaster, and furniture, professional cleaning is recommended within 24 to 48 hours. Such specialized work must be coordinated with the Police or Prosecutor and follow guidelines from the State Sanitary Inspection to ensure safety and legal compliance.