What to do if your tenant attempted suicide and is now admitted?

Question

A tenant of ours was admitted to hospital for attempting suicide.  Fortunately, he is okay.  We salvaged all of his stuff and is waiting for doctors or his family to contact us.  Curious if anyone has dealt with this situation before?  How did you handle it?  Obviously we want to be sensitive to the situation but we also cannot have a room sit vacant forever.  Seeking some advice.

Theresa Harris · Answer

Do you have emergency contact info?  If so, do what Bjorn suggested.

Bjorn Ahlblad · Answer

We had a tenant die (in hospital) recently. We contacted family members who emptied and cleaned the apartment. We refunded the deposit, did paint and flooring and rented the unit with a big increase lickety split!

Scott Mac · Answer

Originally posted by @Cheng Bin Zhang: .......................................

Hi, Cheng,

He has been Admitted, but given his behavior he may still be COMMITTED (for how long???)

If there are pets in the unit, make sure they have food and water on a regular basis (Purina), and if they are abandoned contact these people: https://www.nokillnetwork.org/d/Massachusetts/

(Or you could keep them for yourself if you want--they sure need a new home)

Good Luck!

John Teachout · Answer

Did the tenant give any indication they don't plan to return? If you want to vacate the unit, you probably need to file a dispossessory action. You can't just collect their stuff and re-rent the property. Look up your local laws, these types of situations may be addressed.

Marlen Weber · Answer

@Cheng Bin Zhang What a terrible situation to be in. After notifying the tenant's family, follow @Bjorn Ahlblad's advice. Stay safe.

Cheng Bin Zhang · Answer

Great feedback. Best case scenario is if he recovers and comes back.  I’m trying to imagine worst case scenario where I can’t reach him or his family for many more weeks.

JD Martin · Answer

Exactly. Is their lease up? Did they not pay rent because they were admitted? ETC. Being hospitalized for anything doesn't mean you now have a vacancy.

What to do if your tenant attempted suicide and is now admitted?

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