When someone can't reach a family member, tenant or neighbor and fears something is wrong, they often ask police for a welfare check, sometimes called a wellness check. Most checks end with the person found safe. Some end with a medical emergency or a death. Either way, the property may be left with a forced door, a broken window, or an affected room, and it isn't always clear who handles what. This guide explains.
Requesting a welfare check
Call the local police non-emergency line, or 911 if you believe there's an immediate emergency. Be ready to share:
- The person's name, address and description
- Why you're concerned: missed calls, health conditions, unusual absence, mail piling up
- Whether they have medical conditions, pets or firearms in the home
- Whether you or a landlord can provide a key
Providing a key, or having the landlord meet officers, can avoid forced entry.
What officers do
Officers knock, look for signs of the person and may talk with neighbors. If they have reason to believe someone inside needs help, they may enter, by force if necessary. If they find the person in need of medical care, they call EMS. If they find the person deceased, they notify the medical examiner or coroner and begin the death investigation process.
Forced entry
When officers force entry, they may break a door, door frame or lock, or a window. Policies on paying for that damage vary by agency and jurisdiction; in many cases, the property owner bears the cost, though some agencies have processes for claims. Ask the agency about its policy. Homeowners or landlord insurance may cover the damage.
Securing the property afterward
Once police leave, the property may be unsecured. Responsibility usually falls to:
- The homeowner or their family for owner-occupied homes
- The landlord for rental units, coordinating with the tenant or the tenant's family
- The estate's representative if the person has died
Steps:
- Secure doors and windows with temporary repairs or board-up.
- Change or re-key locks if keys were lost or the lock was damaged, keeping track of who has keys.
- Document damage with photos for insurance or claims.
- Arrange permanent repairs.
If the person is found deceased
After the medical examiner or coroner has finished and the property is released:
- Keep the affected area closed and avoid entering it.
- Turn off the HVAC system if odor is present, to limit spread.
- Contact the family or estate representative if you're a landlord or neighbor.
- Notify insurers.
- Arrange professional cleanup if the death wasn't discovered right away or fluids are present.
Pets
Pets in the home may need immediate care. Police may contact animal control. Family or neighbors can often take temporary custody. A veterinary check is wise if the pet was confined for a long time.
Belongings and valuables
After a welfare check where the person was taken to the hospital or found deceased, valuables, medications, firearms and important documents should be secured. Families and landlords should coordinate so nothing is removed without authority. If the person died, the estate's representative will eventually have authority over belongings.
Landlords: entry rules
Landlords generally have rights to enter in emergencies, but state law and leases govern notice and entry. When a tenant's safety is in question, involving police is safer than entering alone, both for the tenant and to avoid disputes. Document why entry was made.
Preventing the need for forced entry
- Share a spare key with a trusted neighbor or family member.
- Give your landlord or building manager emergency contact information.
- Use a lockbox for emergency access.
- Consider medical alert devices or check-in programs for people living alone.
For people who live alone
If you live alone, a few simple arrangements make a welfare check less disruptive if it's ever needed: give a trusted person a key and your doctor's name, keep a list of medications and emergency contacts on the refrigerator, tell a neighbor about pets in the home, and let your landlord know how to reach family. These steps help responders act faster and reduce damage to the home.
Frequently asked questions
Will police pay for the broken door?
It depends on the agency and circumstances. Ask the agency, and check your insurance.
Can a landlord do the welfare check instead of police?
Landlords can check under state entry rules, but involving police is generally safer for everyone.
Who cleans up if someone is found deceased?
Not the police. The owner, landlord or estate arranges cleanup after the property is released.
What if the person is in the hospital and the home is a mess?
With the person's or family's permission, cleaning can be arranged. Respect their privacy and wishes.
Can a family member request a check from out of state?
Yes. Call the police department where the person lives, using its non-emergency number.
Key takeaways
Welfare checks can lead to forced entry and, sometimes, the discovery of a death. The owner, landlord or estate is usually responsible for securing the property and arranging cleanup afterward. Secure doors and windows, document damage, notify insurers, care for pets and valuables, and use professional cleanup if a death went unnoticed.
Sources
This guide is general information. It is not legal, medical, environmental or safety advice. Rules vary by state and locality. For a specific situation, consult the relevant agency or a qualified professional.