Ann Arbor Crime Scene & Biohazard Cleanup Referral
Free referral service connecting Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County residents with independent crime scene and biohazard cleanup providers. Providers typically work discreetly and can explain documentation requirements for insurance claims where applicable.
Mon–Fri 7am–9pm ET · Sat 10am–4pm ET · Sun 10am–2pm ET Weekend hours may vary. Outside these hours, calls may still route, but answers are not guaranteed.
Your situation is handled with privacy and compassion.
We connect Ann Arbor callers with independent cleanup providers serving their area.
Referral coverage across Washtenaw County, with availability depending on location and provider capacity.
Ann Arbor Housing and Cleanup Considerations
Ann Arbor's housing is defined by two very different realities. On one side, some of the oldest and best-preserved residential housing in Michigan — the Old West Side, Kerrytown, Water Hill, and Burns Park — much of it pre-war, with original hardwood, plaster walls, and full basements. On the other, one of the largest concentrations of student and young-professional rental housing in the state, from converted older homes to purpose-built apartments and multi-unit buildings clustered around the University of Michigan campus and downtown.
Those two realities create two very different remediation scenarios. In a century-old house on the Old West Side, contamination can migrate into plaster, subfloor, and structural wood in ways that only show up over days or weeks. In a rental unit or multi-unit building, the considerations are often about common walls, shared HVAC or plumbing, building management approval, and coordination with an owner who may not live in Ann Arbor.
If you're facing the aftermath of a traumatic event in Ann Arbor, you shouldn't have to figure out what comes next alone. A single call connects you with independent cleanup providers serving Washtenaw County — including help coordinating with renters, landlords, property managers, and estate representatives. Providers typically arrive in unmarked vehicles and work with discretion — which matters in dense neighborhoods and university-adjacent blocks. If you want to confirm a provider's licensing, insurance, training, or certifications before hiring, ask them directly. See all Michigan cities we serve, including Detroit, Grand Rapids, and other communities across the state.
10 Biohazard Cleanup Services Available in Ann Arbor, MI
Click each service to learn more about how we connect you with independent cleanup providers in your area.
Crime Scene Cleanup
Post-incident blood, tissue, and biohazard remediation for Ann Arbor properties — after law enforcement releases the scene.
Suicide Cleanup
Quiet, respectful remediation for Washtenaw County families navigating a loss that is difficult to put into words.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 — free, confidential, 24/7.
Unattended Death Cleanup
Decomposition and odor remediation for Ann Arbor landlords, property managers, and families — including properties held by out-of-town owners.
Trauma & Accident Cleanup
Vehicle, workplace, and pedestrian incident cleanup across Ann Arbor, the U-M campus area, and surrounding Washtenaw County.
Biohazard Remediation
Full-scope decontamination for Ann Arbor homes, multi-unit rentals, university-adjacent housing, and commercial buildings.
Blood Cleanup
Extraction and disinfection of blood-contaminated surfaces — including older wood, plaster, and subfloor materials common in Ann Arbor's historic housing.
Fentanyl & Drug Residue Cleanup
Specialized decontamination of Ann Arbor-area properties affected by fentanyl or other drug residue — including student housing and short-term rentals.
Hoarding Cleanup
Patient clearing and sanitizing of Ann Arbor homes — coordinated with family members, landlords, or estate representatives as needed.
Sewage Cleanup
Category 3 water damage and sewer backup remediation for Ann Arbor basements, older housing stock, and multi-unit properties.
Odor Removal
Treatment of decomposition, smoke, and trauma-related odors in Ann Arbor homes, rentals, and commercial properties.
Why Ann Arbor Residents & Property Owners Call Us
Here's what to expect — and why a single call is often the fastest path forward.
Answered Around the Clock
Loss does not keep business hours. Our referral line is staffed 24/7 so you are not waiting until Monday morning to find out what to do.
Discreet in Dense Neighborhoods
On an Old West Side block or a student rental street, a work truck is noticed. Providers typically arrive in unmarked vehicles and work without drawing attention to the address.
Washtenaw County Provider Network
We connect callers with independent cleanup providers serving Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Pittsfield Township, and surrounding Washtenaw County communities.
Documentation for Owners and Insurers
Many Ann Arbor properties are owned by someone who does not live at the address — an out-of-state parent, an LLC, or an institutional landlord. A properly documented job makes claims and owner records far easier.
One Call, Then a Clear Next Step
You do not need to have the whole situation worked out. The address, a rough sense of what happened, and whether police have been on scene is enough for us to help.
What to Do in the First Hour in Ann Arbor
These steps help protect you, your family, and your property.
Call the Referral Line
You do not need to have every detail. The address, a general sense of what happened, and whether police have been on scene is enough to begin.
Do Not Try to Clean It Yourself
Household cleaners and paper towels cannot neutralize bloodborne or biohazard contamination — and on older plaster, wood, or subfloor, they can push it deeper into the material.
Close Off the Area
Keep children, pets, roommates, and anyone who does not need to be there out of the affected area. Do not move contaminated items to another part of the property.
Follow Police Instructions
If the scene is under investigation, cleanup cannot begin until the investigating agency releases it. Follow any directions you have been given.
Let the Provider Assess
The independent provider you connect with will look at the property and explain what the work will actually involve, including what can be cleaned and what may need to be removed.
In Ann Arbor, the provider you work with may be able to help confirm release status with the Ann Arbor Police Department or the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner where applicable.
Insurance Coverage for Ann Arbor Cleanup
Ann Arbor's rental-heavy market means cleanup is often complicated by the question of whose policy responds — the tenant's renter's insurance, the owner's landlord or commercial policy, or both. Around the university and downtown, that question comes up more often than it does in cities where most properties are owner-occupied. The answer depends on the specific loss and the specific policies involved.
Owner-occupied homes on the Old West Side, Burns Park, or Water Hill usually sit under a standard homeowner's policy, but coverage for biohazard or trauma cleanup varies — and older policies on historic homes sometimes carry lower limits than the actual restoration cost. Before work starts, confirm with your insurer what will actually be covered.
Questions worth asking your insurer:
- Does my policy cover this specific type of cleanup?
- Is there a sub-limit or cap for biohazard remediation?
- How is my deductible applied here?
- Whose policy responds if the property is rented?
- Do historic-home provisions affect what's covered?
Working With Ann Arbor Authorities
If a scene is under active investigation, cleanup generally cannot begin until the investigating agency releases it. Providers working in Ann Arbor coordinate with the relevant agencies as needed.
The provider you work with can help coordinate with local agencies where applicable.
Ann Arbor Housing Stock & Biohazard Remediation Considerations
Ann Arbor has one of the least typical housing markets in Michigan. The city combines historic pre-war residential neighborhoods with a rental market that is unusually large relative to its population — driven by the University of Michigan and by a steady flow of professional renters. That means a single cleanup job in Ann Arbor can look very different depending on which side of the market it falls on.
In the historic neighborhoods, remediation has to account for materials that are no longer standard: plaster and lath rather than drywall, original hardwood that cannot simply be replaced with an off-the-shelf board, and full basements with masonry walls that hold moisture and odor differently than a modern poured foundation. In the rental and multi-unit stock — converted older homes, purpose-built student apartments, and downtown condos and rentals — the questions shift toward shared walls, common-area access, building management approval, and coordinating with an owner who may be in another state.
Out in the townships — Pittsfield, Scio, Superior, and the surrounding areas — the housing is generally newer and more conventional, but properties tend to be larger, with longer driveways, well and septic systems in some cases, and outbuildings that can be affected alongside the main structure.
Ann Arbor ZIP codes served include 48103, 48104, 48105, 48106, 48107, 48108, and 48109. For medical emergencies, Michigan Medicine — University of Michigan Health (734) 936-4000) serves Ann Arbor and the surrounding Washtenaw County area. If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911.
The independent provider you connect with will look at the specific property — age, construction, layout, ownership situation, and what is actually affected — and tailor the approach accordingly.
Areas We Serve Near Ann Arbor
We connect callers with providers serving Ann Arbor and surrounding communities across Washtenaw County, subject to provider availability.
Ann Arbor Neighborhoods
- Downtown Ann Arbor
- Old West Side
- Kerrytown
- Burns Park
- Water Hill
- University of Michigan area
- Barton Hills
Surrounding Communities
- Ypsilanti
- Saline
- Dexter
- Chelsea
- Pittsfield Township
Availability note: Coverage and response depend on your location and provider capacity. Call (888) 561-1237 to ask about specific ZIP codes or neighborhoods.
What Affects Cleanup Costs in Ann Arbor
Every situation is different. The independent provider will assess the damage and explain their pricing before any work begins. Here are the factors that typically determine the final cost in Ann Arbor.
* Final costs depend on independent provider assessment, scope, and insurance coverage.
Crime & Trauma Cleanup
Crime Scene Cleanup
Varies by scope and materials
In Ann Arbor's historic neighborhoods — Old West Side, Burns Park, Water Hill — plaster and lath removal can increase the scope compared to a drywall-only rental unit.
Suicide Cleanup
Varies by scope and coordination
In student-adjacent rentals, coordinating with an out-of-state owner or property manager can add time and complexity to the remediation process.
Trauma & Accident Cleanup
Varies by incident type
Vehicle, workplace, and pedestrian incidents — including on or near U-M campus property. Campus-adjacent jobs sometimes involve coordination with UMPD in addition to Ann Arbor PD.
Unattended Death Cleanup
Varies by extent of contamination
Decomposition and odor remediation. In Ann Arbor's multi-unit and shared-wall rentals, containment and neighbor coordination affect both scope and complexity.
Biohazard & Decontamination
Biohazard Remediation
Varies by hazard type
Sanitizing high-traffic areas may be less complex; major incidents in U-M-area housing or commercial properties can require extensive remediation.
Blood Cleanup
Varies by surface and penetration
In Ann Arbor's older homes, contamination in plaster, subfloor, or HVAC systems increases the scope of remediation significantly.
Fentanyl & Drug Residue Cleanup
Varies by testing and scope
Specialized decontamination for fentanyl or other drug residue — including Ann Arbor student housing and short-term rentals, where turnover timelines often add complexity.
Hoarding Cleanup
Varies by volume and conditions
Ranges from light clutter cleanup in an Ann Arbor condo to severe hoarding in larger township homes. Washtenaw County hoarding situations occasionally involve rental properties with owner coordination.
Specialized Biohazard Cleanup
Biohazard Sewage Cleanup
Varies by category and volume
Sewage is Category 3 water — heavily contaminated with pathogens. In Ann Arbor's township properties with septic systems, sewage backup can involve additional scope than a municipal-sewer home.
Decomposition & Biohazard Odor Removal
Varies by treatment method
For decomposition, hoarding, and unattended death odor. In Ann Arbor's older homes with plaster walls, whole-home hydroxyl or ozone treatment is often required to fully eliminate embedded odor.
Insurance may cover part of the cost. Many homeowner's insurance policies cover biohazard cleanup for sudden events like unattended death or crime scene remediation, though coverage depends on your policy and circumstances. Sewer backup often requires a separate endorsement. Confirm coverage with your insurer before assuming costs are out of pocket.
Michigan Crime Victim Compensation. For eligible violent crimes, Michigan's Crime Victim Compensation program may reimburse cleanup costs. Filing requires a police report and documentation — contact the program directly for details.
Have questions about cost or insurance? The referral line is free and available 24/7.
CALL (888) 561-1237Frequently Asked Questions — Ann Arbor
What exactly is this referral service?
When you call, we connect you with an independent cleanup provider serving Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. That provider handles the actual work and discusses pricing, scheduling, and insurance directly with you. Full disclosure is linked in the footer.
Is there any charge to call or be referred?
No. There is no charge for the call or the referral. If you decide to hire the independent provider, they will explain their services, pricing, and payment terms before any work begins.
What kinds of cleanup can you refer me to in Ann Arbor?
We connect Ann Arbor callers with providers for crime scene cleanup, suicide cleanup, unattended death cleanup, trauma and accident cleanup, biohazard remediation, blood cleanup, fentanyl and drug residue cleanup, hoarding cleanup, sewage cleanup, mold remediation, odor removal, dead animal removal, fire damage restoration, and water damage restoration.
I own or manage rental property near campus. How does cleanup work in a tenant situation?
Ann Arbor's rental market presents its own set of questions. The owner's landlord or commercial policy may respond to the remediation, the tenant's renter's insurance may also be relevant, and coordination with the tenant, the estate, or a family member may be required. Properties owned by an out-of-town parent, an LLC, or an institutional landlord often need the work documented carefully for the owner's records and for any insurer. Coverage and process depend on the specific policy and circumstances. The independent provider may be able to explain documentation requirements and coordinate with your adjuster where applicable. For legal questions about tenant disclosure, habitability, or lease obligations, we recommend talking to a Michigan property attorney.
Will insurance cover cleanup at an Ann Arbor property?
It depends on your policy and what caused the loss. Some homeowner's, renter's, and commercial policies in Washtenaw County cover eligible cleanup expenses — and some do not, or only up to a sub-limit. This is best confirmed directly with your insurer. The independent provider may be able to help with documentation and coordinate with your adjuster where applicable.
Is the referral line really available 24/7?
Yes — including nights, weekends, and holidays. Provider availability at a specific Ann Arbor address depends on your location, the type of situation, and how busy local providers are. We cannot guarantee a specific arrival time.
Do you coordinate with Ann Arbor Police and the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner?
For an active crime scene, cleanup generally cannot begin until the investigating agency releases the scene. Depending on the circumstances, that may involve the Ann Arbor Police Department, the University of Michigan Police Department (for incidents on campus property), or the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner. The provider you work with can help confirm release status with the relevant agency where applicable.
Which parts of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County do you cover?
Coverage typically includes Ann Arbor neighborhoods and surrounding Washtenaw County communities such as Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, and Pittsfield Township. Availability depends on your address and provider capacity. Call (888) 561-1237 to ask about your specific ZIP code or neighborhood.