Houses hold a whole lot of history, some heartwarming, some haunting, and morbid. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “How do I find out if someone died in my house?” just know that it’s not an overreaction. Many people are curious about this, whether due to superstition, interest in paranormal activity, or just a general sense of unease.
In many countries, sellers are not required to disclose deaths on the property, particularly if they didn’t happen under suspicious circumstances. That said, you can always do your own digging to find the truth.
This guide will share how you can find out if someone died in your house using a few easy tools.
Ways to Find Out if Someone Died in Your House
If you’re curious about the history of your house and its previous occupants, here’s what you can do to find out:
1. Conduct a Basic Internet Search
The easiest starting point for any investigation nowadays is a quick Google search. Enter your property address in Google’s search bar along with specific keywords like “death,” “died,” “murder,” “crime,” or “accident.” Sometimes news articles, police blotters, or obituaries are indexed online and can show up in search results.
There’s a chance nothing will turn up, but if your property was ever part of a major crime, fire, or suspicious death, there’s a chance it made the news.
2. Use a People Lookup Tool
A people lookup tool like FreePeopleSearch.com lets you search for people, addresses, and phone numbers using public records, and it’s free to use. You can use the site’s address lookup tool to select the state in which your property is located.
Narrow down the search by selecting the relevant city and ZIP code. Once you have a street, you can select your property’s full address and view the profile that appears.
The report will contain any records associated with deaths, previous residents, or public reports relating to that property. While the site is primarily used for background checks, its address history section may reveal past owners and events linked to them. If someone died while owning or living in the home, there may be a record related to their death or obituary.
3. Check Public Records at the Local Government Office
Your local offices, such as the county recorder’s office, often maintain documents relating to property ownership, police investigations, and coroner reports. Visit your city or county’s official website and look for sections like “Public Records,” “Vital Records,” or “Coroner Reports.”
You might need to submit a formal request, especially if you’re looking for police or medical examiner data. Since not all counties have digitized databases, you might need to physically visit the office and make a phone call to check the relevant records.
4. Search Obituaries and Local Archives
Local obituary databases, library archives, or even newspaper websites can help you connect deaths to specific addresses. Obituaries sometimes list where the person passed away, often mentioning “at home” where applicable.
Type in your address or neighborhood name on a local newspaper’s website or legacy obituary site, and cross-reference any names that match with your residency. Similarly, you can also call or visit your local public library and ask if they have archives or a genealogy department. The officials here are often happy to help with this kind of request, so don’t sweat it!
5. Ask the Neighbors
You could also keep your search simple and straightforward by simply asking the neighbors. Long-time neighbors often know more than basic records do.
They may remember if something tragic or unusual happened at the house, such as a resident passing away at home, a police investigation, or a fire breakout.
6. Check Social Media and Online Forums
Try posting anonymously on platforms like Reddit, local Facebook groups, or even on Instagram. People who used to live in your neighborhood might come across your post and share memories or details with you.
Be Mindful of Boundaries
While you’re busy with your detective work, keep in mind that sensitive topics like deaths need to be approached with empathy and respect. If you speak with previous owners, neighbors, or local historians, be mindful of how you ask your questions.
Use advanced tools like FreePeopleSearch to simplify the process and gather information without overstepping personal boundaries.