Dead for a while

From BBC News:

A man lay dead in his flat for 15 months before his body was found.

Recording an open verdict into the death of Derek Perkins, 63, coroner Dr Nigel Chapman said he had never known a body to be undiscovered for so long.

The exact date of Mr Perkins’ death is unknown, but a newspaper found near his body was dated 31 December, 2002. …

In a written statement, Nottingham City Council said they had tried to make contact during the past six months by letter, phone and visits.

It said faster rent arrears procedures should help the council investigate problems sooner.