We understand that losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult time. Ending a tenancy during such a period can add to the emotional burden but we’re here to support you every step of the way.

During this time, you’ll need to settle their affairs, including the tenancy that they hold with us.

Legally a tenancy doesn’t automatically end when a tenant dies, which means we must follow the correct procedures to end the tenancy and address any succession rights. Anyone can inform us of a tenant’s passing, but for a sole tenancy we can only take notice from the personal representative or executor of the estate. The person or people who are legally entitled to deal with the estate may be asked to provide a copy of the will or a grant of representation from the Probate Registry. 

Rent will continue to be charged during the notice period until the tenancy comes to an end. Any rent owed is payable by the estate of the deceased, however, we understand that some tenants may not have a will or funds in their estates, and we’ll handle these matters with sensitivity. If the deceased was in receipt of housing benefit or housing element for all or part of the rent, it’s important that you notify the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) of their death as soon as possible to avoid a reclaim of benefit.

What happens with the home will depend on your individual situation. If the tenancy is in joint names, the remaining tenant will automatically become the sole tenant once we’ve received the death certificate. If there is a household member living in the home, they may be able to take on the tenancy, but this is dependent on the type of tenancy held by the deceased. 

If there is now nobody living in the home, we’ll be able to end the tenancy, but we’ll need a copy of the death certificate and 28 days’ notice to do this. During the notice period we’ll contact you to arrange a home visit and the home and garden will need to be cleared during this time.