Death of a tenant
Here’s some useful information about what we need to know.
FAQs on ending a tenancy
We know that losing a loved one is a devastating thing to have to deal with, so we are here to help you as much as we can. Here’s some useful information about what we need to know:
The executor or next of kin (NOK) for the tenant can end the tenancy; a notification of death form is to be completed by executor/NOK. A death certificate is also required for us to be able to end the tenancy or process a succession request.
We can copy the death certificate on your behalf.
In the event of the death of a tenant, an occupant residing in the same property may have a legal right to succeed (take over) the tenancy.
This could be a spouse, civil partner, cohabiting partner or a member of the tenant’s family or person living with them who was caring for them and whom has lived at the property for at least 12 months before the tenant passed away.
Where successions will result in under-occupation or where a specially adapted property is no longer needed, we will seek to offer suitable alternative housing provision between six and 12 months after the death of the tenant.
We will respond to applications to take over tenancies within 20 working days.
Rent will accrue on the rent account up to the point the tenancy is ended and keys are returned.
Any housing benefit will stop the day after the tenant passes away. Rent is then due from the estate of the deceased tenant and not the executor/next of kin up to the point keys are returned.
The 28 day notice period will not be enforced and how long you may need to clear the property can be discussed, but rent will still accrue.
If agreed with the executor/next of kin, a pre-termination visit will be arranged by the Empty Homes Co-ordinator.
The property, garden and any outbuildings should be cleared and emptied of all belongings.
Local authorities may offer bulky waste collections, please take a look at their website for more information.
Utility companies will need to be informed (gas, electric, water and sewerage) who will need details of the tenant, details of executor/NOK and meter readings.
They will require the date that keys are to be returned to us.
Upon receiving notification of the death of a tenant, we will apply to have the gas and electric supplier transferred to our preferred supplier.
Any gas cookers must be disconnected by a gas safe engineer.
Any specialised equipment such as walking aids, bath seats or stair lifts may need to be returned to the relevant authority.
All keys, fobs and parking permits for the property should be returned by the agreed date, usually not more than 28 days. Keys should be handed in to the address below, where an advisor will provide you a receipt for them.
Ongo House
26-30 High Street
Church Square
Scunthorpe
DN15 6AT
We don’t recommend that you send these in the post, but if you have no alternative, then recorded delivery is recommended.
Providing that a Notification of Death form has been completed by the executor/NOK and a death certificate has been received, someone may return the keys to us on your behalf at either office.
Who to contact:
- Bank/building society
- Doctors, dentists, opticians or any other agency providing medical care
- Pension scheme providers
- Insurance companies
Utility companies:
- Severn Trent-03457 500 500
- Anglian Water- 03457 145 145
- Yorkshire water- 03451 24 24 24
Tell Us Once service:
Once the death has been registered, a Registrar will explain more about the government Tell Us Once service, which allows you to report a death to government organisations at the same time.
