Ending the tenancy when a council tenant living alone dies

We understand that dealing with the death of a loved one can be difficult. We are here to help and can give you advice about what happens next.

Depending on the circumstances, you may want to:

Contact us if you think you may have succession rights after a council tenant dies.

Telephone: 0300 373 0373
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except public holidays)

Tell us about the death

If you are the next of kin or executor, contact us as soon as possible. If you are not the next of kin or executor, you can still tell us about the death.

Use this form to tell us about the death.

Start now

You can also call us if you need help.

Telephone: 0300 373 0373
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (except public holidays)

Ending the tenancy

A tenancy does not end automatically when a tenant dies.

If you are the next of kin or executor, you will usually need to:

  • tell us about the death
  • complete the required tenancy ending paperwork
  • give 4 weeks' notice
  • provide a copy of the death certificate
  • allow a Housing Officer to inspect the home, this is known as an end of tenancy inspection
  • make sure no one remains in the property
  • make sure the property, including any gardens, sheds and outbuildings, is empty, including removing any rubbish, furniture, belongings and carpets
  • make sure all windows are closed and all doors are locked before returning the keys

Before returning the keys, you should also:

  • take final gas and electricity meter readings and give them to the utility providers
  • redirect the tenant's post

If there is no next of kin or executor

If there is no next of kin or executor, we will serve a Notice to Quit to formally end the tenancy.

Rent and charges

Rent will continue to be charged until the tenancy ends and the keys have been returned.

We may charge the late tenant's estate for:

  • unpaid rent
  • clearing the property
  • other costs that are the tenant's responsibility

Get support with bereavement

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Marie Curie

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Email: support@mariecurie.org.uk

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