Ending a tenancy - when a tenant has died

Formally ending the tenancy

Here are the steps you will need to make:

• give the council notice by printing and completing the form included in the  Ending a tenancy when a tenant has died (PDF, 244 KB) (opens new window) booklet or notifying us online
• if you prefer you can also write to us giving the name and address of the tenant who has died, your own name and address and the date when you want the tenancy to end
• if the tenant was in receipt of housing benefit, this entitlement will cease from the date of death and full rent will be due until the tenancy ends
• it's important to inform  and benefits

When we receive your letter or form we will contact you to confirm receipt and let you know if any rent is due. Tenancies must end on a Monday, and rent will be charged on the property up to that day.

Property details

You must make sure that:

• the property has been left clean and tidy
• all furniture, carpets and your belongings have been removed
• rubbish and unwanted items have been cleared from the house and garden
• large items are removed - collection of bulky items and furniture
• any necessary repairs (that were the tenants responsibility) have been carried out

The tenant's estate may be charged for the cost of putting right any repair which was the responsibility of the tenant, and the removal of any rubbish or unwanted items left at the property.

Remember: You will also need to turn the water off at the stop tap and the gas and electricity off at the meter before you leave.

Handing in keys

You must hand in all keys to the property by 12 noon on the Monday when your tenancy ends. If you fail to do this, you will be charged an additional week's rent for each extra week (or part week) that you have the keys for.

Our reception opening times can be found Contact Us.

Other things to remember

For a detailed checklist informing you how to re-direct mail, cancel gas and electric suppliers, cancel a housing benefit claim, disconnect telephones and much more, read through Ending a tenancy when a tenant has died (PDF, 244 KB) (opens new window).

Taking over the tenancy

If you are a joint tenant with the person that has died, you may be able to take over the tenancy on your own.  You will need to speak to your Neighbourhood Co-ordinator to discuss this further.

If you don't have a joint tenancy with the person that has died,  but lived with them and wish to remain in the property, you may be able to take on the tenancy. Again this will need to be discussed, please contact your Neighbourhood Co-ordinator for any further help or advice that you may need.