When a tenant dies

When a tenant dies

1. 1

   Is a partner living there who could take over the tenancy?

   YesA spouse, civil partner or partner living there may have the right to succeed to the tenancy — check before doing anything else.

   NoCarry on.
2. 2

   Contact the executors or next of kin

   Agree how belongings will be collected and how any rent owed is handled. Don't dispose of belongings without a proper process.

3. 3

   Serve notice on Ground 7 if needed

   Mandatory ground.

   ⏱ 2 months' notice

4. !

   Don't leave it too long

   Court proceedings must normally start within 12 months of the death (or of you finding out).

5. ✓

   Property back

   Check out against the inventory and deal with the deposit through the scheme.

Checked against official sources on 2 November 2026 · General information, not legal advice · landlordwala.com/diagrams/tenant-dies