Informed of deceased tenant by council
Dear All,
Sadly I have just found out via the local authority that my tenant has passed away.
I recently received a notice informing me that the housing benefit has been stopped and I left messages , called and emailed the tenant.
As I am in London and the property is in Wales I am unable to check what is what , however I hall be looking into this asap and replacing the locks etc.
Not sure if I am liable for utilities although the local authority would like to know when the
tenancy ended for council tax.
I recall the tenant had a son however where he is I am unsure.
Any suggestions ?
Thanks
Charlie
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Annoyed Readers Question
Member Since February 2011 - Comments: 3453 - Articles: 286
7:06 PM, 13th March 2017, About 9 years ago
Hi Charlie,
Sadly I have lots of reference articles on this subject:
https://www.property118.com/?s=died&submit=
https://www.property118.com/?s=deceased&submit=
Member Since March 2014 - Comments: 195 - Articles: 1
10:13 PM, 13th March 2017, About 9 years ago
Council tax and utilities are a liability of the estate until the tenancy is surrendered by the executor. Is there any chance the son is living there and it is a secure tenancy?
You really need to get someone to check the property ASAP but its worth asking the council how they knew he had died and the date of death as that is when they will stop paying any housing benefit, the deceased’s estate is still liable for the rent until the tenancy is surrendered but if they didnt have anything to leave then just write it off. Also get an executor to give you a death certifiucate and sign something allowing you to dispose of anything left in the property (after they have had chance to remove things). You will probably be liable for the council tax from the date of death too.