What can I do if my tenant is in hospital and not paying rent?
9 months ago | 11 comments
My long-term tenant’s health seems to be failing – what should a landlord do?
9:30 AM, 13th February 2026, 2 months ago
4
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Hello, I own a number of properties with long-term, hassle-free tenants. One of them has been rented to a retired chap for 15 years with absolutely no problems.
The rent has kept pace with the market. He keeps the house in excellent condition, and I have responded immediately to any issues. We consequently have had a good relationship, though increasingly I have been hands-off as things are so stable.
I sense he is becoming ill, I know he has had some spells in hospital in the past year.
Do any landlords out there have any tips on how or what I should do to pre-empt the situation when he suddenly becomes ill or, unfortunately, dies?
What will happen if he dies and the rent stops being paid?
Any lessons from lived experience of this kind of situation would be very well received.
Thanks,
Marcus
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Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2203 - Articles: 2
10:37 AM, 13th February 2026, About 2 months ago
Do nothing beyond normal compassionate considerations, you are a landlord not a care worker.
Member Since August 2014 - Comments: 12 - Articles: 1
1:07 PM, 13th February 2026, About 2 months ago
Yes, sorry I should have worded my question better, I was meaning is there anything I should be doing to protect my interests (investment and income), I am not wanting to get involved in the tenants personal situation.
I have no idea what happens when a tenant dies, does the contract die with them? what should I do if the rent suddenly stops being paid?
Member Since February 2024 - Comments: 71
1:27 PM, 13th February 2026, About 2 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Jose at 13:07
The tenancy does not die when the tenant dies. It forms part of the deceased estate. Usually the next of kin gives landlord notice to end tenancy. Rent is payable until landlord has possession, so next of kin are usually keen to clear tenants belongings, unless of course one of them wishes to Succeed to the Tenancy.
Would suggest you obtain (if you haven’t already got) next of kin details. Even if you have, ensure they are up to date. Awkward to ask I know, but maybe you could say you are reviewing all tenancies prior to the new RRA and realise you haven’t got details/ up to date details.
If anything happens to him it’s a lot easier to be able to contact family to deal with things.
I had a tenant that sadly passed away in hospital, he’d given his estranged brothers details as next of kin, which were out of date. Local council were left to see to everything, organise funeral etc. His family were traced eventually, but took a long time. They gave permission to end the tenancy, otherwise you have to go through the Public Trustee.
Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1173
6:15 AM, 14th February 2026, About 2 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Jose at 13/02/2026 – 13:07
The Renters Rights Act makes some notable changes to the process if a tenant dies. Firstly, guarantors are no longer on the hook as their liability ends the day the tenant dies.
The rights to succession and inheritance of a tenancy are also different as they were restricted under shorthold tenancies. Although it may rarely occur, in the case of a sole tenant, landlords would nevertheless be advised to keep evidence that there is no-one else living at the property. It may be possible for a relative or person purporting to be the tenants partner to claim the right to continue the tenancy in their name if you cant refute that they were not living there immediately prior to the death.