Do I need to convince PIL they need to have a will?

[MrsGJones]

Just been chatting to MIL and she said neither her or my FIL have a will. I was shocked as I've always thought everyone should have one but she said there's no need, as they rent, and my DH is their only child. Is she right or do I need to convince them to get it sorted?

[DeepRedBetty]

The survivor of the two (as it is very unlikely they will both pass away simultaneously) will have a much easier time if there are clear instructions written out to be followed, as will your DH when the second passes away.

[SwedishEdith]

I'm not sure it's any of your business, tbh. Ideally, yes, it's a good idea. But coming from the DIlL might look grasping? In reality, if there are no other children and estate below the IHT threshold then it probably will be a simple estate. But I'd leave it to you husband to peruade them.

[exexpat]

If they don't have a house or much in the way of assets, and the family is not complicated (step-children etc) so that they'd be happy to have things allocated according to the intestacy rules (assuming you're in England - Scotland is different) then they don't need a will - but it does make things much more straightforward if they have specified an executor to handle things, said what they want in the way of a funeral (eg burial v cremation) and that sort of thing. If their affairs are very simple, they might be OK with a DIY will, or they could wait for will writing week and get one done for a £100 or so donation to charity:
www.willaid.org.uk/

[MrsGJones]

Thank you for the helpful replies.
Swedish, my DH asked me to ask the wisdom of Mumsnet, I'm in no way "grasping" as you so put it, and it is my business if when they die there are complications as I just would like everything to be easy for my DH when the time comes.
I'll suggest the DIY will, or will aid, as my DH and I used that for ours a few years ago. Thanks again.