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Tenant has died

8 replies

notmynameanyway · 26/07/2019 21:10

I have named changed and altered a few details.
My tenant who had sole occupancy has died. Their bank account is frozen so obviously next month's rent won't be paid. Their family have notified the letting agency and are awaiting a death certificate.
My worry is something my husband has just said. The family of the tenant have fallen out and some family members are trying to get into the house to take things. The executor has asked to change the locks at their expense. My husband's comment is this is a ruse used by squatters as an open gambit to gain entry without forcing it,
As a background relationships with the tenant were difficult at times but they paid their rent on time.
I am worried as no-one else should have been in the house as the tenant was the only person on the lease and they have no offspring under 18.
Has anyone had experience or can offer advice?

OP posts:
cdtaylornats · 26/07/2019 22:08

Change the lock yourself. Remove the tenants belongings to a storage unit at the estates expense.

CoastalWave · 26/07/2019 22:10

Ditto above answer. Change the locks, remove the belongings. Job done.

notmynameanyway · 26/07/2019 22:14

Thank you. Do the relatives have right of access as currently it's still in notice?

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ChicCroissant · 26/07/2019 22:17

No experience but had a look on Landlord Zone and found a link to this page which is a few years old. I do think it would be worth getting legal advice - have the agency made any suggestions?

www.landlordlawblog.co.uk/2014/05/21/what-happens-to-a-tenancy-when-the-tenant-dies/

What kind of tenancy was it, periodic or is it AST?

notmynameanyway · 26/07/2019 22:26

It was a rolling contract. I think I need to speak to my insurers. The family feud is not good news but I'm not sure I can just change the locks myself as it looks like the executor has right to access the property.

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Lonecatwithkitten · 26/07/2019 22:53

We had an issue in our family with individuals entering the deceased home and 'helping themselves'. Legal advice was that only the executors could access the property to catalogue and distribute the estate.

Joh66 · 26/07/2019 23:01

The executor or personal representative is under a duty to secure the property and give the appropriate notice and clear the rent accordingly. If you are concerned seek the assurances from the executor.

notmynameanyway · 26/07/2019 23:37

Thank you all. Will speak to the agents tomorrow and I think if the locks are to be changed to secure the premise get the agency to do it.
I'll speak to my insurers to check everything being done correctly.

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