How to Notify a Landlord After a Death
If the person who died was renting, the landlord or letting agent needs to be told. This guide covers what rights you have, what the landlord can expect, and how to handle the tenancy.
Last reviewed: 4 April 2026
What to have ready
- ✓Tenancy agreement (for the landlord/agent’s contact details and notice terms)
- ✓Deceased’s full name
- ✓Property address
- ✓Whether the tenancy was sole or joint
- ✓Death certificate reference
Phone script
You can read this aloud when you call. Placeholders like [full name] are filled in automatically when you use AfterLoss.
I’m calling to let you know that [full name], the tenant at [property address], passed away on [date of death]. I am the [executor/administrator] of the estate and will be handling the tenancy. I’ll be sending you formal written notice, but wanted to let you know in advance.
What to ask for
- –The required notice period for ending the tenancy (and whether they will accept an early surrender due to bereavement)
- –How to arrange return of the security deposit (including which deposit scheme it is protected with)
- –What condition the property needs to be left in
- –Whether there are any outstanding rent payments or charges
- –When a property inspection can be arranged
- –Written confirmation of the notice once they receive the formal letter
Email template
Subject: Notification of death of tenant - [full name], [property address]
A tenancy usually does not end automatically on death. For a sole tenancy, the estate remains responsible for rent until the tenancy is formally ended (by notice or early surrender). For periodic tenancies the notice period is usually one month; for tenancies still within a fixed term, the estate may be liable for the remaining term unless the landlord agrees to an early surrender. Negotiating early surrender is often the simplest approach. For a joint tenancy, the tenancy usually continues with the surviving tenant automatically. The estate is responsible for any rent owed, but family members are not personally liable unless they are joint tenants or guarantors on the tenancy agreement. For council or housing association tenancies, succession rights may allow a spouse, civil partner, or family member who was living with the deceased to take over the tenancy. Contact the council or housing association to ask about succession.
Template letter
You can copy this letter and print it, or use the email version above.
[your name]
[your address]
[your phone number]
[your email]
[Organisation name]
[Organisation address]
[today's date]
Re: Notification of death of tenant - [full name], [property address]
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