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: 26 September 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]
Each UK nation handles this differently. England: the tenancy carries on until it is ended, unless a spouse or partner who lived there takes it over. Private tenancies no longer have fixed terms (since 1 May 2026), so the executor or administrator usually gives at least 2 months' notice - or asks the landlord to agree an earlier end, which is often simplest. Wales: the contract normally ends one month after the death, or sooner once the personal representative tells the landlord, unless someone living there takes it over. Scotland: a private tenancy normally ends when a sole tenant dies, unless a partner, family member or carer who lived there takes it over. Northern Ireland: the tenancy agreement usually says what happens and what notice is needed. A joint tenancy usually continues with the surviving tenant, and council or housing association tenancies can pass to a spouse, partner or family member who lived there. The estate pays any rent owed until the tenancy ends; family members are not personally liable unless they are joint tenants or guarantors.
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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