How to Notify the Mortgage Lender After a Death
The mortgage lender needs to know as soon as possible. If there is a joint mortgage, the surviving borrower usually continues as normal. This guide helps you navigate the call and ask the right questions.
Last reviewed: 4 April 2026
What to have ready
- ✓Death certificate (or reference number)
- ✓Mortgage account number (from statements or annual mortgage statement)
- ✓Deceased’s full name, date of birth, and the property address
- ✓Your own ID and proof of your role as [executor/administrator]
- ✓Details of any mortgage protection or life insurance you are aware of
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 report the death of a mortgage holder. Their name is [full name], date of birth [date of birth]. They passed away on [date of death]. The mortgage is on [property address]. I am the [executor/administrator] of the estate.
What to ask for
- –The current outstanding mortgage balance
- –What temporary arrangements (forbearance or payment holidays) may be available while the estate is being settled
- –Whether there is mortgage protection insurance or a life insurance policy attached to the mortgage
- –If joint mortgage: confirm the surviving borrower can continue the mortgage
- –What documents the lender needs (death certificate, Grant of Probate)
- –Whether there are any early repayment charges if the estate will repay the mortgage
- –A bereavement reference number
- –Written confirmation of today’s call and any payment holiday agreed
Watch out
Interest continues to accrue during any grace period - the lender is not forgiving the debt, just pausing the payments. Always ask specifically about mortgage protection insurance, as this may pay off some or all of the balance. For joint mortgages, the surviving borrower is responsible for the full mortgage from the date of death.
Email template
Subject: Notification of death - mortgage account holder [full name]
If the property is to be sold, ask about early repayment charges before listing it. Some fixed-rate mortgages carry significant exit penalties.
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 - mortgage account holder [full name]
Get personalised scripts with your details filled in
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Frequently asked questions
For more detail, see our full guide: Read guide →