What happens when one tenant dies?

The deceased tenant’s property, debt, and contracts will transfer to the estate or next of kin. This means, that the lease agreement does not automatically end when a tenant dies. In most states a landlord can hold an estate accountable for any unpaid rent for the remainder of the lease terms.

What happens when a tenant dies at a rental property?

Make sure to follow your state and local laws for how to appropriately handle a tenant death at your rental property. When a tenant dies while under an active lease and leaves no surviving adult tenants, landlords will likely incur serious expenses; and if not done correctly, those expenses can add up quickly.

Can a landlord remove the belongings of a deceased tenant?

A landlord cannot remove the belongings of the deceased tenant, they will need to work with the family or executor to coordinate getting them removed. Work with them and set timelines and deadlines to help move the process along.

How do you find out about a tenant’s death?

You will typically find out about a tenant’s death one of two ways. Either the family or deceased executor will contact you or the deceased will be discovered at your property. Make sure to get a written notice about a tenant’s death from next of kin or the executor, so you can start the transition to re-renting and recoup any financial loss.

What happens when a tenant dies and possession order is in force?

However, if there is a possession order in force at the time of the death of the original tenant, the successor will be at risk of eviction unless they comply with the possession order or successfully set the order aside.

What happens when a tenant dies in a rental property?

The lease type will determine the end date. If it was a month-to-month lease, the death will serve as a 30-day notice. If it was a long-term lease, it will transfer to the next of kin/estate executor. What should you do with a tenant’s belongings if they pass away in your rental?

What should I do if my tenant dies and there is no next of kin?

If there is no next of kin, follow your state’s laws for how to deal withabandoned tenant property, especially regarding a tenant’s death. You may be required to store the property for a specific number of days and then sell the property at auction and return the funds to the state if no next of kin can be found.

What to do in the event of a landlord’s death?

While you may be eager to get the property back on the market as soon as possible, state law requires landlords to follow certain steps. Once the next of kin or the deceased tenant’s executor notifies you of the death in writing, you can assist the family members, start the transition to re-renting and recoup any financial loss.