Why You may have to Pay Rent after Your Death

It may appear a tad unfair but you can still be charged rent on your home after you have died.

There may be a requirement for a month’s notice, for example, in the contract. Who pays that? Well, you do. Or at least it comes out of your estate.

If you are an executor or administrator legally disposing of a tenant’s estate, make a copy of the rent book and write to the landlord. It may be that rent was paid in advance and a rebate is due. If so, that figure has to be added to the probate forms as money owed to the estate. Likewise, any rent arrears should be added to the forms as debts.

If the deceased lived in a council house or flat, write to the housing office and enclose a copy of the death certficate. A spouse, partner or relative can usually take over a tenancy subject to them having lived there for at least a year. If a joint tenant dies, the other(s) takes over the tenancy – just like couples who jointly own a property.

For professional help with the probate process, contact Heritage Will Writing on 02380 879243.