Registering the death
We understand that it can be extremely upsetting dealing with the practicalities following the death of a person, especially a loved one. So we want to make the process of reporting a death and knowing what the next steps are as easy for you as possible.
The first thing that you should do is ensure that the death is registered.
By law you must register a death within five days of the paperwork being issued by the Medical Examiner’s office (including weekends) in the registration district unless the coroner is investigating.
The death cannot be registered until the Medical Examiner issues the completed Medical Certificate of Cause of Death or, if the coroner is involved, the relevant paperwork has been provided.
You can do this by booking an appointment with West Northamptonshire Council Registration Services. This can be done by phoning 0300 126 7000 or online at WNC’s website here.
The Council has a service called Tell Us Once which saves the person registering the death from informing the government departments individually.
The tenancy
If the person that died was a joint tenant, then the remaining tenant may be allowed to retain the tenancy in their sole name, and this is called succession.
If the person that died was a sole tenant but lived at the property with someone else, they might have a right of succession to the tenancy.
If the person that died lived on their own, there is no right of succession to anyone else.
The rules of succession are covered by housing law, and it is advisable to request an appointment with a Housing Officer to discuss this further.
Visit our Contact Us page or phone 0300 330 7003 to contact a Housing Officer.
The following parties can terminate the tenancy:
- The remaining joint tenant.
- An executor – this is the person, named in the will, who will deal with the possessions of the person who has died.
- An administrator – this person has applied for the legal right to deal with someone’s property, money and possessions (their ‘estate’) after a person’s death. This is known as grant of probate.
- West Northamptonshire Council.
It should be noted that a next of kin, who is not the executor or administrator, cannot end the tenancy.
Rent
If the deceased person was a sole tenant, then we can allow up to 2 weeks’ rent free to enable you to clear the property. If you wish to request this, we will need to receive a copy of the death certificate.
If the tenant was in receipt of Housing Benefit, this will stop on the Sunday following the tenant’s death.
When the tenancy ends the deceased persons, estate will be liable for any outstanding rent arrears.
The property
When a tenant dies, and the tenancy is to be terminated this usually means that arrangements must be made for personal items, possessions and items of furniture to be collected.
We do not provide a removal service.
The property must be left clean, clear and in good condition. If damage has been caused to the property, or clearance is required then the estate may be recharged for any costs that we incur.
Being a tenant
