Report a death

Ending a Tenancy after someone dies

During the difficult time after someone dies there can be many things to sort out.

We can help you with the steps to take to end a tenancy after someone has died.

Tell us about a tenant who has died

If you are next of kin or acting on behalf of one of our tenants who has died, please contact our Neighbourhoods Team as soon as you can:

If you use the Tell Us Once service to report a death they will let us and other government organisations know.

If you do not wish to use the Tell Us Once service you may also want to contact our Council Tax and Benefits Services. You can find their contact details on our contact us pages.

If you are an Executor of their Estate please provide us with proof of this and a copy of the death certificate, when you have it.

Ending the tenancy

Family members living with the tenant when they died may be entitled to succeed the tenancy, subject to certain conditions. If you think you may be eligible to succeed let our Neighbourhoods Team know.

If no one is eligible to succeed, we will take steps to end the tenancy:

  • the tenancy will end 28 days after we have been informed of a death, the date must fall on a Sunday
  • we will send you written notice of the date the tenancy will formally end
  • rent will continue to be charged during this period.

Clearing the property

The property should be cleared and handed back empty.

This includes the removal of all:

  • furniture
  • carpets
  • and rubbish

If there are any items left in the property, we will charge for their disposal. You can find more help with how to clear the property at the bottom of this page.

Handing back the keys

The keys should be returned by 12 noon on the Monday after the tenancy ends.

This includes window keys plus any for sheds, bin stores or communal doors.

If the weather is cold and you will not be returning the keys to us for a few weeks, we can arrange for the water system to be drained down.

Contact us at housingmaintenance@welhat.gov.uk or call 0800 111 4484 if you would like us to arrange this.

Rent arrears and charges

If there are outstanding charges after the keys have been handed back, we will look to recover these from the estate.

It would be helpful if you could let us know who is dealing with their affairs:

Useful information for clearing the property

Medical Equipment and alarms

Any medical equipment or alarms left at the property should be returned before handing back the keys:

  • email hertsdirect@hertscc.gov.uk or call 0300 123 4042 to arrange the collection of equipment supplied by Health and Community Services at Hertfordshire County Council
  • call 01707 357000 to arrange the collection of Lifeline community alarm equipment, or deliver it to our offices at The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6AE

Bulky waste collection

We offer a bulky waste collection service for large items or excess rubbish.

Check bulky waste collection prices

Local recycling centres

You can dispose of many household and garden rubbish items free of charge at these sites. 

Find a local recycling centre

Garden waste

We offer a garden waste collection service which residents can subscribe to.

Private waste contractors

If you use a private contractor to remove waste you must check they are licensed to carry waste or that they use a licensed waste carrier to remove the waste.

Skip hire

Details of skip hire companies are available online and in the Yellow Pages. They can be an expensive way of disposing of waste and may not be best for smaller quantities.

Skip Bags

These can be bought from DIY shops at a small cost. They come in various sizes, and when full will be collected by the relevant supplier.

 

Bereavement support services