What to do when a Council tenant dies - The tenant lived alone

What is the process for ending the tenancy?
You should notify us about the tenant's death as soon as possible. This needs to be done in writing, either in person at one of the District Housing Offices or by sending us a letter. You can let us know by telephone, but we will need confirmation in writing. We will need to see (and keep a photocopy of) the Death Certificate unless we have already written to you telling you that we know that someone has died as mentioned above. We will also need details of the executor, the full postal address and telephone number of the person dealing with the deceased tenant's affairs and the date the keys will be handed in.

When does the tenancy end?
We always terminate tenancies on the Monday following the date of death of the tenant. If the tenant was receiving Housing Benefit, that will also stop from the Monday following the date of death.

The person responsible for dealing with the tenant's affairs will have another 14 days (free of rent charge) to clear and clean the house and hand in the keys. If for any reason it is going to take longer than that to do everything that needs to be done, and hand in the keys, we will charge an amount equal to the weekly rent of the property for each week until the keys are handed in. If there are special circumstances an additional week may be given e.g. where keys have been held by the Police.

An Officer will contact you to arrange a visit within 5 working days of receiving the Termination of Tenancy Notice. The purpose of this visit is to advise the Relative/Executor on procedures for leaving the property in an empty condition and to identify any relet repairs that may be required.

You should return at least 2 keys for each door lock, also any controlled entry system fobs. Any other keys such as those to the close, drying area, cellar, meter cupboards and window locks should be left in the house for the next tenant.

What should I do before the tenancy ends?
We will expect you to do the following, and leave the house in good condition for the next tenant:

Clear out all of the tenant’s belongings, furniture and floor coverings. You must not leave any unwanted items or rubbish in the property. If you are unable to clear the house yourself or dispose of rubbish, the Council provides a Special Collection service. There will be a charge for this service. Please phone 432750 to arrange a price and time for uplifting the unwanted items/rubbish.
Take electricity and/or gas readings and pass them to the fuel supplier.
Turn off the water at the stopcock.
Close the windows and lock the outside doors before handing all keys into the District Housing Office.
Arrange with the Post Office to have mail redirected.

What should I do with unwanted furniture?
If there are useable household items to be disposed of, talk to staff at the District Housing Office. They may be able to tell you about furniture aid schemes that will collect items free of charge.

What about settling the rent?
Rent which is due (including arrears) will need to be paid out of any money left by the deceased tenant.

I still have more questions. What should I do?
Contact any of the numbers listed below. Staff there will be happy to give you more advice.

East District Housing Office
169 Pitkerro Road
Dundee DD4 8ES Map
Tel: 01382 307401

West District Housing Office
3 Sinclair Street, Lochee
Dundee DD2 3DA Map
Tel: 01382 307301

Lettings Centre
Tel: 0300 123 9023 or 01382 307400

Rent Recovery Centre
Tel: 01382 307300

Housing Benefits/Council Tax
Tel: 01382 431205 or 0800 250 025

« What to do when a Council tenant dies

This information is provided by the Housing Department

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