Report the Death of a Resident

We're here to support you during this difficult time

Our Condolences

We understand that this is a very difficult time for you and your family. We're here to help and support you through the practical matters relating to the tenancy.

Please contact us as soon as possible to let us know about the death of a tenant or household member.

How to Report a Death

You can contact us in the following ways:

Phone: 07907 631333 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm)

Email: admin@southwardhousing.co.uk

In writing:
Southward Housing
3 Lydden Grove
Wandsworth
SW18 4LJ

What Happens Next?

What happens to the tenancy depends on the circumstances:

If the Deceased Was a Sole Tenant

The tenancy will usually end four weeks after the date of death, or on the date the keys are returned, whichever is later.

Rent will continue to be charged until the tenancy ends.

The estate of the deceased will be responsible for any rent arrears or other charges.

If the Deceased Was a Joint Tenant

The tenancy will automatically pass to the surviving joint tenant(s).

The surviving tenant will become solely responsible for the rent and the tenancy agreement.

Succession Rights

In some cases, a family member may have the right to take over (succeed to) the tenancy. This is called succession.

You may be able to succeed to the tenancy if you:

  • Are the spouse or civil partner of the deceased tenant
  • Are a family member who has lived in the property as their main home for at least 12 months before the death

Please contact us to discuss succession rights.

Ending the Tenancy

If no one has the right to succeed to the tenancy, or if the remaining household members don't wish to stay, the tenancy will need to be ended.

What You Need to Do:

  1. Give us at least four weeks' notice in writing
  2. Clear the property of all belongings
  3. Return all keys to us
  4. Leave the property clean and in good condition

Rent Charges

Rent will continue to be charged until:

  • Four weeks after the date of death, or
  • The date the keys are returned, or
  • The end of the notice period

Whichever is the latest.

Housing Benefit and Universal Credit

If the deceased was receiving Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, you should inform the relevant office immediately.

Housing Benefit may continue to be paid for up to four weeks after the death.

Contact your local council's Housing Benefit team or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for Universal Credit.

Clearing the Property

The property must be cleared of all belongings before the keys are returned.

If you need help with clearing the property, you may wish to contact:

  • A house clearance company
  • Local charity shops (for donations)
  • Your local council for bulky waste collection

Support and Advice

Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy. There are organizations that can provide support and advice:

Bereavement Support

  • Cruse Bereavement Care: 0808 808 1677 | www.cruse.org.uk
  • Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7) | www.samaritans.org

Practical Advice

  • Citizens Advice: 0800 144 8848 | www.citizensadvice.org.uk
  • Gov.uk - What to do after someone dies: www.gov.uk/when-someone-dies

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to provide a death certificate?

We may ask for a copy of the death certificate to update our records. We understand it may take time to obtain this.

What if there are rent arrears?

Any rent arrears will become a debt of the deceased's estate. We will work sensitively with the executor or administrator of the estate.

Can I stay in the property temporarily while sorting things out?

Please contact us to discuss your situation. We will try to be as flexible as possible during this difficult time.

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