Advice on what to do upon the death of a tenant

Following their death you will want to settle their affairs, and this information outlines what you have to do in regards to their tenancy with Perth & Kinross Council.

How do I end the tenancy?

Please notify the Council as soon as possible after the tenant has passed away by contacting the Tell Us Once service (details are below) . Note that their tenancy will legally come to an end on the date of death.

We do ask that rent is paid right up to when the tenancy ends. Funds left in the tenant's person's estate should be used for this purpose. If Housing Benefit or Universal Credit Housing Cost had been in payment note that this will stop from the date the person passed away.

The Housing Assistant responsible for the management of the tenancy will confirm any steps required. Do not hesitate to get in touch with the Locality Housing Office for advice.

Tell Us Once service

When someone has died their death needs to be registered with the Registrar within eight days. Telephone 01738 475121 or look at our webpage.. The Registrar can help give this information to government departments and local council services using the "Tell Us Once Service". To use this service you will need the following information:

• National Insurance Number
• Details of any benefits or services
• Driving licence number
• Passport Number
• Blue Badge

Who else do I need to inform?

You will need to inform companies such as utility providers that the person has passed away. For example gas, electricity (they will need meter readings) telephone, broadband, TV Licensing.

Please also inform other relevant agencies such as care and support providers or cleaners.

What will happen with their mail?

We recommend using the Post Office's redirection service to ensure that you receive any mail.

Will I have to remove all belongings?

You will need to remove all of the tenant's belongings and furniture before returning the keys on the agreed date. There are no charges made for the property during this time.

You may wish to donate any unwanted furniture to local charities. Furniture in good condition may be collected free of charge and be used to help others.

The Housing Assistant may be able to provide contact numbers for furniture recycling facilities in the local area.

Any furniture or other items left in the vacated property will be removed by us and the relevant cost will be passed to the tenant's estate for payment.

Any gas cooker needing to be removed must be disconnected by a registered engineer.

Please ensure that any mobility aids such as walkers, commodes, bath seats or other aids are returned to the correct agency.

The property will also need to be cleaned so that it is in an acceptable condition for the incoming tenant.

To whom do I return the keys?

Keys to the property should be returned before 12 noon on the agreed date.

They must be returned to the Locality Housing Office, or if the property is in a sheltered housing development you can return the keys to a Sheltered Housing Officer. If you find you are able to return the keys earlier than planned, please do so.