Landlord death - what happens with the lease?

[Ryan H.]

Hi everyone,

Situation:

My aunt managed a property ( house rental) that she owned with both my parents in San Jose. My aunt recently passed away. Now since the lease was in my aunt's name, the tenants are claiming that the lease is now void with her passing. The lease agreement has incremental increases that I think the tenants would rather not pay. 

Intuitively, my aunt passing seems not to void the lease, especially because my parents are on the property deed as well as a proper will was left. 

Does anyone have any experience / thoughts on this?

Thanks