Tenant died, what I need to do with his deposit?

[Hanna Minkin]

Hi, tenant is the only one on the lease. I am not sure what I need to do with his deposit. His sister called and asked for deposit. Any help please.

[Richard F.]

Aloha,

If you do not already have the former tenant's emergency contacts or other family members information, you should contact the Medical Examiner. They can often put you in contact with the proper person. However, be sure you do not just let someone "clean out" their belongings and deposit without proof of their authority to do so, from a court or Attorney. Failure to do so can put you in a bad situation if you just turn over keys to his "sister", especially if he has more than one sister, or perhaps adult children, and they are not all on good terms.