What to do when tenant dies in your unit

Question

I'm sure this is the post that everyone dreads.  I just had a tenant die in a rental unit last night.  She was an Eden tenant who recently ran out of funding, so I reached out to them.  Does anyone know the procedure for getting possession back and clearling out the unit?

Devin De Lange · Answer

Hi Andres,

First of all, I'm sorry to hear this happened to you. It's a lot to handle on all fronts.

I found a few interesting resources on this (linked below), and they all seem to summarize the same main steps:

1. Secure a notification of death from a family member or lawyer

2. Secure the property

3. Handle closing out the lease and remaining rents

4. Cleaning out the property - the designated next-of-kin and executor will be responsible for removing and dispersing the deceased tenant’s belongings before the lease period is over.

Unfortunately, it does look like this can be a long process and patience will be needed as you will be dealing with an estate.

Link 1

Link 2

I hope this helps!

Bob S. · Answer

The city will remove the remains, then re rent it, simple. How does an EDEN tenant run out of funding? Either way, do a rental turn and move forward. BTW why are you involved, let the PM CO handle it .

Jessie Dillon · Answer

connect with a RE attorney in your state!! every state his different rules/regs around this

Theresa Harris · Answer

Try to contact the next of kin.  The police should be able to help you with this if you don't have an emergency contact number.  I'd contact them have them arrange to have someone come out and move the contents into storage so you can get possession of the place.  Photograph the unit in case there are any questions about the condition.

What to do when tenant dies in your unit

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