Reporting the death of an L&Q resident

We’re very sorry for your loss. We understand this is a difficult time, and we want to make the process of updating us as simple as possible.

Below you’ll find guidance on what to do, who to contact, and where to find extra help.

If the person who passed away was a homeowner

To update our records, you’ll need to send us:

• a copy of the death certificate
• a certified Grant of Probate or the Will
• the full name and address of the homeowner

Get in touch by email

You'll also need to update the Land Registry so they can amend the property title.

If you plan to sell the home

Please message our Resales team. 

Get in touch by email

If you need to transfer the ownership to someone else

Please message our Transfer of Ownership team.

Get in touch by email

If the person who passed away was a tenant

There are four steps to ending the tenancy:

Step one: Let us know

Please contact our customer service centre to let u us know when the resident passed away and the date you would like the tenancy to end.

We will confirm this in writing. The notice period is usually one week, but if you need more time, please let us know.

Get in touch by email

Step two: Clear the home

Before the keys are returned, please make sure the home is fully cleared, including:

• personal items and furniture
• the loft
• the garden and any outbuildings

If this feels overwhelming, please ask us for advice – we’re here to help.

Step three: Return all keys

Please return all keys and fobs for the home, including:

• front and back door keys
• communal door or gate fobs
• window keys
• car park or storage keys

You can return the keys by:

• using the home’s keysafe (if applicable)
• posting them to our Head office
• handing them in – by appointment – at our Head office, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm

If you need help or are unsure, please call us on 0300 456 9996.

Step four: Send us the required documents

To officially end the tenancy, we’ll need:

• the completed tenancy termination form (we’ll send this to you)
• a copy of the death certificate
• a copy of your power of attorney (if relevant)
• all sets of keys

We can’t end the tenancy until we receive all items.

Rent will continue to be charged until the tenancy is formally closed.

Rent and arrears

Any outstanding rent will be claimed from the resident’s estate, not from next of kin or the person handling the process.

If the estate is going through probate or you’re waiting for legal authority, please let us know. Our Former Tenancy Arrears team will explain the next steps if money is owed.

Support with utilities and benefits

You can update government services using the the Tell Us Once service.

You can also call the DWP Bereavement Service on 0800 151 2012.

They can check if the next of kin is eligible for bereavement benefits or a funeral payment.

Bereavement support

You do not need to go through this alone.

These organisations offer free emotional support:

• Cruse Bereavement Support: 0808 808 1677
• Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7 helpline)

If you’re struggling or unsure about anything, please contact us. We’re here to help.

Changes to tenancy after a death

Depending on the tenancy type and your relationship to the person who has died, you may have rights to:

• take over the tenancy (succession)
• remain in the home as a joint tenant
• stay as an authorised occupant

We strongly recommend contacting us so we can explain your options.

Get in touch

Housing Benefit payments

If the resident received Housing Benefit, payments will continue until the Sunday following their death.

If you need to make a new claim, please contact your local council directly.