Ending a tenancy due to bereavement

Coping with the death of a friend or relative is never easy and trying to deal with their affairs can be complicated and upsetting.

In order to legally bring the tenancy to an end following a bereavement, please complete and return the Termination Notice below. We will apply a minimum 2 weeks notice period:

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We have also enclosed important information to try and help you through this difficult time by explaining what you need to do when a Bolton at Home tenant dies. Please read this carefully to avoid additional charges:

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What you need to do

You need to return the Termination Notice along with:

  • A copy of the Death Certificate
  • Details of the tenant’s next of kin (closest relative).
  • The address and contact details of the person dealing with the tenants affairs.

We require a minimum of 2 weeks notice following a bereavement.  This should allow you enough time to clear the property, however, if you need more time, please ask us and we can extend this.

Do you have any unwanted goods or items?

Emmaus is a registered charity who sell and receive quality used goods.

If you have any unwanted goods, simply ring Emmaus on 01204 398056 prior to leaving the property who will arrange for free collection.

Click here for more information about Emmaus and how to donate or recycle goods.

The items they will collect are:

  • Tables and chairs
  • Beds and bedroom furniture
  • Sofas and suites
  • Bric-a-brac
  • Electrical goods - fridges, washing machines
  • Children’s clothes, toys and furniture
  • Adult clothes
  • Cycles and children’s bikes

Please note: Upholstered goods need a current BS fire label. Unfortunately gas cookers cannot be collected by Emmaus.

Repairs we charge for

A repair is chargeable to you when we’ve been called out to a repair that’s your responsibility to fix or arrange for someone else to do it. In these cases, we’ll charge you the appropriate amount of money to cover our costs.

We also charge for repairs if we have to fix property damage caused by a member of your household or a visitor, when we’re given false information to attend to a repair or when a property is left in a different state as to when you moved in.

These are some examples of when you may be charged for a repair:

  1. When the damage is caused by unauthorised alterations to your home.
  2. Replacing glass broken by accident or neglect.
  3. Dealing with an infestation.
  4. Clearing rubbish from your home or garden.
  5. Reinstating any fireplaces or heating appliances you have removed
  6. Replacing lost keys.
  7. Repairing damage caused by forced entry when keys have been lost or access for gas servicing has been denied.
  8. If you've reported a repair which is false or exaggerated. For example claiming there is an emergency if there's not.
  9. If access to your home is not granted at the appointment time and we have to reschedule the visit.
  10. If there's an electrical fault caused by a fuse blowing or a problem with one of the appliances you own.

Check list for ending a tenancy following a bereavement

Dealing with the property can be upsetting and complicated.  We have put together a quick check list which we hope will be helpful.

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Handing in the keys

All keys / fobs for the property must be handed in by 10am on the Monday after the tenancy has terminated. When you have completed your move please telephone us 01204 329682 or 01204 329902 in order to make an appointment to hand in your keys at Valley House, 98 Waters Meeting Rd, Bolton, BL1 8SW.

If you don’t hand them in in time we will apply a Late Key Charge.

Please return all the keys / fobs or we will have to change the locks and the cost will be charged to you.

You will remain responsible for paying the full rent until the notice period has expired and the tenancy has ended.

Do not post your keys through the letterbox.

We will provide you with a receipt for the keys.

Tell Us Once Service

PLEASE NOTE:  Unfortunately we are not part of the Tell Us Once Service.

Tell Us Once is a service offered by most local authorities on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The service allows the bereaved person to inform central and local government services of the death at one time rather than having to notify each service individualy.

The DWP and Bolton Registrars will NOT notify Bolton at Home when a tenant has died.  You do need to notify us directly.  

Final Inspection

Once you have left the property, we will conduct a full inspection and assess for repairs or damage.

If any repairs are needed as a result of wilful or accidental damage or alterations for which you did not have permission, there will be charges for the cost of repairs.

We will also charge to remove any rubbish or unwanted belongings left behind.