Welsh occupation contracts have specific succession and death provisions. The right answer depends on the contract, household and any earlier succession history.
Establish the household
- Check whether the deceased was a sole or joint contract-holder.
- Identify anyone living in the dwelling who may have a succession claim.
- Ask for only the information necessary to assess the position and handle bereavement sensitively.
Check the legal outcome
- Review priority or reserve succession rules and any relevant previous succession.
- Obtain advice where several people claim rights or the facts are unclear.
- Distinguish succession from estate administration and a voluntary new contract.
Update records carefully
- Confirm who is now liable and from what date before changing the rent account.
- Deal with deposit and documents under the applicable process.
- If no right continues, establish the lawful ending and belongings procedure before repossession.
Example: a family member has lived there for years
A fictional sole contract-holder dies and an adult family member remains. Investigate the applicable succession conditions rather than treating the person as a trespasser from the date of death.
What to do
- Record the death and identify remaining occupants sensitively.
- Check joint status and possible succession with appropriate advice.
- Confirm the resulting contract, rent and possession position in writing.
Evidence to keep
- Written statement and relevant household or succession information.
- Authority of representatives, advice and confirmed outcome.
Sources and guidance
- Standard occupation contracts: guidance on the termsWelsh Government · checked 20 October 2026
- If a tenant dies without an executor or a willUK Government · checked 20 October 2026
Related guides
- Check the Welsh possession route before serving notice
- Use evidence when agreeing a deposit return
- What to do when a contract-holder stops paying rent in Wales
- Respond to the first missed rent payment
- Record a part payment without losing track of the rent
- Handle arrears when one joint tenant stops contributing