What happens to my tenancy if my landlord dies?

The death of a landlord does not bring a tenancy to an end. The tenancy forms part of the deceased landlord's estate and continues to bind both the estate and the tenant on the same terms. Initially, responsibility for the property passes to the personal representative of the estate — this is the executor named in the will or, if there is no will, the administrator appointed under the intestacy rules. The personal representative has a duty to manage the estate, which includes collecting rent and ensuring the property is maintained. You should continue to pay rent (keeping records of all payments), as rent arrears do not disappear because the landlord has died. It is advisable to write to the personal representative of the estate formally to introduce yourself as a tenant and clarify arrangements. If the estate is inherited by a beneficiary who then becomes the new landlord, they step into the same legal position as the deceased landlord — your tenancy continues on the same terms and they must follow the normal legal process if they wish to seek possession. If the property is to be sold, the new owner also takes on the tenancy and must honour its terms. In complex situations — for example, if there is no will or the estate is disputed — you should seek advice from a housing solicitor or Shelter.