Notify landlord or home

If your loved one lived under a lease, you need to contact the landlord and tell them what happened.

If you're not sure how to reach the landlord, here are some helpful tips:

• A copy of the lease should have the contact information listed.

• A canceled check can provide the name of the person who was being paid.

• Ask another tenant in the building for the information.

• In some buildings, the contact information may be posted over the mailbox or in a common area.

• Last resort: Find a real estate professional and ask them to check the online public record, which should list the name and person responsible for the property.

If you cannot call the landlord first, but know the mailing address, send a notice of death.

If it is a month-to-month lease, this notice should specify the end of the lease and move-out date as 30 days from the notice of death or from the last day rent was paid.

• To ensure a paper trail, send the letter by certified mail, or ask for a receipt if delivered in person.

• Keep a copy of this for yourself.

Once you get a hold of the landlord, discuss the move out date and security deposit.

• If it is a month to month lease, this notice should set the end of the lease and move out date to 30 days from the notice of death or from the last day rent was paid.

• If it is a set term lease (like a yearlong lease), usually this will not terminate upon death. You can still try to negotiate with the landlord if you would like an earlier move out.

• If you can’t find the lease / rental agreement document, request it from the landlord.

• The security deposit should be distributed back to the estate. Generally, the landlord cannot keep the security deposit unless more money is needed to cover the repairs or cleaning, as governed by the local laws. In some areas, the security deposit can be applied to the final month’s rent.