When a person dies it is an extremely distressing time for the surviving spouse/partner and members of the family. Charnwood Neighbourhood Housing is committed to ensuring that officers deal with people in a compassionate and sensitive manner at this sad time.

Succession is when a tenancy is transferred to another person following the death of a tenant. The law states who is eligible to succeed and the process to follow if someone other than a husband or wife requests to succeed to the tenancy.

When the tenancy is transferred to someone other than the deceased tenant’s husband, wife or civil partner CNH will consider if the property is larger than required. This allows CNH to ensure that properties are not under-occupied and that they are making the best use of the stock available.

In cases where a partner or other family member asks for the tenancy to be vested in their name they must have been resident at the property with the tenant for the 12 months prior to the tenant’s death.

In the case of a husband, wife or civil partner the person asking for the tenancy to be vested in their name must be resident at the address as their principal home at the time of the tenant’s death.

Below is a table showing the persons who are eligible to succeed to a tenancy

Unfortunately if a succession has already taken place legally we can not allow a further succession.

Housing Officers will carry out home visits in cases where we are unable to allow a succession to take place or where the property will be too large for a family member who has requested a succession. The Housing Officer will explain the situation in person and arrange for any necessary paperwork to be completed.

If you wish to discuss this issue further please contact 01509 634666.