What Happens to the Lease Agreement If Your Tenant Dies?

Death does not terminate the lease obligations automatically. The property, debts, and contracts of deceased tenants will be transferred to the estate or next of kin. In most states, landlords are liable for any unpaid rent for the remainder of the lease term. When this happens, be sure to consult an attorney, as you are still obligated as a landlord to find a tenant to fill the vacancy.

Before the expiry of the tenancy period, a resident's property will remain liable unless the resident's estate relinquishes possession of the premises to the landlord, who in turn can sublet the property to a new tenant.