Here are some notes on what to do next...
Inform the Homeownership Team
Provide a copy of the death certificate and any supporting documentation
Seek legal advice - you may need to appoint a solicitor
Keep Midland Heart informed
Follow Midland Heart's processes if you decide to sell or transfer the property
Death certificate
If you've not already done so, please send a copy of the death certificate to our offices at Bath Row, marked for the attention of the Homeownership Team (address below). Once we've received a copy, we'll update our records.
Homeownership Team
Midland Heart
20 Bath Row
Birmingham
B15 1LZ
Executors
We can liaise with the executor(s) of the estate provided they are named in the will and we receive a copy, otherwise we will require a copy of the grant of probate, or letters of administration.
Please complete the attached form and return this to us at the earliest opportunity with the supporting documentation to the Bath Row address above or via email to Homeownership@midlandheart.org.uk.
Rent and service charge
You should be aware that rent and service charges remain applicable. The rent account is managed by the Income Team, you can contact them directly by calling our Hub on 0345 602 0540.
Home ownership queries
Should you need a copy of the title deeds, transfer or other legal documents, the solicitor acting on behalf of the estate will be able to obtain copies.
Once you feel ready and at your convenience, please do also have a look at our website as there is more information which you may find useful, including guidance on selling the property - Home ownership information.
Bereavement support
If you’d like to speak to someone, there’s support available. Cruse Bereavement Care offer practical advice or just someone to chat to about how you are feeling. You can call their helpline on 0808 808 1677 or visit their website www.cruse.org.uk.
FAQs
When the property is solely owned, it doesn’t automatically pass to anyone else. Instead, it will usually be transferred to the deceased owner’s beneficiaries, typically named in their will.
Please send us a certified copy of the death certificate, so we can update our records accordingly.
To deal with the deceased’s estate, an executor/administrator must be appointed based on whether there is a will or not. We would recommend that a solicitor be appointed who can guide you through the process and necessary documentation to transfer the property to the beneficiary’s name.
Depending on the type of joint ownership, there are two scenarios to consider.
Joint Tenants - In this case, the survivorship rule applies, meaning the property automatically passes to the surviving owner(s). Please provide us with a certified copy of the death certificate to update our records accordingly. You may also need to update the Land Registry Title.
Tenants in Common - Here, the property doesn’t automatically pass to the surviving owner(s). Instead, it will usually be transferred to the deceased owner’s beneficiaries named in their will (or according to the rules of intestacy). To proceed with the transfer, an executor or administrator should be appointed, and a solicitor can assist in completing the process and associated documentation.
In either instance, we strongly recommend seeking legal advice to effectively manage the deceased’s estate and property.
Any rent and service charge associated with the property continue to apply and accrue. If the property is transferred to a beneficiary, they become responsible for these payments.
Arrears, if any, must be settled by the beneficiary or from the estate of the deceased shared owner. If the property is to be sold, the arrears need to be cleared before the completion of the sale.
