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This document defines Homes North’s approach to managing the tenancy of a property where the tenant is deceased. Homes North will deal with this regrettable matter in a compassionate and discreet manner.
This policy applies to Homes North tenants.
Homes North is committed to providing fair and effective management of tenancies in the regrettable scenario where a tenant has passed away. This policy outlines the approach Homes North takes to compassionately and discreetly manage such cases. On occasions, Homes North will be advised of the death of a tenant by a family member, a friend, neighbour, the police, next-of-kin or the executor of the estate.
When Homes North is advised of a tenant’s death, action will firstly be taken to ensure the property is secure and ascertain if there are additional approved occupants of the household or if the tenant was the sole occupant. If there are other members of the household, Homes North may consider offering a succession of tenancy. If the tenant was the sole occupant, Homes North’s actions will depend on whether the tenant had a valid will, that is, whether they were testate.
Where Homes North determines the deceased tenant has a will and/or is informed of this by next-of-kin or executor the estate, the following action will be taken:
Where Homes North determines the deceased tenant did not have a valid will and there is no executor the following action will be taken:
Where there are approved additional occupants of the household (i.e. declared on the lease), Homes North will advise the occupants of Homes North Succession of Tenancy Policy and offer them the opportunity to apply.
The other household member must have been an approved occupant, be eligible for social housing. Should the other household member be successful in their application for succession, they may be required to relocate to another property if the current property is found to exceed their needs or otherwise not suit their circumstances.
The death of a tenant will invariably cause distress to other tenants. Neighbours and staff may also be affected. In severe circumstances Homes North’s Operations Manager may consider the provision of counselling for affected tenants and neighbours. Affected staff will be encouraged to seek assistance through our Employee Assistance Program.
Approval for succession of tenancy where the tenant has passed away will be made by the Homes North Operational Manager.
This policy is subject to change from time to time at the discretion of Homes North. Where an individual is observed to not be working within the scope of this policy, the breach will be addressed by a team leader.
It is the responsibility of the:
Contact Homes North on 6772 5133 or armidale@homesnorth.org.au
Standard 1.4 – Ending Tenancies
Policy no: 1.4.1\1
Adopted: March 2017