If you would like to move to alternative housing - whether it is another AHA property, care home, moving into the private sector or leaving the island - then you will need to comply with the policy for rented tenants moving out.
This policy sets out the steps that you will need to follow. To summarise:
You will need to give the AHA four weeks’ written notice (known as termination period). Please complete and return the termination of tenancy form.
Full rent will be charged for the whole notice period. However if we are able to let the property sooner and secure rent, the outgoing tenant will be released from the termination period early.
You must clear the property of all the furniture and personal belongings.
What happens if the tenant dies?
A member of the family will need to advise the AHA that the tenant has died. This will start the four weeks’ written notice (known as termination period.)
The family member will need to advise the AHA as to who the next of kin are and who will be responsible for the deceased person’s affairs.
It is the responsibility of the next of kin to clear the property of all the furniture and personal belongings.
If the next of kin is unable to clear the property, then the AHA will need to ask the next of kin to sign a mandate allowing the AHA to dispose of any items. If there are funds in the estate, then the costs will be claimed back. It may be possible to sell the items. Any money gained from the sale of the items will be offset against the cost of clearing the property.
What happens if someone is living in the same property as the deceased tenant?
If someone is living in the same property and wishes to remain and “succeed the tenancy”, then they will need to complete a social housing application form.
They must contact the AHA to discuss if they are eligible before completing the form. The form must be returned to AHA within 14 days of the tenant’s death.
What happens if the deceased tenant has no will?
If the tenant has left no will with a named executor or grant of probate, the relatives, family or next of kin will need to sign an indemnity form. This provides written confirmation that any funds and/or belongings can be released to the named persons.
What happens if the deceased tenant is in arrears?
The family needs to confirm if there is a probate grant. If there is no grant, then that means there is very little money in the estate or in savings. The AHA will write out to the next of kin requesting arrears payment.
What happens if the deceased tenant has overpaid?
The AHA will need a copy of the probate grant or the deceased tenant’s will. The AHA needs the executor’s details and ID to make sure that they are paying the correct person and that they are bona fide.
