Death in the household

This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England

This section tells you how to find out whether or not you have a right to continue living in your home if someone else you live with dies. Even if you have lived in your home for a long time, your rights will depend on a number of things, including whether your home is rented or bought, whether or not you are related to the person who died, and whether you have signed any legal documents giving you a right to stay in the property. It also points you in the direction of further support if you are having trouble coping generally.

Things to think about

This section will give you an idea of how a death in your household can affect you. It also points out some of the key things you need to ask yourself to find out what your rights are. It also points you in the direction of further help and information to help you to get through this difficult time in your life. Read more 

What if I live in a rented house and someone dies?

If you live in a rented house, there are two main questions you have to ask if someone living with you has died and you are worried about whether or not you can continue to stay there. These are: Whose name is the lease in? Who is the landlord? Read more 

If the owner of your home dies

This section looks at your rights if you and/or someone you live with owns your home and they die. This will depend on various different things including your relationship to the person, whether you own a share of the home, and whether or not they have left a Will. Read more 

If your mum or dad has died

This is such a difficult thing to deal with no matter how old you are. The stress of worrying about the roof over your head won't be helping either.   This page gives you an idea of your rights if one, or both, of your parents has died. Read more 

Bereavement help and advice

Whatever your circumstances, losing someone close to you is a terrible experience to go through and it's understandable if you feel as if everything is getting on top of you. This section points you in the direction of other agencies who can help you. Read more 

Bereavement benefits

If your husband or wife has died in the last year, you may be entitled to some special benefits. Read more