What do you do with a dead tenant?

[Anthony R.]

So I haven't run into this yet but as I grow I imagine that my odds of a tenant dying grow.

Here are my concerns:

• Who becomes responsible for that month’s rent, if anyone?
• Who becomes responsible for the dead tenant’s possessions?
• Are there any laws or requirements surrounding removing the dead tenant’s things in a reasonable timeframe?
• Are there any laws that prevent you from immediately boxing the tenant’s things and putting them in storage so you can flip your unit?

BONUS:

Any information on murdered tenants and stories about experiences with that.

[Matthew Paul]

The tenants estate .       The person appointed by the courts   .  I am sure there are laws about removing or storing property State specific 

DO NOT box their things up , You open yourself up to theft accusations .

They die , you take pics , and secure the house , take what ever precautions necessary to protect your assett . Change locks , Let no one in UNLESS you have papers from the court . 

I rented a small garage to a guy , he died . Within 24 hours , His sister , son , step son , and ex wife all wanted acess to get his tools and expensive street rod .  I told all of them NO , Not until I have a paper stating who was the executor of the estate , and ONLY that person will be allowed Is who holds the paper .    

Crap hit the fan , The step son came over with bolt cutters with the ex wife .  I had to call the cops and pulled my truck right up to the entrance door .     

I didnt have a key to his padlock , but I put a second lock on the door .     The sister got everything