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Updated almost 13 years ago,
Co-renter died, heirs want copy of lease?
I have a boyfriend/girlfriend who have been renting from us for 4 years. He unexpectedly died w/o will. He had never mentioned his kids to me, given me their contact info, given them as emergency contacts, etc.
When the surviving renter called to tell me of his passing she told me that she had had to change the locks and call the police to keep his kids out of the home due to conflicts, and have the police there when giving the kids his personal property. They have even said that they are taking 'his' dogs from her, so you can guess at the level of acrimony here.
The teenage daughter called and asked a bunch of questions, including asking for a copy of the lease. His adult daughter also called and asked for a copy of the lease, saying she needs to prove to his creditors (including the IRS) that he did not own any property at the time of his death. She emailed me a copy of the death certificate and a notarized "Collection of Personal Property Affidavit".
I provided her with a letter to her and "to whom it may concern" that states that he rented from us which provided the timeframe, address, and a "please contact me should you require additional information" with my mailing and email address.
She sent an email yesterday saying she wants a copy of the lease to protect her and her sister from his debt and any future requests for the information.
Am I required to send them a copy of the lease? Will it go against the other renter's rights if I do?
Thanks,
Suz