father passed away in rental unit

[Mike Dymski]

I have a colleague who is trying to help a friend. The father passed away in the rental property, the landlord changed the locks, May rent was not paid, and the family is trying to understand the process for gaining access to property to collect their father's belongings. Apparently, the landlord is not being helpful, and I don't have any more information that what is presented here. What is the typical process? Property is in Illinois but am open to feedback on the process elsewhere. Thanks in advance for the help.

Mike

[Marcia Maynard]

First, the landlord has a duty to not let unauthorized persons into the unit and to secure the property according to applicable laws of the jurisdiction. So I'm not surprised the landlord changed the locks. The landlord also must make sure the appropriate authorities have been notified about the death and the body has been removed.  He must also take steps to vacate the unit and prepare it to re-rent.  The rightful heirs of the deceased will need to wait for the executor of the estate to sort out the process and work with the landlord.