When a person dies, many practical matters need to be handled in the midst of grief. If the deceased had an apartment with Skövdebostäder, the lease must be terminated and the apartment vacated. The responsibility for this lies with the beneficiaries of the estate. An estate is a term referring to a deceased person’s assets and liabilities. It is considered a legal entity and exists until the estate is dissolved, which occurs once the distribution of the estate has taken place. The heirs are identified in the Swedish Tax Agency’s family relationship report; most commonly, they are the children and spouse of the deceased.
On the Swedish Tax Agency’s website, you’ll find a lot of helpful information for those who have lost a loved one. Here, you’ll find general information about the relevant procedures and what the surviving family members need to consider if the deceased was a tenant of Skövdebostäder.
Death Certificate with Genealogical Research
The Swedish Tax Agency registers deaths as soon as a death certificate is received from a doctor or hospital. Once the death has been registered, various certificates can be issued. One such certificate is the Swedish Tax Agency’s death certificate with a family relationship report, which is used to show when a person died and who the surviving relatives are and who are the beneficiaries of the estate.
This certificate is required by many government agencies, as well as by housing companies such as Skövdebostäder.
Order a death certificate with a family history report from the Swedish Tax Agency
The funeral home can also assist in obtaining a death certificate.
Administrator and Guardian
The role of administrator and guardian ends on the day the person for whom the role applies dies. The guardian ad litem will notify the representative of the estate.
The estate is the tenant
When a tenant dies during the term of a lease, the estate automatically assumes the tenancy. This means that the estate has the same rights and obligations as the deceased—for example, to pay the rent, maintain contact with the landlord, pay the rent, take care of the apartment, and vacate and clean the apartment.
Assignment of a Lease Agreement
A rental right may not be transferred without Skövdebostäder’s approval. Nor can a rental right be bequeathed in a will.
A spouse or partner who has lived in the apartment as a shared residence for at least three years may take over the lease in the event of death. Children who have lived permanently with their parent may also have this right.
Special Rules for Termination in the Event of Death
When an estate terminates a lease on an apartment, special rules apply:
- If the notice of termination is received within one month of the death, the notice period is one calendar month.
- You can choose a longer notice period, up to three months.
- If the notice of termination is received later than one month, a three-month notice period always applies.
When the lease is terminated, other agreements—such as those for parking, storage units, or garden plots—are also terminated.
How to Terminate a Lease for an Estate
The notice of termination must be submitted in writing using Skövdebostäder’s termination form and handed in in person at the Bobutiken upon presentation of valid identification and a death certificate. If there is more than one heir, all heirs must come in person, present valid identification, and sign the notice of termination. The notice of termination is binding.
If a beneficiary of an estate is represented by another person, a power of attorney is required. We provide a form for this purpose, which can also be used for other companies and government agencies; however, if you have already prepared another power of attorney, that is also acceptable to us.
Use the following documents:
- Termination Form for an Estate (PDF)
- Termination Form for an Estate, Skövde Municipality ( pdf)
- Power of Attorney Template (PDF)
You can download them or fill them out digitally before printing and signing them. Bring the documents to Skövdebostäder’s Bobutik along with:
- The Swedish Tax Agency's death certificate with a family tree
- A copy of a valid form of identification for the individuals concerned
Contact person for the estate
To facilitate the process, we need a contact person for the estate. That person will handle communications regarding, among other things, inspections, showings, and invoices.
Invoices
If the estate lacks the funds to pay invoices, please let us know. In that case, please attach a copy of the estate inventory or the estate filing.
Pre-inspection of the apartment
All vacated apartments are subject to a preliminary inspection within ten business days. The preliminary inspection is a basic assessment of the apartment’s condition to evaluate its rental potential. Once the inspection is complete, costs for abnormal wear and tear may be incurred and charged to the estate.
Once we receive the notice of termination, we will contact the estate’s representative to schedule a preliminary inspection.
Apartment Tour
During the first few weeks of the notice period, the apartment must be shown to new applicants. According to Section 26 of the Tenancy Act, the tenant is obligated to allow the apartment to be shown. The estate of the deceased assumes the deceased’s obligation to allow viewings.
If the heirs cannot show the apartment, Skövdebostäder staff can do so using a master key.
Schedule a final inspection
The person representing the estate should contact the building manager to schedule a final inspection of the vacated and cleaned apartment. Please book early to secure a time that works for you.
During the final inspection, damage and abnormal wear and tear that were not apparent during the preliminary inspection may be discovered and charged to the estate.
Forms
Skövdebostäder's forms are designed to make it easier for an estate to terminate a lease. Always read the information on the form carefully before filling it out and submitting it.
You can download our forms here:
- Termination in the Event of Death (pdf)
- Power of Attorney Template (PDF)
We're here to help!
Please feel free to contact our Customer Service Center if you have any questions or need assistance with the cancellation. Call 0500-47 74 00, email info@skovdebostader.se, or create a ticket directly in our ticket management system.
More information
The Swedish Tax Agency’s website has helpful information for those who have lost a loved one – When a loved one dies.