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HOUSING SERVICES

Tel: 08450 450 051

Mon - Sat: 8.00am - 8.00pm (except Bank Holidays)
Fax: 01954 713148
Email: duty.housing@scambs.gov.uk

Address, directions & map

Successions

What is a succession?

The tenancy of your home will pass automatically to your partner if you die. (A partner is your husband, wife, or the person you cohabit with). If there isn't a partner, or they do not want it, the tenancy can pass to a relative (your parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece) if they had been living with you continuously for the previous 12 months and there has not been a previous succession on the tenancy.

The partner or relatives who take over your tenancy from you if you die become secure tenants - they keep their Council home as long as they want it. If they die the tenancy will not go automatically to their partner or relative but we can agree to this happening in some cases. If you would like to discuss this please speak to your Housing Services Officer.

If the tenancy passes to a relative, and the home is bigger than they need we have the right to move them out. We will, however, offer them a suitable alternative home. This is one of the special circumstances when we have the legal right to take possession of someone's home. But we will not move out your husband or wife in the same situation.

How do I apply for a succession?

You must write to housing services requesting an alteration to the tenancy.

Important information to include:

• The deceased persons name
• The date of death
• A copy of the death certificate
• If you are not the deceased's partner proof of continuous residency for the previous 12 months must be provided i.e. register of electors, shared bill.

What happens next?

Upon receipt of your letter with full documentation enclosed, the Housing Services team will contact you within 14 days with an outline of a decision and a way forward. If however, you are not granted a succession you would have the right to appeal in writing within 28 days of notification. Appeals Procedure

For more information see the Housing Act 1985 s87

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I am granted a succession?
You will be notified by the Housing Services team in writing and a new rent card will be forwarded to you.