Termination of Rental Agreement upon Death – Estate, Power of Attorney & Excel | Word/PDF

Termination of Tenancy Upon Death – Estate Template Package in Word, PDF and Excel

Does the estate need to terminate the deceased's residential tenancy agreement? This document package helps estate administrators draft a correct and traceable termination, check whether any surviving person has the right to take over the home, arrange power of attorney, and plan the final inspection, key handover, and move-out.

Applicable Legal Framework: This package applies to residential tenancy agreements under Chapter 12 of the Swedish Land Code. It is not intended for private rental of a home, commercial lease, or transfer of a housing cooperative apartment. If a close relative wishes to remain in the home, the possibility of a right of succession must be investigated before termination.

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How long is the notice period upon death?

According to Chapter 12, Section 5, second paragraph of the Swedish Land Code, the estate may terminate a residential tenancy agreement within one month of the death, so that it ends at the earliest month-end falling one month after the termination. It is therefore important to document when the termination was actually made and when the landlord received it.

If the estate cannot use this special rule, the ordinary termination rule for residential tenants normally applies, with the earliest month-end after three months. The landlord may accept a more favorable agreement; always request a written decision.

Joint tenancy for spouses or cohabitants: When the deceased rented the apartment together with a spouse or cohabitant, the shorter notice right must be exercised by the estate and the surviving person jointly. The signature of a single relative is not automatically sufficient.

Check the right of succession before termination

A surviving spouse, cohabitant, or other close relative may in some cases have the opportunity to take over the tenancy under Chapter 12, Sections 33–34 of the Swedish Land Code. For a close relative who lived with the deceased permanently, permission for transfer may be relevant. A termination should not be made before this question has been investigated if anyone intends to remain in the home. See The Swedish Courts' guidance on transfer.

How to use the package

1. Check the agreement and which legal framework it is subject to.
2. Investigate whether anyone wishes to remain and whether any special rights may exist.
3. Check the estate administrators' authority and any joint co-tenant. The landlord may request a death certificate with a family investigation and power of attorney.
4. Fill in the termination letter and send it in a way that can be proven. Request written confirmation of receipt.
5. Document the end date, move-out cleaning, and keys, as well as special agreements for electricity, internet, or other services. Ask the landlord to specify any requirements.

Excel – nine register tabs

Dashboard, Cases, Co-owners, Powers of Attorney, Deadlines, Communication, Move-out, Documents, and Read Me. Formulas count the number of cases, sent and received documents, open checks, and entered move-out costs. Excel does not determine whether a termination is valid, whether a relative has the right to take over the tenancy, or which notice period applies in the individual case. Deadline assessment is documented manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the estate terminate a tenancy?

The authorized representative of the estate submits a termination to the landlord. The landlord may require proof of authority, and it is important to obtain written confirmation of the termination date.

Is the notice period always one month?

No. The special shorter period under Chapter 12, Section 5 requires that the termination is made within one month of the death and that the other statutory conditions are met. The agreement ends at the earliest month-end one month after the termination.

What if the deceased rented with their cohabitant?

If the home was rented jointly by spouses or cohabitants, the special termination must be made by the estate and the surviving person together.

Can an adult child take over the tenancy?

It may be possible under special circumstances, such as permanent cohabitation and permission. It does not happen automatically through kinship.

Is a death certificate always sufficient proof of authority?

No. The certificate shows information about the death and the surviving person, but additional documentation of the estate administrators, power of attorney, or other authority may sometimes be required.

Are automatic legal deadlines included in Excel?

No. Excel compiles the entered data but does not calculate the statutory end date. Always check the dates against the agreement, the law, and the landlord's confirmation of receipt.

Can I edit the PDF files?

The PDF files are searchable and printable. Use the Word versions to edit the text.

Related Templates

For the ordinary termination of other types of tenancy agreements, see Termination of Tenancy Agreements 2026/2027. More documents are available in Estate & Inheritance – Templates.

For general background on tenancy agreements, termination, and security of tenure, read the guide to residential tenancy agreements. In the event of death, the special rules must be assessed separately.

Legal Sources and Version

Swedish Land Code (1970:994), Chapter 12, Sections 5, 8, and 33–34, Swedish Courts – Tenant's Termination, Swedish Courts – Transfer of Housing, Swedish Tax Agency – Death Certificate with Family Investigation. Version 1.0, 2026-11-02. AI-assisted source check; no independent external legal review of this specific edition.