After the death of a loved one, there is often a lot involved. While you are busy processing your grief, you must also think of practical matters. This includes the funeral, for example, but also arranging the deceased’s ongoing affairs. One of these matters is often emptying the house. But who is responsible for emptying the house after death?
Who is responsible for clearing a house after death?
Officially, the heirs are responsible for clearing the property after a death. Often these heirs are designated in the deceased person’s will. If the person did not make a will, the immediate family is automatically held responsible for the eviction. If there are multiple heirs, you should jointly arrange for the house to be emptied.
Dismissing inheritance
In some cases, people choose to reject the inheritance. This means that a person completely renounces the deceased’s inheritance. This can occur, for example, when the deceased leaves behind debts. If the heirs choose to reject the inheritance, they are also no longer responsible for the house clearance. This then falls to the other heirs. If no heirs remain, the task falls to the municipality.
Responsible for clearing house after death? Here’s what’s involved
When you are an heir and therefore responsible for clearing the property after death, there are a few things involved. It also varies whether the deceased owned a home for sale, or rented a home.
Responsibility for vacating rental property
If the deceased lived in a rental property, it is smart to arrange the emptying of the house as soon as possible. This is because the rent continues until the property is returned to the landlord. For the delivery of a rental property you often have to follow certain guidelines. If you want more information about this, you can read our article:
Responsibility for vacating an owner-occupied home
When the deceased owned an owner-occupied home, there is often a little less urgency in the eviction process. There is, however, a little more involved than when delivering a rental property. The house or apartment must be made ready for sale. So in addition to clearing the house, you may have to do some minor repairs to increase the value of the home. Also, of course, you need to arrange the selling process with a real estate agent.
Frequently asked questions about clearing a house after death
What does a house clearance after death cost?
What the exact cost of a house clearance after death will be depends on a number of factors. For example, the size of the house and the amount of belongings. Want to know more about the cost of a house clearance and the average cost for each type of home? Then check out our article: What does a house clearance cost?
As an heir, am I obligated to vacate the house?
In principle, yes. If you accept the inheritance, you must also vacate the property. This can be alone or together with the other heirs.
How long does it take to vacate a property?
It depends on the size of the home and the amount of belongings. This can range from one day, to several weeks. If you want to be assured of a quick eviction, it is best to hire a professional. We specialize in emergency evictions and are happy to help. We always allow for urgency or a short completion time.
What happens to the belongings in the home?
Once you have taken all the things out of the house that you want to own or sell, we will take the rest. Some of the stuff is disposed of and processed. But we often take usable items to thrift stores or give them a second life.
How do you know if you are responsible for clearing the house after death?
If you are the direct heir and have accepted the inheritance, you are responsible for clearing the property after death. Not sure if you will be held responsible for this? Then you can also call the notary to check.
Help with house clearance after death
Heeft u graag hulp bij het huis leeghalen na overlijden? Wij bieden gespecialiseerde diensten om u hierbij te ondersteunen. Wij helpen u graag in deze moeilijke periode door wat werk uit handen te nemen. Zo zorgen wij niet alleen dat het huis volledig leeggehaald wordt, maar kunnen wij ook kleine reparaties doen, grote schoonmaak, etc. Neem contact met ons op voor een gratis offerte.
