Once informed, any bank accounts will be • Do not allow anyone to enter or remove
frozen, which will help preserve and protect any anything from the property without consent.
funds. However, this will obviously also mean • Make note of any valuable items at the
that any direct debits or standing orders will property (remove these or store these in a
not be paid, so it is important that you ensure secure place if possible)
that all affected companies are informed.
• Gather all relevant paperwork together
which will assist you in contacting the
Whether the deceased owned or rented a relevant companies and organisations to
property, it is crucially important that steps are inform them of the death.
taken to preserve both the property itself and • Also gather all original documents such
the assets and personal possessions kept inside as birth certificates, death certificates,
the property: marriage certificates, divorce papers and
• If the property is owned, make sure that any Deed poll documents.
adequate insurance is in place for the • In Winter months ensure that heating is
building and its contents. If the property is left on low or the system is drained down
unoccupied, make sure the insurance policy to prevent water damage and comply with
provides cover for this. insurance.
• Ensure that all door locks and windows are
secure.
Once you have done all of this, you will have the
• Make sure that keys are kept in a secure relevant paperwork and information to allow
place and that you are in possession of any you to begin dealing with the administration
other sets of keys or at least aware of who process for the deceased’s estate.
else may has a set of keys to the property.
The Society of Will Writers
17