Property Succession Policy

Overview

When someone who lives in a council home dies, it can be an extremely difficult and emotional time for their family and household members. Alongside coping with bereavement, people may also feel worried about whether they can stay in their home and what will happen next.

Sandwell Council has a legal responsibility to manage council homes fairly, to follow housing law, and to make best use of a limited number of properties. There are rules about when a council tenancy can be passed on to someone else after a tenant dies – this is known as “succession”. These rules can be complex and are not always well understood.

We have written a draft Property Succession Policy to clearly explain:

• Who may be able to take over a council tenancy
• What information or evidence may be needed
• When someone may need to move to a more suitable home
• What advice and support the Council can offer

Before this policy is finalised, we want to hear from tenants, residents, household members, and organisations who may be affected. Your feedback will help us ensure the policy is clear, fair, sensitive, and practical, and that it reflects real experiences.

This survey should take around 5–10 minutes to complete. Your responses are confidential. There are no right or wrong answers – we value your views.