Property, Vehicles, and Utilities
What if they were renting — what happens to their lease?
Short answer
California Civil Code 1934 allows the estate of a deceased tenant to terminate a lease with 30 days' written notice. The landlord may keep the security deposit for unpaid rent or damages per normal rules. If a surviving family member was living…
What this usually means
California Civil Code 1934 allows the estate of a deceased tenant to terminate a lease with 30 days' written notice. The landlord may keep the security deposit for unpaid rent or damages per normal rules. If a surviving family member was living there, they may have separate tenant rights — consult a tenant rights organization.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.