After a tenant passes away, what may happen to remaining household members?

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When a tenant dies, remaining household members aren’t automatically removed from the unit. They may be allowed to stay if they continue to meet the program’s eligibility rules and the tenancy terms, such as income limits and occupancy standards. The housing authority or property manager typically handles this through a successor in interest or lease addendum, requiring documentation like the death certificate, proof of relationship, and updated income information. If the surviving residents qualify, they can remain in the unit and may need to be added to the lease and recertified at the next renewal. If they don’t meet the requirements or the program’s policy requires a new lease after a change in occupancy, arrangements to vacate may be discussed, but it isn’t automatic. This reflects how tenancy protections and program rules balance continuity for eligible survivors with the need to review eligibility after a change in household status.