Security, maintenance, council tax exemptions, utility management, insurance checks, and squatter prevention for executors responsible for an empty probate property.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's Estate Assets guide cluster. Estimated reading time: 12 min.
No, ordinary property bills are liabilities of the estate. You are responsible for managing and recording them, but you should not become personally liable unless you sign a personal contract, personally guarantee a debt, or act outside your authority.
Ask the bank whether it will release money for urgent estate expenses, such as insurance or essential repairs. If you pay personally, keep receipts and record the payment so you can reclaim it from the estate when funds are available.
You can, but check the consequences first. Occupation can end the empty-property council tax exemption, change the insurance position, and create beneficiary disputes. Get agreement from the beneficiaries and document the arrangement.
Tell the lender about the death as soon as possible. Interest may continue, buildings insurance usually must stay in place, and the lender may have requirements while the property is empty or being sold.
In England, GOV.UK says you do not need to pay council tax until probate if the property remains empty. After probate, a further 6-month exemption may apply if the property is still empty and still owned in the deceased person's name. Local rules and premium exceptions should be checked with the council.
Usually no, but check the mortgage terms. Changing locks to secure an empty estate property is a normal protective step. Structural changes or major works are different and may need lender consent.