Housing changes
When the home changes shape.
A death can change your housing situation overnight — a lease in one name, a mortgage suddenly unshared, a house that's too big, or a home you can no longer afford. Most housing decisions can wait longer than they may feel like they need to.
Don't rush
Renting
If the lease was only in their name, contact the landlord or real estate agent. The tenancy doesn't end straight away, but it can end quite quickly: the landlord or the estate can give notice, and the rules are different in each state and territory. If you lived there too, you may be able to take over the lease. Ask the landlord, and ask the tenancy advice service in your state or territory about your options. Their advice is free.
Renting rules, state by state
Notice periods and what happens to a tenancy differ in every state and territory.
Mortgage
Contact the lender to let them know about the death. Ask about hardship provisions — most lenders will pause or reduce repayments for a period. Check whether there was any life insurance or mortgage protection that could pay off the balance.
If you're worried you can't keep up the payments, a financial counsellor (National Debt Helpline, 1800 007 007) can help you map out your options — including whether selling is truly necessary.
National Debt Helpline
Free financial counselling, and a live chat on the site.
Downsizing, eventually
Many bereaved people find that a smaller home, a different suburb, or a move closer to family makes sense — eventually. If you can, give yourself time to grieve the home as well as the person. The house can be a loss too.
See all 64 guides in Grief & healing →
From bluetulipco.com/library/grief/housing — printed 1 October 2026.
General information only — not a substitute for legal, medical, financial, or therapeutic advice. Read the full disclaimer.
Spotted something wrong, or out of date? Tell us.