What to do when a property owner dies

Losing a loved one can be a difficult and emotional time. This process explains how to notify us of a property owner's death and how to gain access to the property's rates information.

How to advise us a property owner has died

Tell us in writing and include either a copy of the:

• death certificate
• legal will naming the executor
• Certificate (Letters) of Administration A legal document issued by the High Court of New Zealand that gives a person the authority to deal with the assets and liabilities of someone who has passed away without leaving a will. .

Ways to notify us

What happens next

We will:

• list the owner in our records as ‘Estate of [property owner’s name]’
• keep the other names on the account the same while we wait for the updated Record of Title (formerly known as Certificate of Title).

Your solicitor:

• updates the Record of Title
• tells us about the change by completing a Notice of Change (NoC) through Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).

Once we receive an updated Record of Title, we will remove the deceased person's name as the property owner.

If the title specifies 'Joint Family Home', we will only remove the deceased person's name.

Overdue rates account

If the property rates are overdue with penalties, the account may qualify for a penalty remission. Visit Remission (reduction) of property rates penalties for more information.

Change the property rates account contact details

If you need to update the mailing or email or address for the account, visit Change your contact details or postal address online.