What Happens When a Landlord Passes Away? A Legal Guide for Our Clients

At Jukiwa General Agencies Ltd, we understand that the death of a landlord/lady can bring uncertainty to
tenants and property management alike. To help our clients navigate this sensitive situation smoothly, here
are key points about property management after the passing of a property owner under Kenyan law.

Succession and Legal Authority
When a landlord/lady passes away, their estate including any rental properties must go through a legal
process known as SUCCESSION. The deceased’s family or heirs must apply to the Kenyan courts for a Grant
of Letters of Administration (if there was no will) or a Grant of Probate (if there was a will).
A Letter of Administration is a legal document issued by the Court that grants an individual the authority to
manage the estate of a deceased person. The letters of Administration designate the Petitioner as the
Personal Representative of the deceased. According to Section 66 of the LSA, Grant of Letters of
Administration are given to the blood relatives of the deceased in the following order; spouse(s), children,
parents, siblings, step-siblings, blood relatives up to the sixth degree of consanguinity, the Public Trustee,
and creditors of the deceased.
This grant legally authorizes them to act as the estate administrators or executors.

Our Role as Your Property Manager
As your trusted property management company, we work closely with the estate’s authorized
representatives. We will verify the ownership through the title deed and confirm the legal authority by
reviewing the court-issued grant documents. This ensures that rent payments and property management
activities continue with full legal backing, safeguarding all parties’ interests.
What You Need to Do
If you are a tenant or a family member of a deceased landlord, please ensure that:

• The rightful estate representatives are appointed by the court.
• Our company receives formal authorization from these representatives to continue managing the
  property.
• All rental payments and communications are directed to the authorized parties.
  Why This Matters
  Confirming ownership and legal authority protects tenants and the estate from disputes or fraud. It also
  helps us maintain orderly property management, timely rent collections, and proper maintenance.
  For any questions or assistance regarding property management after a landlord’s death, please contact us at info@jukiwa.co.ke . We are here to guide you every step of the way.

By Brenda Musili, Legal Advisory & Compliance, JGA