Succession request FAQ's
How can I apply? Log onto MySandwell and complete the Succession request form
What is a succession? The right to inherit a council tenancy when the tenant dies.
How many times can a tenancy be succeeded? A tenancy can only be succeeded once, and only to one person.
Who can succeed a tenancy? The law was changed in 2012 and so we first need to establish when the tenancy started.
For tenancies that began before 1st April 2012:
- If the tenancy is a joint tenancy, the tenancy will automatically pass to the surviving tenant.
- If the tenancy is a sole tenancy, the tenancy automatically passes to the husband, wife or civil partner of the tenant.
- Where there is no husband, wife or civil partner, another member of the tenant’s family may succeed if they have lived there for the last 12 months. These family members include partners, parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Step-relations and half-relations are included.
For tenancies that began after 1st April 2012:
- If the tenancy is a joint tenancy, the tenancy will automatically pass to the surviving tenant.
- If the tenancy is a sole tenancy, the tenancy automatically passes to the husband, wife or civil partner of the tenant, or someone who has been living with them as husband, wife or civil partner.
- No other family members have a statutory right to succeed.
What proof do I need to provide? You will be required to provide:
- photo identification
- proof of address dated over 12 months
How long does it take? Following the receipt of a request and all relevant proofs a timely decision will be made.
What happens if I'm not eligible to succeed? If you are not eligible you will be asked to move out of the property. If you don't have anywhere else to move to and need help to find alternative accommodation we can provide you with some support.