Who pays for house clearance after death will depend on the individual circumstances and will often depend on what has been stated in the deceased person’s will. Ultimately it’s the responsibility of the executor of the will to ensure the house clearance costs are covered.
We will cover everything you need to know about paying for house clearance after death, including situations such as council houses and potential clearance costs.
House Clearances and Probate
In some cases, a grant of probate will have to be obtained before making any financial plans surrounding the property of the deceased. It’s important to note that the will of the deceased will need to be checked before a specialist probate house clearance company can be booked. This is to ensure that all of the items left in the person’s will have been passed on to the correct individuals.
The executor of the will will need to file the will at probate court. They should also look into the insurance coverage on the home and items to determine whether the deceased person had insurance coverage for house clearance.
After this, an inventory of the items within the house can be created. This provides the family of the deceased with an idea of any valuable or sentimental items that they may not want to get rid of. In addition to this, it provides the family with a better idea of what items can be sold to pay for the house clearance services.
Appraisals can be carried out by auction houses, and some clearance companies have good relationships with them.
What is House Clearance?
House clearance covers all house clearance services. There are several reasons why someone may opt for a house clearance service. The most common reasons are:
- After a loved one has passed away
- Clearing a house after a tenancy has ended
- Clearing a house for probate
- Removing unwanted items
- Assistance for people with hoarding disorder
- Clearing goods from a previous owner
If you don’t have time, or the vehicle/equipment to clear goods from a property yourself, or you need assistance with this, using a professional house clearance service can help you to save time. The company will remove the goods quickly and efficiently, helping to take the stress out of the process.
In addition to this, house clearance companies have a waste carrier licence. This ensures that they are getting rid of unwanted items legally and safely. Where possible, they will recycle unwanted goods, and donate them to charity. This makes the clearing process easier for you as you don’t have to worry.
Who is Responsible for Paying House Clearance Costs After Death?
The person responsible for paying house clearance costs will depend on the deceased person’s will and whether there was a plan in place before their passing. It is typically the responsibility of the executor of the will, the next of kin or the deceased states to cover these clearance costs.
In some instances, it may have been previously agreed that a specific family member or friend will pay for and arrange for the house clearance to take place.
How to Cover House Clearance Costs?
A deceased person may have saved money aside in their will to pay for the services, or a family member or friend may have previously agreed to cover these costs.
In most cases, belongings and assets that are left in the home of the deceased can be used to cover the house clearance costs. The house clearance companies will value the items left and then sell these items or take them to an auction house.
If the value of the items sold doesn’t fully cover the cost of the house clearance services, the executor of the will would pay the difference in the cost. Alternatively, they can also choose to liquidate additional assets.
If the cost of the sold items is more than the services used, the additional money will be given to the person paying for the house clearance. Some insurance policies cover house clearance costs, so it’s useful to speak with the company the deceased person has used to see if this will be covered in the policy.
Local councils can offer a reduction for house clearance costs in some instances, but this will depend on the situation and the local authority.
How Much Do House Clearance Companies Charge?
The cost of house clearances will vary depending on the number of items that need to be removed, and also the types of items you have. For example, removing smaller items or bags of rubbish will be far cheaper than a full house clearance service.
According to our research, on average, house clearance costs will be between £325 – £595. The average costs for house clearance services according to Check a Trade are:
| Size | Volume (of Luton van) | Cost (£) |
| Small | ½ van load or 500kg | £325 |
| Medium | ¾ van load or 750kg | £400 |
| Large | A full van load or 1,000kg | £595 |
If you need additional clearance services, including garden clearance or skip hire, this will be added as an extra charge. It’s important to speak with the house clearance company before using their services to receive a quote for the costs.
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