A grant of probate is the document from the probate registry that allows the executor named in a will to start dealing with the estate of the person who died. In England, GOV.UK says "You can apply for probate yourself online or by post." and "You'll usually get the grant of probate or letters of administration within 12 weeks of submitting your application."
Grant of probate or letters of administration?
| Situation (GOV.UK's words) | Document |
|---|---|
| "if the person left a will" | Grant of probate |
| "if the will does not name an executor or the named executor cannot apply" | Letters of administration with will annexed |
| "if the person did not leave a will" | Letters of administration |
They do the same job; our solicitors' guide calls them together a "Grant of Representation".
Cost, copies and timing
- Fee. "If the value of the estate is over £5,000, the application fee is £526." "There's no fee if the estate is £5,000 or less."
- Copies. Extra copies cost "£2 each when you submit your application", and £16 each after. They let you send the grant to several organisations at the same time, "for example their bank".
- Timing. "It can take longer if you need to provide additional information". Valuing the estate comes first, so the wait from the death is longer.
At Wigwam
- Clearing the house before the grant arrives? You don't need it to rent a unit: see executor. Our documents guide says to expect to be asked for proof of your role; we haven't published what counts before the grant exists, so ask on 0800 2545585.
- The person who died already rented from us? Our solicitors' guide says an executor "will generally need to present a death certificate and a Grant of Representation" to take over or empty that unit. Fees keep running until someone gives written notice, so ring us early.
- Estate won't need a grant? Ring us on 0800 2545585 before anyone visits the unit and ask what we'll accept in place of a grant. Have the death certificate ready. Our published pages don't list the alternatives.
Related terms: Probate · Executor · House clearance · Notice period
Related questions: What happens to a storage unit when the person renting it dies?