If you are a property manager and the owner passes away, you are still responsible for complying with your property management agreement and managing the property accordingly. Rent should not automatically be redirected to a family member or an individual claiming to be the heir of the landlord. Instead, continue collecting rent as usual, holding or disbursing funds according to the terms of the property management agreement. 

When an individual identifies themselves as a potential heir or expected beneficiary of a property owner, that status alone does not grant legal authority to receive rental income or direct decisions about the property or any tenancies. Until the court appoints a personal representative, continue maintaining the property and documenting income and expenses as usual. It may also be beneficial to communicate with the tenants that operations will continue uninterrupted. 

If there are multiple heirs, disputes regarding ownership, or uncertainty about who has authority, avoid taking instructions from competing parties. Consult with your broker and/or an attorney before disbursing funds or making any changes to normal operations. Maintain detailed financial records throughout the transition. 

Every estate is unique so property managers should seek legal guidance from an attorney when questions arise following the passing of a landlord to help ensure compliance with your property management agreement as well as Virginia law.