Am I being unreasonable?

I'm not a landlord, so take my opinion for what you will.

Legally, you are absolutely in the right to charge rent right up until the end of the term.

Morally, not so much.

Here is a couple that have already given you in excess of £60,000, that have gone through personal tragedy. Now the widow has to downsize. Their finances would be in the toilet if you charged them and they had to pay rent on a new place. Probably getting less in benefits due to the death.

Be nice, let them go without charging them, get a new tenant as soon as you can. Don't be one of those landlords that so many people like to talk about on social media that proves landlords are only in it for the money.

The daughter sounds very organised. I doubt many would have the presence of mind to think about giving notice so soon in this situation.

I think Deep Down you already know the Answer to the Question otherwise you wouldn't be asking it !!

It's not their fault if you're unable to get another tenant in the 2 months. Don't kick them when they're already down. I'm pretty sure that you already know the answer to your question.

Personally, if I'd had a tenant die after 5 years, there would be no issue with surrendering the tenancy. I have had a similar thing happen and I let the widow go when she wanted (although admittedly not in an agre restricted property).

You operate in a niche market and these circumstances must be expected.

You will need a new tenant at some point, so in effect you're just bringing it forward.

The law would appear to be on your side, but it would seem harsh not to agree some compromise - could the family make a partial payment, for example? I suggest you talk to them without laying down the law; maybe explaing your own situation.

I am a portfolio landlord but I also believe in doing the right thing. If I had a model tenant who had tragic circumstances that was not their fault my human hat would overule my landlord hat.

How can you try to enforce a tenancy agreement after this poor woman has had her life ripped apart?

If letting her out of the contract would cause you genuine hardship then you need to go and talk to her and come to some resolution.....this is a time for compassion....if it would truly put you into hardship then see if she could pay a percentage of the rent enough to attract a new tenant at a very competitive rent.....if you can afford to absorb the loss then do the decent thing......yes there are tenants that just play the system and do everything to avoid paying but if this couple have looked after your property and paid the rent I believe you have at the very least a moral duty to help out. As landlords we have a huge responsibility to provide people with decent homes and just circumstances change for the tenant (through no fault of their own) then I like to think a lot of landlords would want to help out.

It is moral v legal dilemma.
I had a similar thing in that a young couple rented a house and renewed for another year, then a few months later split up.
They wanted to end the tenancy and we agreed if I can get a tenant in ASAP I will end the tenancy. Luckily there is high demand and was let out within 2 months.

You could propose a similar option, but as you say it is a niche market the may not help in letting it out quickly. The other option reduced rent until let out.

Morally let them go early, but that depends on your own financial standing, whether you could afford to lose the rent money.

Put yourself in her shoes, and ask how you would feel if a landlord didn't show flexibility?
So many tenants "try it on", but when someone is, through no fault of their own in a difficult place, and trying to do the right thing?

This is an occasion where kindness and empathy should come before money.

Personally I'd thank them for giving decent notice and let them go with good wishes for the future.

If they seek advice Shelter will likely suggest move out, keep the keys, don't pay rent.

That would cause big problems.