What is the exclusive right of burial?
The Exclusive Right of Burial (EROB) is a legal right that allows someone to:
- be buried in a specific grave
- decide who else can be buried there
- approve or arrange a memorial (like a headstone) for the grave
- be legally responsible for the grave
This is for the right NOT an ownership of the land which remains under the ownership of Norwich City Council
What does “Transfer of EROB” mean?
Transferring the EROB means legally passing this right from one person to another. This might be needed when:
- the current holder has passed away and someone else needs to arrange a burial
- the current holder is alive but wants to give the right to someone else (like a family member)
Why is this important?
- No burial or memorial changes can happen unless the registered owner gives written permission.
- If the owner has died, the right must be legally transferred before any changes can be made.
- The burial of the owner can still go ahead, but the right should be transferred afterward to avoid future issues.
There is a fee for the transfer, and the new owner will receive a certificate. The expiry date of the right stays the same as when it was first purchased.
What you need to do
If the deceased left a Will or Probate:
Send certified copies of:
- death certificate
- will
- probate certificate (if applicable)
Send certified copies with your application.
Download the application form and complete:
If there is no will or probate:
Send:
- death certificate
- a statutory declaration
Send certified copies with your application.
Download the application form and complete:
Deceased did not leave a will or estate does not require letters of administration
Send:
- death certificate
- a statutory declaration
Send certified copies with your application.
Download the application form and complete:
ERB Transfer no Will or letters of administration
Assigning or sharing the burial rights
You can:
- Assign the right to someone else (and remove yourself).
- Add another person to share the right.
Important Notes:
- If you remove yourself, you give up all rights to the grave, including being buried there.
- If you add someone, you both share responsibility. Both must sign for any future changes.
- If there’s space left in the grave, both owners have equal rights to be buried there - this could affect future availability.
Download the application form and complete:
There is a fee for this process.
Important: To process any of the above applications, you must include all required documents (for example, a death certificate). If any specified documents are missing, your application cannot be processed.
