Deceased Landlord

Other

A friend who rents a house has asked me how he stands as his landlord has comitted suicide.
He had been paying the landlord cash on a monthly basis since moving in just over a year ago and had signed a 6mts AST agreement. He has not had any receipts for payments made and was told he was now on a rolling contract.
Initially, the landlord had disappeared and so the tenant attended at his home address to pay his rent (he would usually attend at the landlords shop). He spoke to the landlord's wife and it transpired the wife had no knowledge of the property!!She didnt take any money from him.
He is now worried that he and his young family may have to leave the house where he has settled and enjoys living in.
I have advised in the first instance that he puts all rent money to one side so that it is available for when the rightful recipient calls to collect it. I have also advised that his stay there will entirely depend upon the new and rightful owner, but which may take some considerable time to sort out. And, that should he be forced to leave then he should be given due notice in order to find another suitable property.
Has anyone else got any observations and/or any advice i could pass on?
Many thanks
Andrew