Security deposit return when resident dies

By lisa

My mother passed away recently.  She was the sole lease holder of a rental property.  She did not own anything and had her bank accounts POD to my sister and myself. The 2 bank accounts combined were under $100.  So no estate has been created.  We are her sole heirs.  The property owners have returned the security deposit "To the Estate of…" as they say this is how it must be done according to law.  Our banks will not cash this check as no estate checking account has been established.  Is there a way that my sister and I can have the security deposit and still honor the property owners bookkeeping requirements without establishing an estate for this one check?

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Holy Cow, we couldn't find any other related post. Sorry. :(