Can a landlord change the locks on a rental property?

Published: 05/10/2026

Sometimes changing the locks on a rental property is necessary. But can a landlord change the locks legally? If your tenant has surrendered possession of your property, then you’re safe to change the locks. However, if the tenancy is still active, there are very few circumstances when changing the locks is legal, such as in a genuine emergency or with your tenants’ written consent. Changing the locks in any other circumstances could be considered a criminal offence. Also wondering: can a tenant change the locks? The short answer is generally no, not without your written permission.

In this guide, written by our private rented sector experts, we explore these questions in-depth and explain the correct process to follow.

Find more information in our guidance on ending a tenancy.

Can a landlord change the locks on a rental property?

If you’re really asking can a landlord change the locks to evict a tenant, then the short answer is no, a landlord cannot change the locks while a tenancy is legally in existence, even if the tenant is in arrears, has breached the tenancy, or the fixed term has ended.

The Protection from Eviction Act 1977 prevents landlords from unlawfully evicting tenants, including changing the locks while your tenant is out.

Instead, either the tenant or the landlord must formally end the tenancy before the landlord can regain possession.

If the tenant is ending the tenancy this will usually involve them moving out after giving the landlord an appropriate notice to quit, or agreeing to surrender the tenancy. See our more detailed guidance on how tenants can end a tenancy.

If the landlord is ending the tenancy, this will normally involve them serving a possession notice, obtaining a possession order from the courts, and enforcing that possession order through a court-appointed bailiff.

When can a landlord legally change the locks?

There are exceptions to when a landlord can lawfully change the locks. Below, we look into each scenario and key risks to avoid.

Lawful reason	Documentation needed	When this becomes unlawful
After a court possession order and bailiff eviction	Section 8 notice. Log of tenant communications. Ground-specific evidence. Key compliance documentation before and during the tenancy.	You change the locks before your tenant has officially been evicted.
Between tenancies	Proof the tenancy has ended, and possession has been surrendered. A dated, itemised invoice.	You change the locks without realising your tenant has stayed beyond their tenancy end date.
With the tenant's consent	Written permission from the tenant. A dated, itemised invoice. A dated, signed key log.	You don't get written permission from every tenant.
In a genuine emergency	Emergency services logs. A dated, itemised invoice. Communication with tenants. A dated, signed key log.	You don't give tenants access after changing the locks.
Abandonment	Only available in cases where the tenant has genuinely left the property with no intention to return. Take legal advice before changing locks.	If the property is not genuinely abandoned. This is a question of fact. Take legal advice before acting.

After a court possession order

If your tenant doesn’t move out after a possession order has been issued, you will need to apply for a warrant so that a bailiff can attend and formally evict the tenants. A locksmith should accompany you to change the locks on this date.

Between tenancies

While you’re not legally obligated to change the locks on your rental property between tenancies, it’s a good idea to do so. Prices range from £80 to £200 depending on the lock.

Abandonment

Sometimes tenants may abandon the property without giving you notice. In these cases you should be extremely cautious around changing the locks without first seeking legal advice or receiving confirmation from the tenant that they have ended their tenancy.

For an assured tenancy, you’ll generally need to serve a Section 8 Notice and complete legal proceedings before changing the locks.

Can a landlord change the locks without notice?

In most cases, it’s a criminal offence for a landlord to change the locks during an active tenancy. You must never withhold keys from tenants, even after serving a notice to quit or when a Section 8 notice expires.

What counts as unlawful eviction?

The Protection from Eviction Act 1977 prevents landlords from forcing a tenant out of their home without following legal procedures, such as changing the locks or withholding keys.

Criminal penalties

Unlawfully evicting your tenant can lead to a criminal record, unlimited fines, and up to two years in prison.

Civil penalties and damages

In the case of an illegal eviction, tenants can bring civil claims for damages, injunctions, and distress caused. Local authorities can also issue civil penalties of up to £40,000 in cases of illegal eviction.

Banning orders and the rogue landlord database

If you’re convicted of unlawful eviction, you may also be placed on the Rogue Landlord Database, or be banned from letting property altogether.

Can a tenant change locks?

In most cases, a tenant will breach their contract if they change the locks without the landlord's permission, as a tenancy agreement typically prohibits this.
That said, it does occur, and where tenants do change the locks your tenancy will usually require them to provide you with a set of the new keys.

Restoring the original locks at end of a tenancy

Your rental property should be returned in the same condition as at the start of the tenancy, except for fair wear and tear. This means if your tenant has changed the locks, they’ll need to reinstall the original locks, or they risk losing some of their security deposit. If you’d prefer, you can ask the tenant to keep the new lock in place.

Can a landlord refuse a tenant's request to change locks?

While you can refuse a tenant’s request to change the locks if your tenancy agreement permits, you need a valid, justifiable reason to deny the request, such as security or property damage concerns. Always provide a written explanation and keep this for your records.

Are landlords required to change the locks between tenancies?

There is no legal requirement to change locks between tenancies, but it’s strongly recommended to keep your tenants safe and ensure your landlord insurance remains valid.

Why lock changes between tenancies matter

During a tenancy, many people, including partners, contractors, and letting agents, may have had access to the keys and made copies. Not only does this pose a security risk, but it could invalidate your insurance if your new tenant suffers a break-in with no signs of forced entry.

Insurance implications

Many landlord insurance policies require locks to meet British Standard BS 3621 or its equivalent, and some policies even include clauses stating you must change locks between tenancies.

HMO and licensing considerations

In licensed HMOs, individual room and communal door locks may be subject to specific licence and fire safety conditions. For more information, check out our HMO guidance.

Best practice for landlords managing locks

When it comes to changing the locks in your rental properties, always remember to:

change the locks between every tenancy as standard
keep a secure record of all keyholders
give 24 hours' written notice to enter a property, except in emergencies
never change the locks during a live tenancy without written consent from all tenants
always follow the Section 8 process through to bailiff enforcement if seeking possession
document any tenant lock changes and require restoration at checkout
ensure all locks meet insurance policy standards
ensure lock arrangements meet fire safety and licensing requirements in HMOs
seek legal advice before acting if abandonment is suspected.

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Assured periodic tenancy rent increase FAQs

Can a landlord change the locks while a tenant is still living there?

No, a landlord cannot legally change the locks while a tenancy is still active unless there is a genuine emergency or the tenant has given their written permission. In these cases tenants must be given replacement keys to ensure they can still access the property.

Can a landlord change the locks without notice?

A landlord cannot lawfully change the locks without notice unless there is a genuine emergency at the property.

Can a landlord change the locks if a tenant is in rent arrears?

While the tenancy is still ongoing, changing the locks on a tenant will constitute an unlawful eviction. Landlords should obtain a possession order based on the rent arrears and then enforce that order before changing the locks.

Can a tenant change the locks without asking the landlord?

In most tenancy agreements, a tenant is prohibited from changing the locks without a landlord's written permission. However, where it does occur, landlords may be able to deduct the costs of replacing the locks from the deposit.

Does a tenant have to give their landlord a spare key?

Usually the tenancy agreement will require that the landlord have a set of keys in case of emergencies at the property.

Are landlords required to change locks between tenants?

While not legally required to change locks between tenants, it’s highly recommended.

Is it illegal for a landlord to lock a tenant out?

Locking a tenant out of their home without following the correct legal process could constitute illegal eviction.

Can a landlord change the locks if the tenant has abandoned the property?

It is extremely risky to change the locks if the landlord has not received confirmation that the tenancy is over. Landlords should seek legal advice and contact the tenant to confirm they have left before changing the locks.

Who pays for lock changes in a rental property?

This depends on the reason the lock needs changing, the tenancy agreement, and whether the locks have been changed at the tenant's request.

Can a tenant be evicted for changing the locks?

Depending on your tenancy agreement, changing the locks without the landlord’s written consent could be a valid reason to serve a Section 8 notice. However, it is unlikely to be sufficient to obtain a possession order on its own.