Can the Landlord Change the Locks if Tenant is in Rental Arrears?

Renting out a property means two sets of people can access the same property: the tenant and the landlord. How access is granted differs for each party and there are also rules that cover locks, specifically when and why locks on a rental can be changed. 

We’re often asked ‘can a landlord change the locks?’. Our answer will be different depending on the circumstances. Tenant lost their keys in East Ham? Wondering if your buy-to-let property is safe in Hackney? Eviction notice served in Barking? Rent arrears building at a buy-to-let in Ilford? We’ll explain if you are justified in changing the locks, or whether you risk an illegal eviction. 

Can A Landlord Change the Locks On A Tenant? 

The law states your tenant has the right to quiet enjoyment of their home. You must follow the correct legal procedure if you want to change the property’s locks. This includes accessing the property the legal way: giving your tenant a minimum of 24 hours’ written notice and receiving consent back from them before entering. 

Failure to do so could result in you illegally evicting your tenants and leaving yourself open to prosecution. Following the correct procedure applies even if you have served your tenant with an eviction notice and they refuse to move out or pay you the rent owed. 

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has changed the eviction process. A Section 21 notice no longer exists. The only way for landlords to regain possession is a Section 8 notice under the Housing Act 1988, using a ground from this Government list. 

When Might A Landlord Want To Change The Locks? 

There are lots of reasons why a landlord might want to change the locks, both during and in between tenancies. These are some of the common reasons: 

• To replace a broken or faulty lock 
• If the keys were not handed back by the previous tenant 
• To upgrade to a more secure lock as part of a landlord’s repair obligations  
• The tenant requests a lock change 
• There was a break-in or break-in attempt at the rental property 
• To meet conditions set out in an insurance policy 
• If the previous tenant was legally evicted on bad terms 

Landlords may be tempted to change the locks if tenants have breached their tenancy agreement by not paying rent or damaging the property with anti-social behaviour. In these circumstances, the correct Section 8 legal procedure should be followed, as specified by the Government. 

What Counts As Illegal Eviction? 

Any lock change that prevents a current tenant from gaining access to the property they are renting could be considered an illegal eviction. As such, a landlord can’t lock their tenants out because they haven’t paid their rent. The same applies to removing a tenant’s belongings without permission.  

Other examples of ‘self-help’ evictions – illegal ways a landlord can force a renter out of their property – include cancelling a tenant’s utilities, sending threatening letters or refusing to carry out repairs.  

What Happens If A Landlord Changes The Locks Illegally? 

The Protection from Eviction Act 1977 makes forcibly removing tenants by changing the locks on a rental property a crime. Breaking this law leaves landlords open to prosecution, unlimited fines and even imprisonment. 

In addition, a tenant can seek an injunction to be re-admitted to the property. They can also claim damages.  

Any suggestion of an illegal or self-help eviction when serving a Section 8 or obtaining a court order can seriously damage a landlord’s chances of regaining possession, even if the case against the tenant is valid. If a landlord wants to remove their tenant, they must follow the law and serve a Section 8 notice. 

What Are The Exceptions To The Rules? 

There are certain rare exceptions to the rules about changing the locks. These include instances where the landlord lives in the property, sharing a kitchen and bathroom with the tenant, or if the tenant is not required to pay rent. In these cases, the landlord should give the tenant reasonable notice to vacate the property. After this time, if the tenant has not left, they are regarded as a trespasser, and the landlord can legitimately change the locks. 

When Can A Landlord Legally Change The Locks? 

One of your most important responsibilities as a landlord is ensuring your property is safe for tenants. Your property also needs to be secure for insurance purposes and to prevent unlawful entry during any voids. Here are some lawful reasons to change the locks: 

• Changing the locks between tenancies: this is advisable but it’s not a legal obligation for landlords. Bear in mind the previous tenant may have had keys cut. This poses a significant security risk if the keys get into the wrong hands. The cost of replacing the locks between tenancies might be a reassuring exercise for both landlords and tenants. 
• Changing a broken or faulty lock: it is reasonable to change a broken or faulty lock during a tenancy or before a new renter moves in. Landlords can explain to the tenant that their home’s security may be compromised if an old or worn lock isn’t replaced. The cost to replace a broken or faulty lock falls to the landlord, unless there has been intentional, malicious damage by the tenant. 
• Agreeing to a tenant’s request to change a lock: if the lock works perfectly fine but the tenant wants the lock changed, the landlord can agree. They are within their rights to charge the tenant for the materials and labour but nothing more, as per the Tenant Fees Act 2019.  
• Lost key or fob: a landlord can charge a tenant locksmith fees and key-cutting costs if they lose a key or fob. The intention to charge this must be stipulated in the tenancy agreement.  
• Validating an insurance policy: a landlord can change the locks if a certain lock or mechanism is required to validate an insurance policy to remain valid.  
• After a lawful eviction: a landlord can change the locks after a Section 8 notice and associated legal procedures have concluded, and the tenant has legally surrendered and vacated the property. If a landlord follows correct procedures to prove the tenant has abandoned the property, it would also be reasonable to change the locks.   

In instances where there is a tenant in residence, the landlord must give the tenant valid access notice and ensure a new key is supplied after any repair or lock change. 

Can My Tenant Change The Locks Without My Permission? 

This depends on what’s written in the tenancy agreement. Many contracts prohibit lock modifications or replacements without written permission from the landlord. If a tenant does change the lock for an urgent, emergency or valid reason, the tenancy agreement will probably require the tenants to provide a copy of the new key to the landlord.  

Whoever changes the locks, a landlord must still follow protocol when gaining access to their buy to let, by giving at least 24 hours’ written notice. 

What Should A Landlord Do If A Tenant Loses Their Keys? 

When a tenant loses their keys, this creates a security risk, as you do not know where the keys have ended up. If your tenant loses their keys, you should arrange for the locks to be changed and charge the costs to the tenant, as they are responsible for looking after the keys. 

Make sure you only charge your tenant for the actual cost of the work – overcharging for new keys would be a breach of the Tenant Fees Act. Landlords must document what was lost, what the solution was and any charges to restore security, keeping receipts and invoices as proof. This becomes vital should there be a future deposit dispute. 

If landlords take one thing away from this article, it’s that changing locks on a property with sitting tenants should always be done during a lawfully allowed period or with consent from the tenant, giving the correct notice period for access. 

If you lock tenants out on purpose, you’re breaking the law and you’ll jeopardise a possession order through the courts via a Section 8 – its the same as breaching any other rule, such as refusing tenants a pet without legitimate grounds. Our landlord service will ensure you stay within the law when it comes to locks and property access. Our service is available to landlords in Newham, Chadwell Heath, Forest Gate, Woodford, Romford, Stratford, Newbury Park, Dagenham and many other areas across South and East London.  

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