Can my landlord change the locks while I am at work?

No. If you are a tenant with a valid tenancy (including a periodic tenancy that has rolled over after the fixed term), your landlord cannot change the locks to prevent you from accessing the property. This is illegal eviction under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, even if you owe rent. If this happens to you, call the police on 101 and contact Coventry City Council's housing team.

Do I need my landlord's permission to change the locks?

Strictly speaking, no — as a tenant, you have the right to quiet enjoyment of the property, which includes reasonable security. However, most tenancy agreements require you to give the landlord a key to any new locks. I recommend telling your landlord, keeping the original locks to reinstall when you leave, and providing a spare key. A cylinder change on a standard uPVC door costs from £59 — call 07735 336175 for a quote.

What if my landlord changed the locks after I moved out but left belongings behind?

If your tenancy has properly ended (through notice, surrender, or court order) and you have moved out, the landlord can change the locks. However, they cannot simply dispose of your belongings. They must make reasonable efforts to contact you and store items for a reasonable period. If you believe your tenancy has not properly ended, contact Shelter on 0808 800 4444 for advice.

I am a landlord — can I add an extra lock to my rental property?

You can add or upgrade locks with the tenant's agreement, and the tenant must be given keys immediately. You cannot add a lock that only you have the key to — that would effectively allow you to lock the tenant out. If you want to upgrade security between tenancies, that is the ideal time. I work with many Coventry landlords and letting agents on lock upgrades — call 07735 336175 for competitive rates.

Can a Landlord Change the Locks? UK Tenant and Landlord Rights Explained

It is illegal for a landlord to lock a tenant out — but tenants can change locks with conditions. Here is the legal position, clearly explained.

Can a Landlord Change the Locks? Your Rights Explained (England & Wales)

This is one of the most common questions I get as a locksmith in Coventry — and it is one where getting the answer wrong can have serious legal consequences. Coventry has one of the largest rental markets in the West Midlands, with a huge student population around Coventry University and the University of Warwick, plus thousands of HMOs across Hillfields, Stoke, Foleshill, and beyond.

I am Ross, and I have been called to lock-related disputes between landlords and tenants more times than I can count. Here is the law, explained clearly, so both landlords and tenants know exactly where they stand.

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The Short Answer

No, a landlord cannot change the locks to keep a tenant out. This is true even if:

The tenant is behind on rent

The tenant has damaged the property

The tenancy agreement has expired

The landlord wants the tenant to leave

Locking a tenant out is a **criminal offence** under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. It does not matter what reason the landlord gives — if someone is living in the property as their home, the landlord cannot change the locks to prevent them from getting in.

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The Protection from Eviction Act 1977

This is the key piece of legislation, and it is surprisingly clear:

It is an offence for any person to **unlawfully deprive a residential occupier of their occupation** of the premises, or to **attempt to do so**. This includes changing locks, removing doors, boarding up windows, or any other action designed to prevent the tenant from accessing their home.

What Counts as Illegal Eviction?

Changing the locks while the tenant is out

Changing the locks and refusing to give the tenant a new key

Removing the tenant's belongings and changing the locks

Changing the locks "for security" without the tenant's agreement

Having a locksmith change the locks on your instruction (this puts the locksmith in a difficult position too — which is why I always ask questions before doing a lock change on a rented property)

The Penalties

Illegal eviction is a **criminal offence**. A landlord found guilty can face:

An **unlimited fine**

Up to **2 years in prison**

A civil claim from the tenant for **damages** (often thousands of pounds)

Action from the local council's tenancy relations team

Coventry City Council has a dedicated team that investigates illegal eviction complaints. They take it seriously, and I have seen landlords prosecuted.

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Can a Tenant Change the Locks?

Yes, generally a tenant **can** change the locks during their tenancy. However, there are some conditions:

Check Your Tenancy Agreement

Many tenancy agreements include a clause requiring the tenant to:

**Give the landlord a key** to any new locks fitted

**Not alter the property** without written permission (though changing a lock cylinder is generally considered maintenance rather than alteration)

**Restore original locks** when leaving

Practical Advice for Tenants

If you are a tenant wanting to change your locks — whether for safety, after a breakup, or because you have lost your keys — here is what I recommend:

**Tell your landlord** — you do not necessarily need permission, but communication avoids disputes

**Keep the original locks and keys** — put them in a labelled bag and store them safely so you can reinstall them when you leave

**Give your landlord a key** if your tenancy agreement requires it (and most do)

**Use a proper locksmith** — do not fit cheap locks from a hardware shop yourself. If something goes wrong with the door, you could be liable for the damage

I do lock changes for tenants across Coventry regularly. A standard cylinder change on a uPVC or composite door starts from £59. See our [lock change service page](/services/lock-change) for details.

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When CAN a Landlord Legitimately Change Locks?

There are situations where a landlord can and should change locks:

Between Tenancies

Once a tenant has moved out — properly, with the tenancy ended through correct legal process — the landlord can and absolutely **should** change the locks. The previous tenant may have spare keys, and their friends, partners, or family may have copies. I have written a separate detailed guide on [why landlords should change locks between tenants](/blog/landlords-change-locks-between-tenants).

With Tenant Agreement

If the landlord and tenant agree that locks need changing — for example, after a break-in or because the lock is faulty — then the landlord can arrange the work. The tenant should be present or informed, and should receive keys to any new locks immediately.

Emergency Situations

If there is a genuine emergency — serious water leak, gas leak, structural damage — a landlord may need to access the property and could change locks as part of making the property safe. But this is about emergency access, not eviction, and the tenant must be given keys to any new locks immediately.

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What to Do If Your Landlord Has Locked You Out

If you come home and find the locks have been changed, here is what to do:

**Call the police on 101** (or 999 if you feel threatened) — illegal eviction is a criminal offence and the police can help you regain access

**Contact Shelter** on 0808 800 4444 — they provide free, expert advice on housing rights

**Contact Coventry City Council's housing team** — they have a tenancy relations officer who investigates illegal evictions

**Do NOT break in** — even though it is technically your home, forced entry could lead to criminal damage charges against you. Let the police handle it

**Document everything** — take photos of the new locks, keep records of any communication with your landlord, note the time and date

Getting Legal Help

If your landlord has illegally evicted you, you may be entitled to:

**An injunction** forcing the landlord to let you back in (often granted within 24-48 hours)

**Compensation** for any losses — hotel costs, damaged belongings, distress

**Criminal prosecution** of the landlord

Citizens Advice Coventry and Shelter can both help you access legal representation, often at no cost.

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HMO Rules: Individual Room Locks

Coventry has a very large number of HMOs — particularly in areas popular with students and young professionals like Stoke, Gosford Green, Hillfields, and Radford. HMOs have additional rules around locks:

**Individual room doors must have locks** — tenants must be able to lock their own room

**The landlord must hold a master key** or have access arrangements for emergencies

**Final exit doors must allow keyless egress** — tenants must be able to leave the building without a key in a fire (this is where [BS8621 locks](/blog/pas3621-bs3621-bs8621-differences) come in)

**Window restrictors** must be fitted to windows above ground floor level

If you are an HMO landlord in Coventry and need compliant locks fitted, I work with multiple letting agents and property managers across the city. Call me on 07735 336175 for a quote — I offer discounted rates for multiple properties.

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A Note for Locksmiths

I want to address this because it affects my trade directly. If a landlord calls me and asks me to change the locks on a property where a tenant is living, I will **refuse the job** unless:

The tenant is present and agrees to the lock change

The landlord can prove the property is empty and between tenancies

There is a genuine emergency

Any locksmith who changes locks knowing it will lock out a tenant is potentially complicit in illegal eviction. Reputable locksmiths will ask questions. If a locksmith agrees to do this without checking, that should tell you something about their ethics.

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Summary

SituationCan Locks Be Changed?

|---|---|

Landlord wants to lock tenant out**No — criminal offence**

Landlord wants to change locks between tenancies**Yes — strongly recommended**

Tenant wants to change their own locks**Yes — but keep originals and give landlord a key**

Landlord and tenant agree locks need changing**Yes**

HMO room door needs individual lock**Required by law**

For any lock change in Coventry — whether you are a tenant, landlord, or letting agent — call me on 07735 336175. I will make sure the work is done properly and legally. See our [prices page](/prices) for transparent pricing, or browse our [service areas](/areas) to check we cover your location.