Can a Tenant Change Locks in England?

A Question That Comes Up More Than You Would Think

Whether you feel unsafe after a break-in, have ended a relationship with someone who has a key, or simply want peace of mind in a new rental, the question is the same: can you change the locks without your landlord’s permission?

The answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on your tenancy agreement, the circumstances, and - as of May 2026 - new legislation that has changed the landscape for renters in England.

Note: This article covers the law in England only. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have separate tenancy legislation. This is general information, not legal advice - if you are in a dispute with your landlord, seek advice from Citizens Advice, Shelter, or a solicitor.

The General Legal Position

Under English law, a tenant has the right to “quiet enjoyment” of the property they are renting. This means the landlord cannot enter the property without permission (except in genuine emergencies) and cannot harass or interfere with the tenant’s use of their home.

However, the landlord remains the property owner. Most tenancy agreements include a clause requiring the tenant to return the property in its original condition at the end of the tenancy, and some specifically prohibit alterations - which can include changing locks - without the landlord’s written consent.

So the starting position is:

You are legally allowed to change the locks - there is no law preventing a tenant from fitting a new lock
Your tenancy agreement may require you to get permission first - breaching this could technically be treated as a breach of contract
You must provide the landlord with a key if they request one - refusing could also constitute a breach

In practice, most landlords will agree to a lock change if you explain the reason and provide them with a copy of the new key. Problems tend to arise only when communication breaks down.

When You Should Change the Locks (Regardless)

There are situations where your personal safety takes priority over the terms of a tenancy agreement:

After a Break-In

If your property has been broken into, changing the locks immediately is a basic security measure. No reasonable landlord would object, and most insurers expect it. If you cannot reach your landlord quickly, change the locks and inform them afterwards. Our guide to what to do after a break-in covers the full steps to take.

Domestic Abuse or Harassment

If you are at risk from a partner, ex-partner, or anyone else who has a key to the property, your safety comes first. Organisations such as the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) can advise on your options, and a locksmith can change the locks the same day.

In these circumstances, you are not obliged to provide the abuser with a new key, even if they are named on the tenancy. Seek legal advice - an injunction or occupation order may be appropriate.

Lost or Stolen Keys

If you have lost your keys or they have been stolen, the lock should be changed promptly. Anyone who finds or stole the keys could potentially identify and access the property. Inform your landlord and arrange the change.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025: What Changed

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 came into force on 1 May 2026 and introduced significant changes for tenants in England:

No more Section 21 “no fault” evictions - landlords can no longer evict tenants without a specified legal ground
All tenancies become periodic - fixed terms end, and tenancies roll on a month-to-month basis. Tenants can leave with two months’ written notice.
Stronger enforcement - the Act expands local authority powers to investigate illegal evictions and introduces fines of up to £40,000 for certain landlord offences

The Act does not specifically grant tenants an automatic right to change locks without permission. But it strengthens the tenant’s overall position and makes it harder for landlords to retaliate against reasonable actions taken for security purposes.

Critically, a landlord who changes the locks to lock a tenant out - without a court order - commits a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. This was already the law, but enforcement attention has increased alongside the new Act.

The Landlord’s Perspective

Landlords have legitimate reasons for wanting a key to the property:

Emergency access - a burst pipe or gas leak may require immediate entry
Legal obligations - landlords must carry out gas safety checks, electrical inspections, and maintain the property’s structure
End-of-tenancy access - for final inspections and handover

A tenant who changes the locks and refuses to provide a key puts the landlord in a difficult position. The practical advice is always to provide a copy of the new key - this protects both parties.

How to Handle It Properly

Step 1: Check Your Tenancy Agreement

Look for any clause relating to “alterations”, “locks”, or “keys”. If there is a specific requirement to seek permission before changing locks, follow that process. If the agreement is silent on locks, you have more flexibility.

Step 2: Inform Your Landlord

Write to your landlord (email is fine - it creates a record) explaining why you want to change the locks. Be specific:

“The property was broken into on [date] and the police have advised changing the locks”
“I have lost my keys and cannot account for their whereabouts”
“A previous keyholder no longer has permission to access the property”

Most landlords will respond positively to a clear, reasonable request.

Step 3: Use a Professional Locksmith

Have the locks changed by a qualified locksmith who will fit locks of equal or better quality than the originals. If the property has BS3621 mortice locks or TS007-rated cylinders, the replacements should meet the same standard. Budget replacements could affect the property’s insurance cover.

Step 4: Provide the Landlord With New Keys

Once the locks are changed, provide your landlord with a complete set of new keys promptly. Keep a record that you have done so.

Step 5: Keep the Old Locks

If you are replacing the locks entirely (rather than rekeying), keep the old cylinders or lock bodies. At the end of the tenancy, you can refit the originals if required by your agreement.

What If the Landlord Refuses?

If you ask permission and the landlord says no without a reasonable explanation, consider the following:

If your safety is at risk, change the locks anyway and provide a key. Document your reasons. A court or tenancy tribunal is unlikely to find against a tenant who acted reasonably to protect their safety.
If it is a preference rather than a safety issue, you may need to accept the refusal or negotiate. Offering to pay for the change and restore the original locks at the end of the tenancy often resolves the disagreement.
If the landlord is being obstructive or retaliatory, contact Citizens Advice or Shelter for guidance. Under the Renters’ Rights Act, retaliatory behaviour by landlords is taken more seriously than before.

Cost of Changing Locks in a Rental

The cost is the same as for any other property. See our locksmith price list for current rates, or our detailed guide on how much a locksmith costs in London.

In most cases, the tenant pays for the lock change unless it was necessitated by the landlord’s failure to maintain security (for example, a lock that was already broken or a door that had been forced during a previous tenancy).

City Locksmith London: Lock Changes for Tenants

We regularly change locks for tenants across London - after break-ins, lost keys, and change of circumstances. We fit locks that meet or exceed the existing specification, provide a full set of keys, and can attend the same day. Our lock change service covers all lock types. Contact us.