Changing locks between tenants: a guide for landlords
When and how landlords and letting agents should change locks between tenancies, and what not to do.
Why change locks between tenancies
Outgoing tenants may have had copies cut, and you can't account for every key. Changing the cylinder between tenancies is cheap compared with a break-in, and some landlord insurance policies expect it.
What not to do
Never change the locks to force a tenant out. Doing so can be an illegal eviction under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Change locks only once the property is empty and possession has been properly handed back.
Good practice
- Give new tenants every key, and keep a record of who holds keys.
- Agree communal door keys and fobs with the freeholder or managing agent.
- Keep receipts with the property records.
Using LockedPrice
A free business account lets you save properties with access notes and an on-site contact, post a lock change in seconds, add your team, and download your job history as a spreadsheet.
General information, not legal advice. For a specific case, speak to a solicitor or your local council's housing team.