My landlord changed the locks - what should I do?
Direct answer
Changing the locks to lock you out of your home is illegal eviction, a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and grounds for substantial civil damages.
This page provides general legal information for renters in England. It is not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, call Shelter on 0808 800 4444 or contact your local Citizens Advice.
Free checkers
- Illegal eviction checker
Run the free interactive checker for a personalised statute-backed analysis. - More renter questions
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Related guidance inside this topic
- If your next step turns on legacy Section 21 notice rules, read Section 21 checker.
- For the dates, forms, and evidence behind legacy Section 21 notice rules, see Section 21 notice validity outcome guides before you respond.
- If this issue overlaps with legacy Section 21 notice rules, check England tenant rights guide to compare the legal tests.
- For a fuller breakdown of deposit protection and deduction disputes, use deposit protection rules guide for the underlying rule set.
- If you need the route-specific rules on legacy Section 21 notice rules, start with answers for tenants in England so you can check the dates and documents against your own case.
Related articles
- Deposit protected late? Section 21 may be invalid
How late deposit protection after the 30-day deadline affects a legacy Section 21 notice. - Deposit amount and address in prescribed information
Why the deposit amount and property address matter in the Section 21 prescribed information checklist. - Section 21 abolished: what happens now?
The transition guide for pre-cutoff notices, the 1 May 2026 changeover, and when possession analysis switches to Section 8. - Old rules vs new rules after May 2026
The side-by-side transition guide for Section 21, Section 8, rent increases, and periodic tenancies after 1 May 2026. - Renters' Rights Act 2026: complete guide
The main reform guide covering Section 21 abolition, Section 8, rent increases, pets, and private rented sector enforcement changes.
Common questions
- My landlord changed the locks - what should I do?
- Changing the locks to lock you out of your home is illegal eviction, a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and grounds for substantial civil damages.
Use the interactive checker on getrentersrights.com for the full step-by-step result.