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.

Related guidance inside this topic

• If your next step turns on legacy Section 21 notice rules, read Section 21 validity guides.
• For the dates, forms, and evidence behind legacy Section 21 notice rules, see Section 21 notice checker before you respond.
• If this issue overlaps with section 13 rent increase rules, check rent rise checker to compare the legal tests.
• For a fuller breakdown of landlord repair duties, use landlord repairs checker for the underlying rule set.
• If you need the route-specific rules on legacy Section 21 notice rules, start with Section 21 transition rules so you can check the dates and documents against your own case.

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