Yes, you should change or re-key the locks every time a tenant moves out and before the next tenant receives keys. It is only legal once the previous tenancy has genuinely ended and possession has been handed back. Changing locks while a tenant still lives in the property is an illegal eviction and a criminal offence. A landlord locksmith Leeds landlords can call will usually swap a standard cylinder in a single visit, depending on the door and lock type.
Key takeaways
- Change or re-key the locks at every changeover, even when the outgoing tenant returned every key. Spare copies are the real risk.
- Never change locks during a live tenancy. Under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 this is unlawful eviction.
- A new cylinder is usually enough. Replace the whole lock only if it is worn, damaged or outdated.
- For uPVC and composite doors, fit a TS007 3-star or Sold Secure Diamond anti-snap cylinder. For wooden doors, check whether your insurer requires a BS3621 lock.
- A routine lock change is a landlord’s cost. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 you can only charge a tenant the reasonable, evidenced cost of replacing a lost key or security device.
- Since 1 May 2026 almost all private tenancies in England are periodic with no fixed end date, so plan the lock change around a confirmed handover, not a contract end date.
- Keep a written record: date, locks fitted, keys cut, keys issued and the invoice.
Do landlords have to change the locks between tenants?
No single law says “you must change the locks at every changeover”. But it is standard good practice, and skipping it carries real risk. When a tenant leaves, you cannot know how many copies of the key exist. Previous tenants, partners, friends, cleaners, contractors and letting agents may all have held one.
Changing the locks helps you in four ways:
- Security: it removes the risk of unknown key copies.
- Duty of care: it shows you took reasonable steps to keep the property and the incoming tenant secure. Local councils assess homes using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, which includes the risk of entry by intruders.
- Insurance: after a break-in, an insurer may ask what security was in place. Check your policy wording for lock standards.
- Clean records: a dated invoice and key log settle later disputes about lost keys quickly.
Is it legal for a landlord to change the locks?
It depends entirely on timing.
Between tenancies: yes. Once the old tenancy has ended and the tenant has handed back possession, you are free to change the locks before the next tenant moves in.
During a tenancy: no. Changing the locks while a tenant lives there, or while they are out for the day, is illegal eviction under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. It is a criminal offence even if the tenant is in rent arrears or you believe they have breached the agreement. Your local council’s housing enforcement team can prosecute, and the tenant can claim damages.
If you think the tenant has abandoned the property: do not change the locks on a hunch. If they have not actually surrendered the tenancy, it is still an illegal eviction. Get written confirmation or take legal advice first.
Entering during a tenancy: you normally need at least 24 hours’ written notice and must visit at a reasonable time, except in a genuine emergency. Holding a key does not remove that requirement.
Can a tenant change the locks? Most tenancy agreements require the landlord’s written consent first. If a tenant changes a lock without it, they may be in breach of the agreement.
How has the Renters’ Rights Act changed between tenancies?
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 came into force on 1 May 2026. Assured shorthold tenancies no longer exist, almost all existing tenancies converted to periodic assured tenancies, and Section 21 “no-fault” notices were abolished.
For lock changes this matters in three practical ways:
- There is no fixed end date to plan around. A changeover happens when a tenant gives valid notice and leaves, or when you regain possession through a legal ground and the proper process.
- The handover needs to be clear and in writing. Agree the date, collect every key, fob and remote, and sign off the check-out before you touch the locks.
- Do the lock change last. Check-out inspection first, repairs next, new locks after, then keys to the new tenant.
Rules on possession and notice periods are detailed. For a specific case, check current guidance from the government, the NRLA or a solicitor.
When is the best time to change the locks?
The best moment is after the outgoing tenant has gone and all repairs are finished, but before the incoming tenant arrives. This order avoids tradespeople holding keys to the new locks.
A simple changeover sequence:
- Tenant hands back possession and keys.
- You complete the check-out inspection.
- Repairs and cleaning are finished.
- Locks are changed and tested.
- Keys are issued to the new tenant against a signed receipt.
Leeds has a large student rental market around Headingley, Hyde Park, Woodhouse and Burley. Changeovers bunch up in the summer months. If you manage several properties, book your locksmith early rather than leaving it to the last week.
Re-key, replace the cylinder or replace the whole lock?
| Option | What it means | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace the euro cylinder | The barrel is swapped for a new one with new keys | uPVC and composite doors | The cheapest way to stop old keys working, and a chance to upgrade to anti-snap |
| Re-key or re-pin | The lock’s internal pins are changed so old keys no longer work | Mortice locks and some night latches in good condition | Not worth it on worn or low-quality locks |
| Replace the lock case or multipoint mechanism | The whole locking mechanism is replaced | Stiff, damaged, worn or outdated locks | Needed if a door only locks when the handle is lifted. See our uPVC door repairs page |
| Keypad or smart lock | Codes can be changed without cutting keys | Short lets and frequent turnover | Check battery backup, escape routes and insurance requirements first |
If the existing lock is faulty rather than just being changed for security, read our guide to lock repair or replacement.
Which locks should a landlord choose?
Euro cylinders (uPVC and composite doors). Standard cylinders can be snapped open by burglars in seconds. Choose an anti-snap cylinder rated TS007 3-star, or SS312 Diamond from Sold Secure. A 1-star cylinder only reaches 3-star protection when paired with 2-star security handles. See our anti-snap locks for the full explanation.
Wooden doors. Many home insurance policies require a BS3621 5-lever mortice deadlock, and often a BS3621 night latch, on external doors. Check your policy, or ask your insurer, before choosing.
Restricted keys. A patented or restricted key system means copies can only be cut with an authority card. For landlords, this makes unauthorised copying much harder.
Escape routes. Final exit doors should be openable from the inside without a key, usually with a thumb-turn. This matters most in flats and HMOs. Check your HMO licence conditions and fire risk assessment.
Windows. Replace or re-key window locks and key them alike where practical, so tenants are not juggling several keys.
Landlord lock change checklist
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Confirm the tenancy has ended | Get the end date and handover confirmed in writing |
| 2. Collect keys | Count every key, fob and remote against what was issued |
| 3. Inspect | Complete the check-out inspection and photograph the locks and doors |
| 4. Book your locksmith | Give the number of doors, door types (uPVC, composite or timber) and a photo of the cylinder or lock |
| 5. Change all external locks | Front, back, patio, side, garage and shed doors, plus window locks where relevant |
| 6. Test every door | Lock and unlock from both sides and check the multipoint locking engages fully |
| 7. Keep records | Save the invoice with date, lock model and number of keys cut |
| 8. Issue keys | Hand over keys against a signed key receipt |
| 9. Store spares securely | Use a lockable key safe and log who holds spares |
Do not change communal entrance doors in a block of flats. These are normally controlled by the freeholder or management company.
Who pays for changing the locks between tenants?
The landlord does. A routine lock change at the end of a tenancy is a cost of running the property. Speak to your accountant about how it is treated for tax.
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 a landlord or agent can only require a tenant to pay for a lost key or security device, limited to the reasonable cost actually incurred and supported by evidence, such as an invoice. You cannot add a general “lock change fee” to a tenancy.
The cost of a lock change depends on the type of lock, the number of doors, the parts needed and whether it is a planned or emergency visit. Ask for an itemised quote with parts and labour separated before booking.
Special situations for Leeds landlords
Student houses. Student lets tend to have many keys in circulation. Change locks at every annual changeover, and issue each tenant a key against a signed receipt.
One tenant leaves a joint tenancy. Do not change the locks without the agreement of the tenants who remain. If they agree, give new keys to everyone.
HMOs. Check licence conditions for bedroom door locks, fire doors and escape routes before changing hardware.
Tenant did not return keys. Once the tenancy has genuinely ended, change the locks. You may claim the reasonable, evidenced cost of replacing lost keys if your tenancy agreement allows it.
After a break-in or attempted burglary. Secure the property first. See our page on burglary damage repairs and our 24/7 emergency locksmith service.
How to choose a landlord locksmith in Leeds
For landlords and letting agents, a good locksmith Leeds property managers can rely on should:
- Be genuinely local, with a real Leeds address and a direct phone number. Many “local” listings are national call centres.
- Be insured and able to prove it on request.
- Give a clear quote before starting, with parts and labour itemised.
- Fit recognised-standard locks (TS007 3-star, SS312 Diamond, BS3621) and tell you which standard each lock meets.
- Provide a dated invoice you can keep in the tenancy file.
- Handle several properties and short-notice changeovers.
- Offer 24/7 emergency cover for lockouts and break-ins.
If you manage a number of properties, ask whether the locksmith can standardise locks and key systems across your portfolio. It makes future changeovers faster and cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
Should I change the locks every time a tenant leaves?
Yes. It is not a legal requirement in itself, but it is standard good practice. You cannot know how many key copies exist, even when the tenant returns every key you issued.
Can I change the locks while a tenant is still living in the property?
No. Changing the locks during a live tenancy without a court order is illegal eviction under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and a criminal offence. The only common exceptions are a genuine emergency, or the written agreement of every tenant.
Can I charge my tenant for changing the locks?
Not as a routine fee. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 only permits a charge for the reasonable, evidenced cost of replacing a lost key or security device.
What is the difference between re-keying and replacing a lock?
Re-keying changes the internal pins so old keys stop working while keeping the same lock body. Replacing fits new hardware. For uPVC doors, swapping the euro cylinder is the usual solution. For older mortice locks in good condition, re-keying can work.
How long does a lock change take?
A standard cylinder swap on one door is often quick. Total time depends on the number of doors, the lock types and whether any parts need ordering.
Do I need to give the tenant new keys?
Yes. Give the incoming tenant every key, fob or remote at move-in against a signed receipt. If you change locks during a tenancy with the tenant’s agreement, every tenant must receive new keys immediately.
What if the old tenant will not return the keys?
Once the tenancy has ended, change the locks anyway. If your tenancy agreement allows it, you can claim the reasonable evidenced cost of the replacement keys.
Are smart locks a good idea for rental properties?
They can suit short lets because you can change codes without cutting keys. Check battery backup, escape requirements and your insurer’s position before choosing one.
Summary
Changing the locks between tenancies protects your property, your incoming tenant and your insurance position. Do it after the tenancy has genuinely ended, keep a written record, choose locks that meet recognised standards and never change locks during a live tenancy.
If you need a landlord locksmith Leeds wide, with planned changeovers and emergency cover, call 07456 080054 or message on WhatsApp.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For a specific dispute or possession case, speak to a solicitor, the NRLA, Shelter, or Leeds City Council’s housing team.
About the author
Easy Pickings Locksmiths is a family-run business with more than 17 years of hands-on experience, providing 24/7 residential and commercial locksmith services for landlords, letting agents, tenants and businesses across Leeds and surrounding areas. Visit us at 1 Rossefield Drive, Leeds, LS13 3RR.