Do landlords have to change the locks between tenants?

What the law says (and doesn’t)

We have not found a statute or regulation in England that requires locks to be changed between tenancies, and landlord insurer CIA Landlords states plainly that there is no such legal requirement. What does exist is a general duty of care, contractual obligations in your tenancy agreement, and your insurer’s policy terms.

Why most landlords change the locks anyway

• Unknown key holders. Previous tenants may have cut copies, lent keys or lost them.
• Liability. If a burglary happens using an old key, you do not want to explain why the lock was never changed.
• Insurance. Policies often specify lock standards for final exit doors — for uPVC and composite doors insurers such as Allianz describe TS007 3-star euro cylinders. See insurance-approved locks.
• Tenant confidence. A new tenant who knows the lock was changed is less likely to change it themselves.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025

Most of the Act came into force on 1 May 2026. Existing assured shorthold tenancies became assured periodic tenancies, section 21 “no-fault” evictions were abolished, and landlords had to give existing tenants the government information sheet by 31 May 2026. We have not found anything in the Act specifically about changing locks — but the move to periodic tenancies makes it more important to keep a clear record of what was fitted and who holds keys.

Access after the lock is changed

Keep a key for emergencies and agreed access, but remember it does not give a general right to let yourself in. Where the statutory repairing covenant applies, section 11(6) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 lets you (or someone you authorise in writing) enter to view the condition and state of repair, at reasonable times and on 24 hours’ written notice.

A simple tenancy-change routine

1. Collect all keys at check-out and note how many were issued.
2. Change the euro cylinder on each entrance door the tenant could open.
3. Keep the invoice naming the cylinder and rating in the property file.
4. Record on the new tenancy check-in how many keys you issued.

See our landlord lock change service — £149 per door, across 13 areas across North & Central London and Hertfordshire.

Sources

1. CIA Landlords — Should a landlord change locks for new tenants?
2. legislation.gov.uk — Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, s.11
3. NRLA — Existing tenancies and the Renters’ Rights Act
4. Shelter — Renters’ Rights Act changes for private renters
5. legislation.gov.uk — Renters’ Rights Act commencement regulations (SI 2026/421)
6. Allianz — Stay insured with the right house locks

This guide is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Figures and product ratings were checked on 23 September 2026; check the source before relying on them.