Should I call the police if I am locked out?

Yes, especially if there is danger or you are homeless that night. Illegal eviction is a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

Can the council make the landlord let me back in?

The council can intervene, warn the landlord, help negotiate re-entry, and support prosecution. An injunction from the court can order re-entry.

Can I claim damages for changed locks?

Yes. You can claim for illegal eviction, distress, costs, and potentially statutory damages under sections 27 and 28 of the Housing Act 1988.

What if the landlord says I abandoned the property?

Use evidence that you were still living there: belongings inside, rent payments, messages, keys, utility use, and witness statements.

Your landlord changed the locks - what should you do?

Published and maintained by the Get Renters Rights teamRules last reviewed 23 July 2026How we build these checkers

Direct answer

If your landlord changed the locks to keep you out, that is usually illegal eviction. Your landlord must use the court process and cannot remove you by changing locks, removing belongings, or refusing re-entry. If you are locked out now, call 999 if there is danger, contact the council's tenancy relations or housing options team, and get urgent advice about an injunction. Keep evidence of the lockout, messages, witnesses, and any costs caused by being excluded.

What the law says

Section 1 of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 makes unlawful eviction and harassment criminal offences. Section 3 of the same Act restricts eviction of protected residential occupiers without due process. For most private tenants in England, due process means a valid notice, county court possession claim, possession order, and enforcement by a court bailiff with a warrant.

Changing the locks without that process is not a shortcut. It can also lead to civil damages. Sections 27 and 28 of the Housing Act 1988 allow substantial damages where the landlord unlawfully deprives a residential occupier of occupation. The amount can be much higher than ordinary inconvenience damages because it reflects the value of forcing someone out.

Step-by-step: what to do

1. If you are outside now and there is danger, call 999. Explain that you are a tenant and have been locked out of your home.

2. Contact the council's tenancy relations officer, private sector housing team, or housing options emergency line. Councils can intervene quickly in illegal eviction cases.

3. Save evidence: photographs of changed locks, messages, witness names, hotel receipts, travel costs, and proof of the tenancy.

4. Ask the landlord in writing to let you back in immediately. Keep the message calm and factual.

5. Get urgent legal advice about an injunction requiring re-entry and about damages for illegal eviction.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not assume the police cannot help. Illegal eviction is a criminal offence, even if officers sometimes call it a civil matter. Do not break back in without advice, because that can create safety and criminal-risk problems. Do not agree to surrender the tenancy just to collect belongings. Do not rely only on phone calls: written messages and photographs make the injunction and damages claim stronger.

Tell police and the council this is illegal eviction.
Keep proof that you live there.
Save all lockout costs.
Get injunction advice urgently.

Related guidance

Illegal eviction checker
Check whether the lockout is illegal eviction or harassment.
Illegal eviction guide
Urgent steps, council help, injunctions, and damages.
The landlord changed the locks
Detailed lockout action plan.
Eviction without a court order
Why the landlord must use court and bailiffs.

Sources used for this guide

These are primary legislation and public guidance sources that support the legal-information framework used on this page.

Protection from Eviction Act 1977
Primary statute covering unlawful eviction, harassment, and the requirement for proper process before a residential occupier is forced out.
Housing Act 1988
Primary statute for assured tenancies, Section 8 possession notices, Schedule 2 grounds, and legacy Section 21 rules.
GOV.UK: private renting evictions
Government guidance on eviction notices, court orders, bailiffs, and tenant rights in private renting.
Shelter England: eviction
Independent housing charity guidance on eviction notices, court claims, and urgent help for renters in England.

Common questions

Your landlord changed the locks - what should you do?: If your landlord changed the locks to keep you out, that is usually illegal eviction. Your landlord must use the court process and cannot remove you by changing locks, removing belongings, or refusing re-entry. If you are locked out now, call 999 if there is danger, contact the council's tenancy relations or housing options team, and get urgent advice about an injunction. Keep evidence of the lockout, messages, witnesses, and any costs caused by being excluded.
Should I call the police if I am locked out?: Yes, especially if there is danger or you are homeless that night. Illegal eviction is a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.
Can the council make the landlord let me back in?: The council can intervene, warn the landlord, help negotiate re-entry, and support prosecution. An injunction from the court can order re-entry.
Can I claim damages for changed locks?: Yes. You can claim for illegal eviction, distress, costs, and potentially statutory damages under sections 27 and 28 of the Housing Act 1988.
What if the landlord says I abandoned the property?: Use evidence that you were still living there: belongings inside, rent payments, messages, keys, utility use, and witness statements.

Is this legal advice?

This is legal information for renters in England, not legal advice. If you need advice on your specific facts, contact Shelter (0808 800 4444), Citizens Advice, your council, or a housing solicitor.