Changing Locks When You Move In: Wales Guide

When you move into a rented home in Wales you may worry about who has keys and whether you can change the locks. This guide explains tenant and renter rights in plain language, how to ask your landlord, what to do in an emergency and when official action might be needed. It covers common tenancy clauses, who usually pays, how to document requests and which official forms or tribunals can help resolve disputes so you can make safe, confident choices without legal jargon.

Can you change the locks on a rented home?

Generally you can request to change locks if doing so does not stop the landlord from exercising lawful access required by the tenancy. If the tenancy agreement says you must not alter locks, or if changing locks would prevent landlord access for repairs or safety checks, you should get written consent first. The key legal framework for residential tenancies in England and Wales includes the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977^[1][2].

When you need landlord permission

• If the tenancy agreement or a written licence forbids changing locks or removing landlord-fitted security devices.
• If the landlord needs to keep access for repairs, gas or electrical safety checks or other regulatory inspections.
• If the landlord asks for copies of replacement keys as a condition of consent in writing.
• If changing locks would create a safety or fire-safety risk by preventing emergency access.

Practical steps before changing locks

Follow these steps to protect your rights and avoid disputes: ask for written permission, offer to provide replacement keys, choose an accredited locksmith and keep receipts. If the landlord refuses without a reasonable reason you can raise the issue formally or seek a tribunal decision.

Official forms and when to use them

Below are the official forms and procedures that can be relevant if a lock dispute cannot be resolved by agreement.

• Application forms for the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — use these forms when you need a formal decision about rights, access or disputes under residential tenancy law; for example, if a landlord refuses to give written permission and you believe this breaches your tenancy rights you can apply for a decision. See the Property Chamber application pages for how to apply and the documents required. Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)^[3].
• Section 21 prescribed form (Form 6A) — this is the landlords notice to regain possession in an assured shorthold tenancy and is not a tenant form, but it is important to know how a landlord may respond to disputes about keys and access. If a landlord serves a Section 21 notice it can affect your rights and timing to raise disputes. See the official guidance and the Form 6A templates on GOV.UK for details and examples of when landlords use this notice.

How to document a request

• Write a short, dated message asking permission to change the locks and explain the reason (safety, lost keys, previous occupant still has keys).
• Send it by email and keep a copy; if you must post, use recorded delivery and keep the receipt.
• Keep receipts from the locksmith and provide copy keys to the landlord if agreed in writing.

FAQ

Can I change the locks without telling my landlord?

If changing the locks would prevent the landlords lawful access or breaches your tenancy terms, doing so may be a breach of contract. In a clear safety emergency you can act, but document the reason and tell the landlord as soon as possible.

Who pays for new locks?

Who pays depends on the reason: if locks are changed for tenant safety or because keys were lost by the tenant, the tenant often pays. If the landlord asked you to change locks or the locks are defective, the landlord may be responsible.

What if the landlord refuses reasonable permission?

If refusal is unreasonable and you have records, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for a decision or seek legal advice about next steps^[3].

What if I am locked out in an emergency?

For immediate safety threats call the emergency services or a locksmith. After an emergency, notify the landlord in writing and keep receipts for any emergency work.

How-To

1. Assess safety: confirm whether you have an immediate safety concern that justifies changing locks straightaway.
2. Ask the landlord in writing for permission, explain why you want the change and offer to provide replacement keys if they request them.
3. Choose an accredited locksmith and agree the type of lock to ensure compliance with fire and building safety rules.
4. Keep records: save emails, photos of the new lock and receipts for the work and new keys.
5. If the landlord refuses and you cannot resolve it, prepare and submit the relevant First-tier Tribunal application with your evidence^[3].
6. Keep communicating politely and document every step until the matter is resolved or a tribunal decision is made.

Key Takeaways

• Get written permission unless there is an immediate safety emergency.
• Keep all receipts, messages and photos to support your case.
• If informal resolution fails, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).

Help and Support / Resources

• Welsh Government housing information
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) guidance and applications
• Housing Act 1988 (legislation)

1. [1] Housing Act 1988 on legislation.gov.uk
2. [2] Rent Act 1977 on legislation.gov.uk
3. [3] First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) guidance on GOV.UK
4. [4] Section 21 prescribed form (Form 6A) guidance on GOV.UK