In England it depends on your tenancy agreement, and many require your landlord's permission first. Shelter's advice on preventing an illegal eviction says you can change the locks if you feel unsafe, keeping the old ones to refit when you leave. This is general information, not legal advice.
Start with the tenancy agreement. The National Residential Landlords Association, a membership body for landlords, says a tenancy agreement typically prohibits changing the locks without permission, so doing it anyway is in most cases a breach of contract. It adds that agreements usually require the tenant to hand over a set of the new keys. Admiral, an insurer, gives renters the same advice: get permission first.
Shelter's guidance on preventing an illegal eviction says you can change the locks if you feel unsafe. It says to keep the old locks so you can put them back at the end of your tenancy. If you have a separate agreement for a bedroom in a shared house, Shelter says you can only change the lock on your bedroom door.
A new lock does not end your landlord's right to visit. GOV.UK says tenants should give their landlord access to inspect the property or carry out repairs, with notice, unless it is an emergency. Lodgers who share their landlord's home are in a different position, and Shelter says lodgers living with a resident landlord have fewer rights than tenants.
This answer covers private renting in England only. Housing law differs in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and Citizens Advice publishes separate advice for each. It is general information, not legal advice. For advice on your own tenancy, contact Shelter or Citizens Advice, or your local council if you think your landlord is trying to force you out.
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