In England, a landlord who locks out a tenant without a court order carried out by bailiffs usually commits a criminal offence under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977. Lodgers who share their landlord's home, and partners living together, are covered by different rules. This is general information, not legal advice; Shelter or Citizens Advice can advise.
Private tenants whose landlord lives elsewhere are protected. Shelter says it is an illegal eviction if a private landlord, or anyone acting for them, changes the locks while you are out, and that only court bailiffs can evict you. GOV.UK lists finding the locks have been changed as one sign that your landlord may be guilty of illegal eviction.
Section 1 of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977 makes it an offence for any person to unlawfully deprive a residential occupier of their home, or part of it, unless they had reasonable cause to believe the occupier had moved out. GOV.UK says illegal eviction can lead to a prison sentence, and that councils can prosecute landlords or fine them up to £40,000 for harassment or illegal eviction.
Lodgers who share living space with their landlord have fewer rights. Shelter says they can be evicted without a court order once their agreement or notice period has ended, for example by changing the locks while they are out. GOV.UK guidance for people renting out a room says that after reasonable notice they can change the locks on the lodger's rooms. Using or threatening violence to evict is still a criminal offence.
Partners and people sharing a home fall under different rules. Shelter says joint tenants cannot exclude each other without a court order, and married or civil partners have home rights, so an ex cannot make them leave without going to court. A partner who is neither married nor named on the tenancy or deeds has fewer rights, though Citizens Advice says they can ask a court for an occupation order.
If you are locked out by a landlord, GOV.UK says to contact the police if there are threats or violence, or if someone is removing you without a court order or bailiff, and to talk to your local council. This answer covers England only; housing law differs in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is general information, not legal advice, so contact Shelter or Citizens Advice about your situation.
