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Rent arrears: can a landlord change the locks?

Rent arrears do not permit self-help eviction. RVD guidance warns that eviction without a court order, intimidation or interference such as cutting services can constitute an offence.

Reviewed: · WeProperty Editorial Team

Short answer:Rent arrears do not permit self-help eviction. RVD guidance warns that eviction without a court order, intimidation or interference such as cutting services can constitute an offence.

Organise the arrears record

Keep the lease, due dates, receipts, deposit and correspondence, separating disputed sums. Fifteen days of arrears is not permission to enter, remove belongings or change locks.

Follow the appropriate process

Seek advice on notices, recovery, termination and enforcement. Regulated subdivided-unit tenancies have additional rules. An asserted right to terminate does not authorise self-help eviction.

Before deciding

  • Keep formal payment records
  • Avoid service disconnection or harassment
  • Confirm procedures with RVD or a solicitor

Property document review

Sources and method

Sources support the specific rules described. Checklists and hypothetical calculations are editorial explanations, not measured market results or individual approvals.

Revision:Removed unsupported experience, case outcomes and statistics; corrected the topic-specific rules and limitations described above.

Scope:General information only, not personalised legal, tax, immigration, admissions or investment advice.

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