Can a landlord change the locks?
- Why this is the question people ask most
- What the law generally says
- The only lawful lock change
- What to do instead
- Abandonment is a different question
Why this is the question people ask most
Because it looks like the fastest route. It is actually the fastest route to owing your tenant money.
What the law generally says
Self-help eviction — locking out, removing belongings, shutting off utilities — is prohibited across the board. Penalties vary by state and some are severe. Some states allow the tenant to recover multiple months of rent, actual damages, and attorney fees.
The only lawful lock change
After a writ of possession is executed, with law enforcement present, following your jurisdiction's procedure. At that point changing the locks isn't just allowed, it's necessary — an unsecured unit overnight is its own liability.
What to do instead
Give proper notice, file, serve, get judgment, get the writ. It feels slower and it is dramatically cheaper than the alternative.
Abandonment is a different question
If a tenant has genuinely abandoned the property, some states have a separate procedure. It has specific requirements and guessing wrong makes it an illegal lockout.
The short version
- Locking a tenant out without a writ is illegal everywhere
- Penalties can exceed the rent owed by a wide margin
- Lock changes happen after the writ is executed, with an officer present
- We will not perform or advise on a lockout, and neither should any vendor you hire
Tell us where the property is
We handle cases directly in Georgia and can point you in the right direction elsewhere.
Need help with a real case?
Tell us where the property is and where the case stands.
Landlord eviction checklist
The pre-filing checks that prevent most rejections. One page, free.
Common questions
Can I evict a tenant without going to court?
No. Every state requires a court process. Locking a tenant out, shutting off utilities or removing belongings without a court order is illegal self-help and exposes you to damages that often exceed the rent you were owed.
How long does an eviction take?
It depends on your state, your court's calendar and whether the tenant contests. Some stages are fixed by statute and some are logistics you control. Anyone giving you a guaranteed number of days without knowing your county is guessing.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant?
Not always. Uncontested non-payment cases are routine. If the case is contested, involves a counterclaim, or raises habitability or discrimination issues, get a licensed attorney in your state.
What's the difference between a judgment and a writ?
A judgment says you won. A writ of possession is the separate court order that lets law enforcement actually put you back in the property. You have to apply for it — it isn't automatic.
Stop reading, start moving
If the property is in Georgia we can handle it end to end. If it isn't, we'll point you the right way.