Can I change my lock or add a new lock?

If you are concerned about your safety or privacy in your home, you might want to change or add a lock. But the law says that you are not allowed to change or add a lock without your landlord’s permission.

If you do, your landlord could ask the Landlord and Tenant Board to make you give your landlord a key, change the lock back, or pay to have it changed back. If you refuse, the Board can even evict you.

Also, you could be responsible if there is an emergency such as a flood, and damage is caused because your landlord can’t get into your place.

If the landlord is not respecting your privacy, there are other ways to deal with it than changing your lock.

If you are worried about other people coming in or breaking in, you should ask your landlord to change the lock or to put a better lock on your doors.