Changing Locks When You Are A Renter in BC

Written by Rosanna Adams

For accessibility, this guide has been translated into eleven languages - Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, French, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu.

After separating from a partner, you may want to know if you can change the locks to your rental home. Different living situations can create different legal rights and responsibilities. This guide will help you figure out if you can change the locks and how to get it done. Changing locks may be something you are considering for safety reasons. If you are worried about your safety, we encourage you to contact your local Community Based Victim Services organization or VictimLinkBC at 1-800-563-0808 for help with safety planning.

We are thankful to the Department of Justice Canada to make this guide and it’s translations possible.

Photographs by Indigenous photographer Melody Charlie

Graphic design by Nadene Rehnby