Crisis Guide

My Landlord Changed the Locks — What Are My Rights?

Changing your locks without a court order is a crime under the PIE Act. Call the police immediately — you can be reinstated the same day via an urgent interdict.

Free South African Law 3 related guides

This is illegal.

Changing your locks without a court order is an unlawful eviction. Call the police first. Then apply to court.

Direct Answer

A landlord who changes your locks without a court order is committing an illegal eviction under the PIE Act and a criminal act. Call the police immediately and apply to the magistrate's court for an urgent interdict to be reinstated in your home.

What the Law Says

Your Legal Foundation

PIE Act 19 of 1998

Sections 4 and 5

“No person may be evicted from their home except in terms of a court order. Any purported eviction or action designed to compel a person to vacate without a court order is unlawful.”

Constitution of South Africa

Section 26(3)

“No one may be evicted from their home, or have their home demolished, without an order of court made after considering all the relevant circumstances.”

Immediate Steps

What to Do Right Now

1Call the police (10111) immediately. Explain that your landlord has changed your locks without a court order — this is an illegal eviction. The police should accompany you and require the landlord to give you access.
2Document everything: take photos of the new lock, note the date and time, get the names of any police officers who attend, and keep records of any communications with the landlord about this.
3Go to the magistrate's court the same day and apply for an urgent interdict. Explain the situation to the clerk and ask for an urgent hearing. Courts regularly grant these on the same day for illegal lock changes.
4After you are reinstated, you can claim damages from the landlord for any losses caused by the illegal lockout — accommodation costs, spoiled food, inability to get to work, etc.
5Even if you owe rent, the landlord cannot lawfully lock you out. Non-payment of rent is resolved through the courts — not by self-help eviction.

What to Say

Exact Words to Use

“"This is an illegal eviction under the PIE Act. You have no right to change my locks without a court order. I am calling the police and applying to the magistrate's court for an urgent interdict to be immediately reinstated. I will also be claiming damages."”

Tone: Firm, can be said directly or sent in writing

Now practise saying it. The Advocate has a scenario that walks you through exactly this situation — phrase by phrase, with audio playback and a practice drill. Free to try.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the landlord also removed my belongings?

This compounds the illegality. Removing an occupier's belongings without a court order is theft and/or malicious damage. You can lay criminal charges in addition to applying for an urgent interdict. You may also claim the return of your belongings or their replacement value.

I have no lease — can the landlord still not change my locks?

Correct. The PIE Act protects occupiers regardless of whether they have a formal lease. Even an oral agreement or simply being in occupation gives you PIE Act protection.

Get Help Now

Resources & Helplines

SAPS Emergency

10111

Police emergency — call for illegal lock change.
Legal Aid SA

0800 110 110

Assistance with urgent interdict applications.
SERI

seri-sa.org

Socio-Economic Rights Institute — housing rights assistance.

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