Changed locks

[Neverbroken]

Two days ago I was assaulted by my ex partner who then changed the locks on the private flat I rent solely in my name. I am 12 weeks pregnant with his baby. The police are taking me through getting a non molestation order but said they couldn’t do anything about him changing the locks because it was a civil matter. Despite me telling them I was the only one on the tenancy agreement before he did so. What can I do about this in civil court as I feel he should not get away with that. Nevermind the fact that I now live in fear he could be harbouring a spare key. Or worse could this again while I am out at work.

Tell the landlord what he has done ASAP. He's in the flat illegally and your landlord can take steps to evict him.

He isn’t living in the flat I now have the keys.

Then change the locks again.

Change the locks yourself so you are sure he does not have a key. Keep a record of your costs. Yes he shouldn't get away with it, but be guided by the police.

I don’t have enough money to do so until payday which is two weeks away.

Are you in the UK?
Can you change the key barrel yourself? It’s not that hard, you tube video and buy a Lock from screwfix or some hardware store.

Or is there someone you can borrow money from ?

You don't need an expensive locksmith - changing the barrels is something you can do yourself with a screwdriver as you have the keys.

Please post a photo of the lock (s) on the front door inside and out, and look for a brand name or other markings (if you are in a flat this may be the only access from outside, otherwise the back door as well). It may be easier than you think.

Do your windows have locks?

If it is a upvc door with a euro cylinder, this shows you how to change it.

Yeah I think it’s this euro cyclinder but either way I have £30 until payday. I don’t have support so no one to borrow the money from.

My windows have locks that’s not an issue as you have to come upstairs to get to the flat anyway.

A photo would help a lot. inside and out please.

it may be easier than you think.

Pics:

I know you don't have £30 but if you have a tenner, or when you do get paid, here are ones cheaper than £30.

Keep the door chain on for now if you have one.

https://www.handlesandhinges.co.uk/euro-cylinder-door-barrel-with-key-at-both-sides/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1p-qfK4QIVJjbTCh2VVAQ5EAkYAiABEgJRAPDD_BwE

Have you told the Landlord the locks have changed? They may change them for you as it's probably in your tenancy agreement that you don't change the locks.

Thank you, I’m scared to tell the letting agency they don’t know I’m pregnant and I can’t have children living here. I don’t want to be kicked out.

Contact women's aid and see if they can help in some way.
Women's aid helpline: 0808 2000 247

You've done the right thing in contacting the police (irrelevant how they've responded) it's logged now with them.
Get in touch with landlord explain situation. But be aware that if he has damaged anything in flat without your knowledge then you'll be responsible for that. Check your tenancy (at some point).

thanks for the pics.

Is there a letterbox in the door? How far is it from the keyhole, on the inside?

Yeah there is a letterbox but I don’t think you can reach the handle from it

OK. There is a burglary technique where a home-made tool can be put through the letterbox to turn a key or knob on the inside.

I was going to suggest a cylinder with a thumbturn on the inside, which can be cheaper, but as you have a letterbox, I think you need a double cylinder. Take the key out when you are at home, and put it on a cup-hook on the hinge side of the door, high up, where it can't be seen or grabbed by anyone outside. Or put it out of sight in a convenient drawer if you have one close to the door.

The cylinders at £10-£12 are not as burglar resistant as the more erxpensive ones, but today you are more concerned about keeping you ex out, I imagine he is not a burglar by trade. Measure the cylinder, but get one a little shorter if you can, so the cylinder does not project through the handle surround (projection makes it easier to grab it with a tool and break it) on the outside of the house.

Some cylinders are the same length inside and out, some are different - you will see when you get your old one out. It doesn't matter much if the cylinder projects a bit inside the house.

Neverbroken - just to reassure you that this is a really, REALLY easy job to do yourself and not to be daunted by it - definitely don’t pay a locksmith - I’ve done it loads of times and I was a relative DIY novice the first time, it’s a complete no-brainer. There are lots of videos on YouTube and online step by steps of how to do it. Just need a screwdriver and a new cylinder - agree get a shorter one than what’s there as it’s a bit too long and therefore could be broken.

OP do you gave a back door with the same type of lock. If so you could swap then until payday.

It's not ideal but if you ex tries the lock he might think you changed it for a new one.

Oops sorry - wrong thread. Pls ignore