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Original poster

Legally, change a person can the locks on their husband if he moved out a month ago?

14 replies

LeepyTime · 02/08/2014 21:19

Legally, change a person change the locks on their husband he if moved out a month ago but both their names are on and they are both still paying the mortgage etc? He would still be able to have access when required, but just to lock it down and have some privacy. I have been advised by a solicitor, off record, that this is legal, as it is no longer his home, however would like more opinions from any other Legal people out there? Thanks in advance! Ps this is for my friend, I am enquiring to help her.

OP posts:
Original poster
LeepyTime · 02/08/2014 21:20

Ps she knows he has been coming in and out when she is not there.

OP posts:
mamababa · 02/08/2014 21:21

My understanding is no you cannot but he needs to give notice to visit. 10 minutes I think?

mamababa · 02/08/2014 21:22

My understanding is no you cannot but he needs to give notice to visit. 10 minutes I think?

HeySoulSister · 02/08/2014 21:22

Don't think you can unless you 'lose' the keys necessitating a change of locks

Or you keep hearing 'something' at night so need to install an inside bolt?

Original poster
LeepyTime · 02/08/2014 21:37

ok that's a bit disappointing, but thanks all.

OP posts:
JohnFarleysRuskin · 02/08/2014 21:42

If you lose your keys, of course you can change the locks.

Fairylea · 02/08/2014 21:43

You can't change the lock but you can add a bolt for security purposes.... just fit one to the inside of the door and keep "forgetting" to either leave it open or give him a key. That's what I did.

fairgroundsnack · 02/08/2014 21:46

This happened with my MIL and FIL when they split up, quite a long time ago now. She changed the locks and he just got a locksmith to get him in while she was out. Then called her from inside to let her know. And repeat.

As his name was on the deeds he was able to get a locksmith to let him in.

Fiddlerontheroof · 02/08/2014 21:58

You can't change them...though I did! But you can no add extra locks for your own security x

Fiddlerontheroof · 02/08/2014 21:59

Can! Not can no!

Finney2 · 02/08/2014 22:04

I'd change them anyway if he's coming and going at will. Is he willing to give you a key to his home? No, thought not.

If he complains, just claim the lock broke so you had to change it.

If you change the barrel then it'll cost a few quid and the worst that could happen is that either he'll break in or he'll send you a solicitor's letter telling you to change the locks back.

Finney2 · 02/08/2014 22:06

(That was no legal advice btw, just my general thoughts on what I'd do. Sorry, I realise that's not really what you asked for) x

yummytummy · 02/08/2014 22:48

I did this. Ex moved out refused to give back key. Long history of domestic violence from him so I never felt me and kids were safe while he had key to the house. Jointly owned. Solicitor said due to history wd be ok to change locks as no judge wd argue with safety of lone woman and little kids

EarthWindFire · 02/08/2014 22:55

Legally no they can't and if they did change them then they are supposed to provide the other party with a key.

Another thing to point out is that the partner that has left could stop paying the mortgage as they are no longer occupying the home and the other party has exclusive use of the property.

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