PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Can my roommate change the locks?
I’ve been roommates with my best friend for about five years now, but we don’t really get along anymore. Today we got into a big fight, and when I was out, he actually changed all the locks!
Can my roommate legally change the locks?
Patrick Price · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
As with most issues relating to property and rentals, whether or not your roommate can change the locks on you depends on what state you’re in.
Some states would allow him to do that—but only if he is the actual owner of the house and you did not have a written lease or rental agreement. Most states would require him to at least provide you with a written notice of eviction and several days to move out. And in some states, he would have to go through the entire formal eviction process. But again, he could only do that if he owned the house. Even then, he wouldn’t be allowed to simply change the locks on you.
You should double-check the laws regarding tenant and landlord rights in your state. Then, you may need to report him to the police—his behavior is likely illegal. Again, though, it all depends on what state you’re in.
When you get around to finding a new place to live, remember that you can greatly reduce the
cost of renters insurance
by comparing policies using the Jerry
app. View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
.webp&w=384&q=75)
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
