Can a Landlord Change the Locks in Colorado Springs? Tenant & Landlord Lock Law Guide (2026)

Can a Landlord Change the Locks While a Tenant Still Lives There?

No. In Colorado, a landlord cannot change the locks, remove doors, shut off utilities, or otherwise lock a tenant out of an occupied rental unit without first completing the court eviction process. This is often called a "self-help eviction," and it is prohibited regardless of whether the tenant is behind on rent or has violated the lease. The only lawful way to regain possession is through a formal eviction filed with the court.

• ✓ Changing locks without a court order is treated as an illegal lockout in Colorado, even with unpaid rent
• ✓ Shutting off utilities or removing doors/windows to force a tenant out is prohibited the same way
• ✓ A landlord who locks a tenant out illegally can face legal claims for wrongful eviction
• ✓ The lawful path always runs through the county court, not a locksmith visit

Can a Tenant Change the Locks Without the Landlord's Permission?

Generally, no — changing locks without the landlord's written consent is typically a lease violation, even if the tenant pays for it themselves. The main exception is a genuine safety emergency, such as a credible threat from a domestic violence situation, where a tenant may need to change locks immediately for personal safety. Outside of an emergency, a tenant who wants new locks (after losing a key, for example) should get the landlord's permission in writing first, and expect to provide the landlord a copy of the new key.

• ✓ Get written landlord permission before rekeying or replacing any lock in a rental
• ✓ Safety-emergency situations are the recognized exception to this rule
• ✓ Provide the landlord a copy of the new key unless your lease says otherwise
• ✓ Unauthorized lock changes can be cited as a lease violation during a dispute

What Is the Legal Process Before a Landlord Can Change the Locks in Colorado?

Colorado requires landlords to go through the court eviction process from start to finish before locks can legally change. That process generally includes a written notice to the tenant, a formal eviction case filed in county court, a court judgment, and — if the tenant still doesn't leave — a writ of restitution that authorizes law enforcement to remove the tenant. Locks can only be changed once that process is fully complete, including any applicable appeal period.

• ✓ Written notice to cure or quit, as required by the lease and Colorado law
• ✓ A formal eviction (forcible entry and detainer) case filed in county court
• ✓ A court judgment in the landlord's favor
• ✓ A writ of restitution, typically executed by the county sheriff, before locks are changed

What Should a Tenant Do If They're Illegally Locked Out in Colorado Springs?

If you come home to find the locks changed and no eviction judgment or writ of restitution was ever served, that is very likely an illegal lockout. Document the situation (photos, timestamps, any communication with the landlord), avoid forcing entry yourself, and contact the landlord in writing to request immediate access. Colorado Legal Services and the local county court can advise on emergency relief for an illegal lockout. A locksmith can legally open or rekey a lock for a listed tenant of record, but cannot make a legal determination about who has the right to occupy a unit — that is a matter for the courts or a landlord-tenant attorney.

• ✓ Document the lockout with photos and a timestamp
• ✓ Do not attempt to force entry — request access in writing instead
• ✓ Contact Colorado Legal Services or a landlord-tenant attorney for guidance
• ✓ A locksmith can restore access for the tenant of record but cannot rule on a legal dispute

Should Landlords Rekey Between Every Tenant?

Colorado law doesn't require a landlord to change locks between tenants, but it's standard, cost-effective practice for a reason: it's the only way to guarantee a departing tenant's key (and any copies they made) no longer works. Rekeying is far more affordable than full lock replacement at turnover scale, since only the internal pins change — the existing hardware stays in place. Locksmiths Of Colorado Springs handles tenant-turnover rekeying for single rental homes and multi-unit properties alike, often in one visit.

How Much Does It Cost to Rekey a Rental Property in Colorado Springs?

Rekeying in Colorado Springs runs $35–$75 per lock cylinder, with a typical 3–5 lock single-family rental totaling $105–$325 for the full property, including the service call. Property managers rekeying multiple units in one visit typically see a lower effective per-lock rate. Pricing is flat-rate and confirmed before any work begins — see our lock rekeying and commercial locksmith pages for full pricing tables.