TL;DR — Eviction Locksmith Cost At A Glance
- Most people pay £100–£250 inc VAT for an eviction locksmith across the UK, rising to £150–£300 in London and the South East.
- The service usually covers attending a court-ordered eviction with bailiffs and changing the locks so the previous occupant cannot re-enter.
- The price depends on the number of doors, the lock types fitted, the time of day and whether entry has to be gained first.
- Out-of-hours attendance adds a premium, though most evictions are scheduled during standard hours.
- Eviction lock changes must follow the legal process — a landlord cannot lawfully change locks without a court order and, where required, bailiffs present.
- A professional locksmith gives a fixed price up front with no call-out fee and can supply and fit new locks on the day.
Get a fixed price for an eviction locksmith with no call-out fee — check prices and book a vetted locksmith or call to arrange attendance on the eviction date.
How Much Does An Eviction Locksmith Cost In 2026?
An eviction locksmith in the UK costs £100–£250 inc VAT, rising to £150–£300 in London and the South East. The price covers the locksmith attending the property — usually alongside court-appointed bailiffs or High Court enforcement agents — gaining entry if needed, and changing the locks so the property is secure and the previous occupant cannot return.
The main variables are how many doors need new locks and which locks are fitted. A single-door flat with one lock to change sits at the lower end. A house with front and back doors, a garage and a side gate, each needing a new cylinder or lock, sits higher. If the property has to be opened first — because there is no working key — that adds an entry element similar to an emergency lockout.
Here is what an eviction locksmith typically costs across the UK:
| Scenario | Rest of UK | London & South East |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance plus single lock change | £100 – £180 | £150 – £230 |
| Attendance plus 2–3 lock changes | £150 – £250 | £200 – £320 |
| Whole-property re-secure (multiple doors) | £220 – £400+ | £300 – £500+ |
| Out-of-hours attendance | £160 – £320 | £220 – £400 |
Figures include VAT and reflect 2026 market rates. Locks are supplied and fitted; higher-security locks cost more. Your exact price depends on the property and your postcode — get a fixed quote here.
Eviction Locksmith Cost By Job
Evictions vary from a single-door flat to a multi-entrance house. This breakdown shows how the total builds up:
| Element | Typical cost (rest of UK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Locksmith attendance on eviction day | £60 – £120 | Standard hours |
| Gaining entry (if no key) | £60 – £120 | Non-destructive where possible |
| Single lock replacement | £75 – £170 | Per door, supplied and fitted |
| Additional lock changes | £50 – £120 each | Rear door, garage, gate |
| Higher-security or anti-snap cylinder | +£30 – £90 | Upgrade over standard |
| Out-of-hours premium | +£40 – £90 | Evenings/weekends |
Booking the whole job — attendance, entry and all lock changes — as one fixed price is cheaper than paying for separate visits.
What Affects The Cost Of An Eviction Locksmith?
1. Number Of Doors And Locks
Each door that needs a new lock adds a cylinder or lock and the labour to fit it. A one-door flat is far cheaper than a house with several external doors and outbuildings.
2. Lock Type And Security Level
Standard cylinders are the cheapest to fit. Upgrading to anti-snap, anti-pick or higher-security locks — sensible after an eviction — adds to the parts cost.
3. Whether Entry Is Needed
If there is no working key, the locksmith gains entry first, usually without damage. That adds an entry charge similar to a lockout on top of the lock changes.
4. Time Of Day
Most evictions are scheduled during standard working hours, keeping rates at the daytime level of around £65–£95 per hour. Any out-of-hours attendance adds a premium of roughly £40–£90.
5. Property Type And Access
uPVC multi-point doors, older mortice locks and awkward access all affect the time and parts needed. A mix of lock types across a property raises the total.
6. Your Location
London and the South East run roughly 15–30% higher than the North of England, Wales and Scotland, reflecting higher labour rates.
What's Included — And What's Not
Typically included in an eviction quote:
- Attendance at the property on the agreed date (no call-out fee with a fixed-price provider)
- Non-destructive entry where a key is unavailable
- Supply and fitting of new locks to the agreed doors
- Handover of the new keys to the landlord or their agent
- A test of each new lock before leaving
Usually charged separately:
- Higher-security lock upgrades over standard cylinders
- Extra doors, gates or outbuildings beyond the agreed scope
- Repairs to doors or frames damaged before the locksmith arrived
- Any out-of-hours premium
Confirm the number of doors and lock types in writing beforehand, so the quote matches the work.
Can You Do It Yourself?
Changing a lock is a job many landlords can do themselves — but an eviction is not the moment to try. The reason is legal, not technical. In England and Wales, a landlord cannot lawfully change the locks to remove a tenant without following the proper process: a court possession order and, where the tenant has not left, eviction carried out by court-appointed bailiffs or High Court enforcement agents. Changing locks outside this process can amount to an illegal eviction, which is a criminal offence.
Bringing in a locksmith on the official eviction date — once bailiffs have secured possession — is the safe, lawful route. The locksmith gains entry if needed, fits new locks immediately so the property is secure, and hands the keys to the landlord. Attempting to force entry or change locks yourself risks both a damaged door and serious legal consequences. Take legal advice and follow the court process; use a locksmith only to re-secure the property once possession is lawfully granted.
How To Save Money On An Eviction Locksmith
- Schedule during standard hours — evictions are almost always daytime, which avoids the out-of-hours premium.
- Book attendance and all lock changes as one fixed-price job rather than separate visits.
- Decide the lock spec in advance — confirm which doors need changing and whether you want a security upgrade, so the quote is accurate.
- Ask about keyed-alike locks — matching new cylinders to one key across the property saves carrying multiple keys and can be arranged in one visit.
- Keep the old locks if undamaged — some can be reused elsewhere, though a fresh set is the secure choice after an eviction.
Get a fixed price up front with no call-out fee, so the cost is clear before the eviction date.
How To Hire A Good Locksmith
An eviction is a sensitive, sometimes tense situation, so use a professional who handles them properly. Choose a locksmith who is a member of, or approved by, the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) — MLA-approved locksmiths are vetted, qualified and insured, and understand how to work alongside bailiffs and enforcement agents. Confirm public liability insurance, ask for reviews or references, and insist on a fixed price up front with no call-out fee.
A good locksmith will coordinate with the enforcement agents on timing, gain entry without unnecessary damage, and re-secure the property quickly and discreetly. With Fantastic Services, you get vetted, insured locksmiths, a fixed price agreed in advance and online booking, so the property is secured on the day without complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does An Eviction Locksmith Cost In The UK?
An eviction locksmith costs £100–£250 inc VAT in 2026, or £150–£300 in London. The price covers attendance and changing the locks; multi-door properties and security upgrades cost more, and out-of-hours attendance adds a premium.
Can A Landlord Change The Locks During An Eviction?
Only through the proper legal process. A landlord must have a court possession order, and where the tenant has not left, the eviction must be carried out by court-appointed bailiffs or High Court enforcement agents. Changing locks outside this process can be an illegal eviction and a criminal offence.
When Are The Locks Changed During An Eviction?
Locks are changed on the official eviction date, once bailiffs or enforcement agents have secured lawful possession. The locksmith attends at that point, gains entry if needed and fits new locks straight away so the property is secure.
Does An Eviction Locksmith Provide New Keys?
Yes. The locksmith supplies and fits the new locks and hands the new keys to the landlord or their managing agent. Keyed-alike sets can often be arranged so one key operates several doors.
Is A Court Order Needed Before Calling An Eviction Locksmith?
Yes. A locksmith should only change the locks once a court possession order is in place and, where required, bailiffs have carried out the eviction. Reputable locksmiths will expect the legal process to have been followed before re-securing a property.
How Many Locks Should Be Changed After An Eviction?
Every external door the previous occupant could access should have its lock changed — typically the front and back doors, plus any garage, side gate or outbuilding with its own lock. This ensures no old key can reopen the property.
