Can I change locks?

[dtschroeck]

My Sister and I were left my Mum's home 50-50. I have lived with Mum the last 20 years before she passed. I will have the money to buy my sister out in late 2016.

I have noticed of late that my sister will enter the home while I am out and I am uneasy with that. I want to change the locks bvut she claims I have no legal right to do so since she is co-owner.

Is this true even though she has not lived there in 20+ years? As my place of residence don't I have protection from her entering when ever she wants?

Please help as I feel I am at the end of my rope.

Struggling with this in the Glasgow area.

[paulajayne]

Re: Can I change locks?

If she does not live there then change the locks.

She may have access with prior permission.

Locks were changed for better security if she asks.

[Celestine]

Re: Can I change locks?

There is no legal reason why you cannot change the locks as an owner of the property, the same applies to her, but as occupant you should do this.

She can then apply to court for a service of keys order but this will take time and money and would flush out the legal issues of occupancy and access.