Tenants rights

[George38]

In the absence of any clause in a shorthold tenancy agreement to the contrary, does a tenant have any right to change the front and/or rear door locks on a property without the landlord's permission? I'm talking about a normal two bed terraced property.
Also, if a tenancy agreement states that a tenant must give written notice of his intention to vacate the property, but such notice is given verbally, must a landlord accept such notice, or can he insist that such notice is given in writing?

[BRAVO1]

Re Locks : No you cannot change them.

Re Notice : Must be written.

[Twenty20]

Actually, you can change the locks on your property. The landlord or agent has no legal right to enter the property anyway while you are a tenant without your permission and so has no need for a key. You would though have to replace the locks with the originals before you leave without any damage to the doors etc.

This could backfire however if there was an emergency and the landlord was called and couldnt gain access (such as for a gas or water leak etc). You would then probably be liable for the cost of breaking in and the repairs afterwards.

Notice should be given in writing, otherwise how can you prove youve given notice?

[BRAVO1]

I rent 2 house's and a small flat.
I would never allow a tenant to change any lock.
Changing lock's mean's only one thing in my mind.
Scam or possible rent defaulter.
Being doing this job a longtime and seen every trick and heard every excuse.
Too many scum out there trying to live off other's and avoid paying their rent.