Changing Locks

[barnabythebear]

Hiya all,

I am looking for advice on the legality of changing locks on my house.

I currently own a property in Niort. I had a letter from CAF this week following an enquiry I made and they told me my tenant has moved out:

Monsieur,

Vous nous avez signalé que Monsieur XXXXXXXX n'était pas à jour du paiement de son loyer.

Nous ne pouvons donner suite à votre signalement car Monsieur FABIEN FOUQUART a quitté le logement.

Restant à votre disposition,

He hasn't given notice and he has been a very bad tenant. I cannot get over to the house any time soon but would like to get the lock changed. I contacted a locksmith but he siad he would only do the job if I was there to meet him.

Is it possible to sort this out from the UK? I guess it may come down to proving that I am the owner before any work can be done?

Thank you in advance,

Nigel.

[Loiseau]

Welcome to the forum, Nigel.

I can see why the locksmith can’t do it without the owner being present.

Can you ask a local friend to represent you? You would have to provide them with authorisation, I should think, as well as to the locksmith.

Otherwise I fear you will have to hop on a plane and make a dash over there.

[BritinBretagne]

It would also probably be cheaper to fly over and do it yourself.

[barnabythebear]

Hiya,

I'm off there in three weeks but I'm just worried about the house and its security.

Thanks

Nige.