The Short Answer

In Pennsylvania, changing the locks on a co-owned property can create real legal risk if it results in excluding another co-owner (or someone who is lawfully living there) from access. Even if you are an owner, you can still face criminal allegations if law enforcement believes you were not “licensed or privileged” to enter or to use an “unauthorized opening of locks” to gain access.

Because co-ownership and occupancy rights are fact-specific (especially with inherited property), you should talk to a Pennsylvania attorney before taking any action that could be viewed as an “ouster” or a forced lockout.

What Pennsylvania Law Says

Pennsylvania’s trespass laws focus on whether a person is licensed or privileged to enter or remain. Co-ownership often provides a strong argument that you have a right to be there, but disputes arise when one co-owner takes unilateral steps to exclude another co-owner or an occupant with lawful rights. The risk increases if you change locks, block access, or enter a “separately secured” portion of the property over another person’s objection.

The Statute

The primary law that comes up in “breaking and entering” style allegations is 18 Pa.C.S. § 3503 (Criminal trespass).

This statute makes it a crime to enter or “break into” a building or occupied structure when you know you are not licensed or privileged to do so—and it defines “breaks into” to include unauthorized opening of locks.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statute provides the general rule, applying it to a co-owner lock-change situation is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Occupancy and possession: Who is actually living there, who has keys, and whether the property (or a portion of it) is treated as a separately secured area can change the analysis under the trespass statute.
• Burden of proof and evidence: Text messages, prior agreements, probate/inheritance documents, police reports, and witness statements can all affect whether you were “licensed or privileged” (or whether the other party claims you were trying to exclude them).
• Exceptions and overlapping claims: Co-ownership disputes often overlap with probate administration and partition litigation. A lock change can be framed as “self-help” and escalate into emergency petitions, requests for court orders, or criminal complaints.

If this is inherited property or part of an estate dispute, a misstep can create leverage for the other side and expose you to criminal and civil consequences. A lawyer can assess your ownership status, any estate authority issues, and the safest way to protect the property without triggering allegations of trespass or lockout conduct.

Related reading: How does a partition action work in Pennsylvania (especially for inherited property)? and Can a co-owner be ordered to move out during a partition dispute in Pennsylvania?.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Pennsylvania law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.