You’re in a rush, so you grab your things and run out the door, closing it securely behind you, only to realize you forgot your keys. Or maybe you lost your keys while you were out.
However it happened, suddenly you realize, “I’m locked out of my house.”
Locking your home is a smart choice. In 2018, burglaries made up 17.1% of all property crimes. The financial toll of each burglary averaged $2,799.
A locked door is often a deterrent for a would-be burglar, but it can also keep you from getting into the safety of your own home when you lock yourself out.
It’s a sinking feeling to know you’re standing right outside your home yet you can’t get inside.
Before you panic, take a deep breath and try these steps to help you get back inside your home.
Check Doors and Windows
If you’re serious about home security, you likely have all of your doors and windows locked. But it never hurts to check in case one point of entry got left unlocked or open.
Check any other doors first since that’s the easiest way into your home. If you have an attached garage with a door leading into the house, check that door as well.
If those are all locked, check for an open or unlocked window. You may need a ladder or other item to reach a window well.
It’s tempting to use a ladder to reach second-story access points, but this can be dangerous. It’s usually better to try a different approach if you can’t find any unlocked doors or windows on the first floor.
Look for a Spare Key
When you’re locked out of your house, you may go into panic mode. But that causes you to stop thinking clearly, and you may miss an easy opportunity to get back inside your home.
Think about any spare keys you’ve made and where you put them. Did you place once in a secure place outside of your home?
Perhaps you gave a copy to a neighbor, friend, or local family member. Do you have a pet sitter, babysitter, or home service company that has a copy of your key?
Reach out to anyone who might have a spare key to see if they’re available to bring it to you.
If you live with someone else, a simple solution is to call that person and have them come home if possible. If it’s inconvenient for that person to make a trip home, move on to other options.
Call Your Landlord
If you’re a renter, you may have luck calling your landlord. The property manager or landlord should have a set of keys to all units. If you live in a community with a maintenance crew, they may also have access to a key.
Property management companies may charge you a fee for coming to unlock your unit.
This option works best if the management company is local. Some rentals are managed by someone who isn’t local. You’ll have a harder time finding someone who can unlock your door if that’s the case.
Long-distance landlords may have a local contact who keeps a set of keys, though, so it’s still worth a try. You may also get lucky and catch your landlord in town.
Try a Credit Card
A credit card could be all that stands between you and your home. Depending on the type of lock you have, the credit card could be enough to slide the lock. This method works on standard spring latch locks.
Slip the credit card in the crack of the door just above the lock at an angle. Press it against the latch inside the frame to shimmy it between the lock and the frame. Continue pressing downward while wiggling the door to help get the credit card in the right position to move the lock.
The same trick can work with a very thin knife blade. Ask a neighbor to borrow a knife if you don’t have a pocketknife on hand.
Keep in mind if you can get into your home easily with a credit card, so can a burglar. Consider upgrading your lock system if this method works.
Remove the Knob
If you don’t have a deadbolt locked, you may be able to remove the doorknob. If the knob has exposed screws, try removing them with a screwdriver.
When the screws are hidden, you’ll need to pry off the plate. A flathead screwdriver may work to get it off. This exposes the internal screws, which you can then remove.
Once you get the knob off, you can reach in or use a screwdriver to move the latch out of the door frame. This unlocks the door so you can get in.
Be careful not to damage the door while you remove the knob.
Call a Locksmith
There are many reasons to call a locksmith, including locking yourself out of your house. It costs you money, but this is the easiest way to get into your home if your other tricks don’t work.
A locksmith can get you into your home quickly, so you can move on with your day. The pro can also help you get in without damaging the doorknob or the lock.
If you try to pick the lock yourself, you may end up doing damage that requires you to replace parts. That could be more expensive than just hiring a locksmith from the start.
When choosing a locksmith, look for a reliable service with a good reputation. Make sure the company is insured and bonded to protect you if something happens.
Ask for identification when the locksmith arrives. While many locksmiths drive company vehicles, some also drive unmarked vehicles to prevent themselves from becoming the target of theft. Either way, it’s a smart move to verify the identity of anyone who helps you unlock your home.
Locked Out of My House
If you find yourself thinking, “I’m locked out of my house,” stay calm and try the above steps to regain access. If you get lucky, you’ll be inside in no time, but if you need more help, a local, reliable locksmith can handle the job for you.
Learn more about us and contact us if you need a reliable locksmith to help you get back into your home.
