What To Do If You Get Locked Out Of Your House (2024)

Home security is of utmost importance to most homeowners, but what about a reverse situation where you can’t get into your own house? Getting locked out of the house is annoying and frustrating. It only happens at the most inconvenient times, too—like when it’s raining, or when you have a terrible headache and the child you just picked up from school needs to use the bathroom now.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to get that door unlocked in a timely manner (even if your key is a goner).

6 Things to Try if You’re Locked out of Your House

1. Call Another Household Member

If your husband, wife, kids, roommate, etc. are not locked out along with you, chances are they have a key. This is the simplest solution, and the one everyone hopes they can pull off before taking more extreme measures.

2. Track Down a Friend or Family Member With a Spare Key

Did you remember to get your key back from the person who took care of your cat and houseplants last time you went on vacation? If not, send them an SOS text. Unless they are busy watering someone else’s plants, they’ll probably be more than happy to dash over to help you unlock the door.

3. Rent? Call the Landlord

Do you rent your home or live in an apartment? If so, you are in luck. Your landlord or the apartment manager most definitely has a key to your place.

4. Call a Locksmith

If time is of the essence (or you just don’t want to mess around), this is the way to go. A locksmith can unlock your door in a matter of minutes, and they can do it without causing any unnecessary damage to your door. Be prepared, though, to pay an average of $156 or maybe even more depending on where you live or the time of day you call (a locksmith is probably going to charge a little extra to come to your assistance in the wee hours).

Not sure where to turn for locksmith services? Recommendations from people that you trust are best, but if none of your friends can offer a referral, try looking for a certified one online (the Associated Locksmiths of America allows you to search by zip code on their website). Also, make sure they have any necessary licenses, if it is required in your state (15 states have this requirement).

5. Check for an Open Window or Back Door

While you should never leave doors and windows unlocked when you leave the house (unlocked doors and windows are a common entry point for burglars), if you are locked out it never hurts to check, just in case. If this does the trick, that’s great. Just be sure to do a sweep through the house once you are back inside to make sure nothing is missing (and next time, check for open windows and doors before you leave).

6. Break in

This should really be a last resort—breaking in can look sketchy to anyone walking by who doesn’t know you. However, if you can’t track down a key and you can’t find a locksmith, it might be your best bet. How you do this will differ depending on the type of lock and the type of doorknob you have, but if you have a credit card (or even some bobby pins) it is possible. Once you are in? Make sure you come up with a plan for any future lockouts, and make sure said plan does not involve breaking and entering.

What Not to Do if You Are Locked Out of Your House

Now that you know what you should do if you are locked out of your house, it is a good idea to learn about the things you should avoid doing, too.

First of all, don’t throw a rock through a window or kick down your door. You could wind up injured, and you will definitely end up with a repair bill to pay (it is better to just pay the locksmith).

Also, don’t call 911 for help if you are locked out of your house (unless the lock out is connected to an actual emergency, like a fire)—the police and/or fire department aren’t going to come to your rescue.

Finally, if you happen to notice that an upstairs window is open, don’t try to access it with a ladder or by climbing onto the roof. You could get hurt. It is better to just be patient and wait for someone with a key (or the professional skills to get you inside) to arrive.