Locked Out of House UK

Locked Out of your House? Here’s What to Do!

If you’re locked out of your house, there are a few steps to follow to keep the situation as stress free as possible:

1. Stay calm and assess the situation.
2. Check for open doors or windows.
3. Call someone with a spare key.
4. Avoid DIY unlocking attempts.
5. If you still can’t get in, call a professional locksmith.

Getting locked outside of your house is frustrating and stressful but don’t worry, our professional locksmiths have seen it all and are on hand to help should you need us!

What to Do If You’re Locked Out of Your Home

Being locked out of your house can happen to anyone –the important thing to remember is to stay calm. Take some deep breaths and revaluate your situation with a clearer mind to prevent any drastic measures which could cost you more time and money in the long run.

1. Stay calm and assess the situation – are you using the key correctly, are you actually locked out?
2. Check for open doors or windows?
3. Call someone with a spare key
4. Avoid DIY entry techniques
5. Call a locksmith if all other methods fail

What Not to Do

• Don’t try to pick the lock or force the door — doing this can damage your lock, the door or the door frame.
• Don’t break a window unless it’s a life-threatening emergency – You risk injury and costly repairs.
• Don’t rely on online “lock picking hacks” — most don’t work and can void your insurance. “Hacks” risks damage and compromising security. Makeshift tools can irreversibly damage locks, break inside them, and invalidate security. Aggressive methods, like prying, can damage doors and hardware, leading to costly repairs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Back Inside

If you find yourself locked out, don’t panic – here are some safe steps you can take to get back inside.

1. Check for Open Windows or Back Doors
   Check windows and doors first, you may have left a window or alternative door open on accident. This can be overlocked in a state of panic and can save you time and money. Just act with caution when entering though a window and don’t force a window or door open and cause further damag
2. Call your Friends or Family
   Call trusted friends, family or trusted neighbours! They may have a spare key you’ve forgotten about and can let you back in without the need for a locksmith. I personally leave my spare key with a trusted neighbour who has helped us back in more times than I’d like to admit!
3. Avoid DIY Locksmith Methods
   Unless you’re a trained locksmith please don’t attempt to unlock your door with a hair pin or credit card. You’ll likely cause more damage, and it will cost you more in the long run.

Who to Call When Locked Out

• Friends and family – if you’ve handed out any spare keys in the past, see if anyone is free to pop over and let you back in.
• Landlords – If you rent, then your landlord is a good first call to make, they might have a spare key themselves or maintenance staff that can let you in,
• Locksmiths – the safest and most reliable option, a locksmith can often get you into your home with minimal damage and non-destructive methods of entry.
• Emergency services – This is a last resort, should it be a genuine medical emergency or you or someone else is at risk of immediate harm, the emergency services do not handle lockouts and may consider it as a waste of services.

How to Avoid Getting Locked Out Again

When you’re safely back inside, here’s how you can prevent being stuck locked out of house again:

• Maintain routine – Always keep your keys in the same place in your home so you don’t lock yourself out with your keys inside.
• Install a key safe box – Use a key safe with a spare key inside if there is no one local you trust.
• Keep a spare key – entrust a spare key with a trusted neighbour, family member or friend.
• Install a smart lock –  a smart lock uses digits, fingerprints or facial recognition to lock and unlock.

When to Call a Locksmith

If you’ve tried alternative entry points and no luck with a spare key, it’s time to call a locksmith.

You should call a locksmith immediately if you are locked out because of lost keys, keys locked inside, a broken lock, or a key stuck in the lock. Our local Keytek® Locksmiths are available 7 days a week to help whenever you need us.

Finding a rapid response locksmith is essential in situations like late hours, unsafe locations, or bad weather. Emergency locksmiths can offer quick assistance during inconvenient times.

Why Choose Keytek® Locksmiths

• Rapid response times – being lockout is an emergency for you and us. Our team of local locksmiths prioritise getting you back inside as quickly as possible.
• Accredited and fully trained locksmiths – Every Keytek locksmith is highly trained, DBS-checked and accredited for your peace of mind.
• Repair first – Wherever possible, our locksmiths will repair or service your lock rather then replace it, saving you time and money.
• High quality parts with 12-month guarantee – all parts supplied and fitted by us are under a 12-month guarantee for your confidence and security.
• Free home security checks – we offer a free home security check on all jobs if you’d like one to ensure your home is as secure as possible.
• Fair pricing – we price competitively and take care in ensuring there are no hidden costs.
• Excellent rated on Trustpilot – don’t just take our word for it, we have nearly 6,000 reviews on Trustpilot with a score of 4.7 out of 5!

Being locked out of home is frustrating and stressful but by following our guidance we hope it helps you remember to stay calm and call a locksmith when needed. If you need us, we will gladly help and get you back inside quickly and safely.

Key Takeaways: What to Do If You’re Locked Out

Getting locked out can be stressful, but staying calm and following a few simple steps can help you get back inside quickly and safely.

What to Do When Locked Out

1. Stay calm – take a moment to think clearly before acting.
2. Check for alternative entry points – see if any doors or windows are safely open.
3. Look for a spare key – contact a friend, family member, neighbour, or your landlord.
4. Avoid DIY methods – forcing the lock can cause damage and may void your home insurance.
5. Call a professional locksmith – a trained expert can regain entry quickly without causing damage.

How to Prevent Future Lockouts

1. Keep a spare key with someone you trust.
2. Install a key safe or smart lock for secure access options.
3. Set a routine for where you keep your keys to reduce the chance of forgetting them.

Call a Local Emergency Locksmith

If you’ve tried the steps above and still can’t get inside, contact your local Keytek® Locksmith. Our DBS-checked, fully trained locksmiths offer:

• Rapid emergency response
• Warranty on parts and labour

Keytek Locksmiths will get you safely back inside—quickly, professionally, and at a fair price.