What to Do if You Get Locked Out of Your House

Whether you forget your keys and slam your door behind you, or your key breaks in the lock, nothing is worse than realising you are locked out of your house. However, there’s no need to panic. Here’s a guide to tell you what to do if you get locked out of your house or apartment.

Consider calling a locksmith

If you’re a homeowner, your first call should be to a local professional. Find a Rockingham locksmith and call them as soon as possible for a fast response. This is usually the quickest and easiest option, as locksmiths have the right tools to do the job without causing damage.

Some people are tempted to try and pick the lock themselves, but this isn’t recommended. This is because locks are complex, so if you stick something in there, you can break the mechanisms and create a bigger job for the locksmith. Therefore, you should be careful not to attempt your own locksmith job.

See if you have an access point

If you’ve just stepped out your house for a minute, you may not have locked up properly, so look out for:

• Open ground floor windows
• Open back gates
• Doggy doors
• Unlocked back doors or gates

You should never leave a hidden key around, and should avoid leaving a spare key with anyone unless you completely trust them, as many burglaries happen when people manage to get hold of a key.

Call the landlord

If you live in a rented place, you may be able to get a spare key from your landlord or estate agent. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to reach them out of hours, but it’s worth trying, as this can save the hassle of needing to change the locks. Make sure you have the letting agent’s emergency number in your phone in case anything like this happens.

Getting locked out of your home may fill you with dread, but luckily, it’s something you can usually resolve pretty quickly. Locksmiths generally work 24 hours a day, so can get to your door quickly, and many times, they can get you access to your home without needing to change the locks. Some people have friends or family members with keys, or can find some other way to get in. Just remember, it’s not a good idea to mess with the lock and try to pick it yourself, as this can cause damage.