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Getting locked out of your apartment or house is never fun. It can happen in a split second — you step out to grab the mail or take out the trash, and the door clicks shut behind you. Maybe you misplaced your keys, maybe the lock isn’t working properly, or maybe you just had a hectic day and forgot them inside.
No matter the reason, it’s stressful. But don’t panic; you can take these safe and practical steps to get back inside and keep the situation from happening again.
This guide, brought to you by the moving experts at Moving Help®, will help you walk through quick solutions, along with tips to prevent it from happening in the future.
What to Do When You’re Locked out
Check for Another Way in
Before making any phone calls, do a quick check around your place. Sometimes the easiest solution is right in front of you. Look for another entrance: maybe a back door, a patio door, or a ground-level window that’s unlocked. Just remember to be cautious. You don’t want to force entry or damage property, and you definitely want to avoid drawing attention from neighbors who might mistake you for a stranger breaking in.
If you have roommates, check if they left a secondary door unlocked or left a key hidden in a designated spot. It sounds simple, but it can save you time and money.
Contact Your Landlord or Building Management
If you can’t get in on your own, the next step is to reach out to your landlord or property manager. Most apartment complexes have a system in place for emergencies, whether it’s an app or a phone number you can call. Some landlords keep spare keys, while others can send maintenance staff to help unlock your unit.
Larger complexes may even have 24/7 security or on-call staff who can assist at any time. The best part? This option usually won’t cost you anything extra, unlike calling a locksmith. It’s always a good idea to keep your landlord or management office number saved in your phone for situations like this.
Ask Someone With a Spare Key
If your landlord isn’t available right away, think about anyone else who might have access. Do you have a roommate who’s still at work or in class? A family member who holds onto a spare? Maybe a trusted friend or neighbor you gave a copy to “just in case?” This is often the quickest and most affordable solution.
Even if it means waiting a short while for them to arrive, it usually beats the cost and hassle of hiring a locksmith. If you don’t have a spare key arrangement in place, this situation is a great reminder to set one up for the future.
Call an Apartment Locksmith
If your landlord isn’t available and no one has a spare, it may be time to call a professional who is trained to help in these situations. A locksmith for apartments can usually get you back inside within minutes.
This option should be your last resort, however. Locksmiths can be pricey, often ranging from $50 to $150 depending on the time of day and complexity of the lock. Emergency calls at night or on the weekends can cost even more.
In some cases, the locksmith may need to drill or replace the lock, which adds to the expense. Still, when you’re stuck with no other options, a locksmith is a reliable way to resolve the situation.
Consider a Temporary Stay
Sometimes, you might not get back inside right away. If your landlord is unavailable and a locksmith will take hours to arrive, you’ll need a safe place to wait. Reach out to a friend or family member nearby or check into a local hotel or short-term rental for the night. This is especially important if you’re locked out late at night or in unsafe weather conditions.
How to Prevent Future Lockouts
Dealing with one lockout is frustrating enough; you don’t want it to become a repeat problem. Thankfully, a few simple habits and tools can make a big difference.
Make a Spare Key
Even if you think you’ll never need a spare key, having it can be a lifesaver. You also can leave it with someone you trust, like a close friend, family member, or a neighbor you know well. If you’d rather keep it nearby, consider hiding it in a secure lockbox or a safe area outside your apartment.
Spare keys also are affordable and are a no-brainer when moving into a new place.
Install a Smart Lock
If your landlord allows it, a smart lock can be a game-changer. Many models let you unlock your door with a code or smartphone app. This means you don’t have to worry about losing or forgetting keys anymore.
Save Your Landlord’s Contact Info
Don’t waste time searching for phone numbers when you’re already stressed. Store your landlord’s or property manager’s number in your contacts, so help is just a call away.
Build a Routine
Simple habits, like checking your keys before leaving, can prevent most lockouts. Some people hang a hook by the door or keep keys in the same spot in their bag, so they’re less likely to forget.
Moving to a New Apartment? Moving Help Can Assist
Getting locked out is only one of the challenges that comes with living in an apartment or house. If you’re preparing for a move, why not take the stress off your shoulders from the start? Moving Help connects you with more than 7,500 local Service Providers who can help with loading, unloading, packing, and more.
Make your move, and your new apartment easier from day one. Book your Moving Helpers today and let the experts handle the heavy lifting while you focus on settling in.
