6 Practical Solutions to When You Are Locked out of Your Apartment

By: ROS Team

Have you ever been locked out of apartment? Believe it or not, it’s a surprisingly common occurrence. In fact, over 16,000 home and car lockouts happen every single day in the United States alone! Whether you’ve misplaced your keys, accidentally left them inside, or are dealing with a malfunctioning lock, being locked out can be a stressful situation.

But fear not! This blog post will equip you with 6 practical solutions to help you regain entry to your apartment, no matter the time of day.

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

Resist the urge to force your way in! Breaking a window or damaging the lock creates a bigger hassle (and expense) than calling for help.

What to Do If Locked Out Of Apartment?

Solution 01: Double Check Your Bag and Pockets

When you realize you’re locked out of house, take a deep breath and double-check your bag and pockets thoroughly. Your keys might be hiding in a forgotten zippered compartment, or nestled deep in a coat pocket you haven’t used in a while. A quick and careful search could save you a lot of time and trouble.

Solution 02: Check for Openings

Before anything else, do a quick scan around your apartment. See if there are any unlocked windows or doors you might have missed. This could be a balcony door, a basement entrance, or even a window you left slightly open.

Solution 03: DIY Tricks (Use with Caution)

If you’re comfortable and the situation allows, you can attempt some DIY methods to unlock the door. Important Remember, this is a last resort. Only try this if you know what you’re doing and are confident you won’t damage the lock or door.

Look online for tutorials on locksmith websites or YouTube channels. Tools like bobby pins or paper clips might work on simple locks, but be careful not to break anything in the process.

Solution 04: Unscrew the Doorknob (For Apartments with Removable Knobs)

Some apartments have doorknobs that can be unscrewed from the inside. This might grant you access if someone is already inside. However, this method only works on specific knob types, and attempting it on the wrong kind of knob could cause damage.

Solution 05: Contact Property Management

Locked out of my house who do I call? This should be your first call for help. Your leasing office, property manager, or landlord will likely possess a spare key and can grant you swift re-entry.

However, be mindful that this assistance may incur a fee, particularly during non-business hours or weekends. It’s prudent to review your lease agreement’s stipulations regarding such situations beforehand.

Solution 06: Call a Locksmith

If none of the above solutions work, it’s time to call a professional locksmith. They can unlock your door quickly and efficiently, minimizing any damage. Locksmiths typically charge a service fee, so be prepared for that expense.

Also, keep in mind that locksmiths are available around the clock. If you need help during off-hours like nights, weekends, or holidays, you’ll likely incur an extra charge of $150 to $250.

Tip: In an emergency or bad weather, it’s best to call a residential locksmith.

How to Prevent Getting Locked out of Your Place?

Here are some ways to prevent getting locked out of house:

1- Habitual Key Check

Develop a habit of double-checking that you have your keys before leaving your home. This could involve a quick visual inspection near the door, a pat-down of your pockets, or even setting a reminder on your phone.

Tip: If you often forget things, you can try a sticker fob. Just stick it onto something you always carry with you, and you won’t have to worry about leaving your key fobs at home again.

2- Spare Key Strategy

Having a spare key is a lifesaver. Get a copy made and entrust it to someone you trust implicitly. This could be a close friend, family member, or a reliable neighbor. Just be sure the hiding spot (if you choose one) is secure but accessible to your trusted person.

3- Explore Smart Lock Options

Consider upgrading to a smart lock or keyless entry system. These allow access through your phone’s app, fingerprint scan, or a code. They eliminate the worry of losing keys altogether.

4- Lease Agreement Knowledge

Familiarize yourself with the lockout policy in your lease agreement. This will outline any fees associated with regaining entry through your property manager and might mention after-hours procedures or emergency contact information for smart lock systems. Knowing these details beforehand can save you stress and potentially money in a lockout situation.

Locked out of My Apartment? It’s Not the Worst Thing

Being locked out may feel annoying, but staying composed helps solve it smoothly. Everyone deals with this sometimes, so it’s no big deal. Think of it as an opportunity – you could say hi to neighbors or find a cozy cafe while awaiting assistance.