.svg){kind=icon}
Locked Out of Your House? What to Do and What It Costs
If you are locked out of your house, first make sure you are safe, then check for a spare key holder or another unlocked door without breaking anything. If anyone vulnerable is inside or there is immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise call an emergency locksmith: at Locksmith24, non-destructive lockout opening starts from £89 in daytime hours.
Key takeaways
- Stay safe first. A child, a vulnerable person, a pet in danger or a cooker left on means calling 999 if there is immediate risk.
- Do not force a door or window. Damage almost always costs more than a locksmith.
- Most lockouts can be opened without damage. A good locksmith will try non-destructive methods first.
- Expect to show proof that you live at the address once you are inside.
- Always ask for a firm price before work starts.
What to do first when you are locked out
Being locked out is stressful, especially late at night or in bad weather. Working through these steps in order usually gets you inside faster and without extra cost.
- Make sure you are safe. If it is dark, cold or you feel unsafe where you are standing, move somewhere better lit, such as a neighbour's doorstep or a nearby shop, while you sort things out.
- Check every door and window, without breaking anything. Try the back door, the side gate and any patio doors. Look for a window left on the latch. Do not climb to an upstairs window or remove glazing.
- Think about who has a spare key. A partner, family member, neighbour or friend may have one. It is often quicker to wait for a spare than for anyone else.
- If you rent, contact your landlord or letting agent. Many keep a spare set, and some have an out-of-hours number. Check your tenancy agreement too, because some landlords want to approve any lock changes.
- Call a locksmith if none of that works. Explain the type of door and lock if you can, for example a uPVC door with a multipoint lock or a timber door with a night latch, as it helps the engineer come prepared.
When to call 999 instead of a locksmith
A lockout becomes an emergency for the emergency services when there is a risk to someone's life or safety. Call 999 straight away if:
- a young child or a vulnerable adult is inside on their own and cannot open the door
- someone inside may be ill or injured
- a cooker, hob or other appliance has been left on and there is a risk of fire
- you can smell gas or see smoke
- a pet is in immediate danger
The emergency services can decide whether forced entry is needed. Once everyone is safe, a locksmith can repair or replace the damaged lock and make the property secure.
Why you should not force your way in
Kicking a door, prising a window or breaking a pane might feel like the quickest option, but it rarely is. uPVC and composite doors are built to resist force, so you are more likely to damage the frame, the seals or the glazing than to open the door. Those repairs are expensive, take longer to arrange and can leave your home insecure overnight. Breaking glass also carries a real risk of injury, and a damaged door may need replacing rather than repairing. Your home insurance may not cover damage you cause yourself, so check your policy before assuming it will. A locksmith opening the door properly is nearly always cheaper and safer.
How a locksmith gets you back in
A professional locksmith will try non-destructive entry first, meaning the door is opened without damaging the lock or the door. In general terms the methods include lock picking, specialist bypass tools and letterbox tools, chosen to suit the type of door and lock. The right method depends on whether you have a night latch, a mortice lock or a uPVC multipoint lock, and whether the door was simply pulled shut or fully locked with a key.
Sometimes non-destructive entry is not possible. High-security cylinders are designed to resist these methods, and a lock that has failed internally may not respond to them either. In those cases the engineer may need to remove or drill the lock and fit a replacement. A reputable locksmith will explain this, and the extra cost, before doing it. They should not reach for the drill as the first option.
If your keys have been lost or stolen rather than left inside, it is also worth changing or rekeying the locks once you are in. Our lost keys service covers getting you inside and securing the property in the same visit.
Proof that you live there
A responsible locksmith needs to be satisfied that they are letting the right person into the property. Once the door is open, expect to be asked for proof that you live there, such as photo ID showing the address, a utility bill, a bank statement or other post addressed to you. This protects you as well. You would not want a locksmith who opens doors for anyone who asks.
How much does a locksmith cost to unlock a house door?
The cost of a locksmith to open a house door depends on the type of lock, whether entry can be done without damage, and the time of day. These are Locksmith24's published prices:
| Job | Locksmith24 price |
|---|---|
| Lockout opening, non-destructive, daytime hours | From £89 |
| Lock replacement, if the lock needs to be changed | Typically £120 to £200 including parts and labour |
| Typical overall range | £89 to £300 depending on the job |
| Call-out fee | None, no separate call-out fee |
| Out-of-hours visits | May carry an extra charge |
We give a firm price before any work starts, so you know the cost before the engineer touches the door. All work carries our 180-day parts and labour guarantee. You can see the full breakdown on our locksmith prices page.
What affects the price
- Type of lock: a door that has only been pulled shut on a night latch is usually quicker than one locked with a key.
- Security level: high-security and anti-snap cylinders take longer and are less likely to open without damage, which can mean a replacement.
- Time of day: out-of-hours call-outs may cost more than daytime visits.
- Extra work: if the lock is damaged, worn or the keys are lost, replacing it adds parts and labour.
How to avoid rogue locksmiths
Locksmithing in the UK is not regulated by a licensing scheme, so anyone can call themselves a locksmith. When you are stood outside in the rain it is easy to ring the first number you find, but a few checks are worth the minute they take:
- Get a firm price on the phone. Be wary of vague answers such as "it depends" with no range at all, or very low headline prices that grow once the engineer arrives.
- Ask about call-out fees and out-of-hours charges. You should know about every charge before anyone sets off.
- Ask whether they try non-destructive entry first. A locksmith who goes straight to drilling for a simple lockout is a warning sign.
- Check who you are dealing with. Look for a real business name, reviews and clear contact details. Many people also look for membership of a trade body such as the Master Locksmiths Association.
- Ask about vetting and guarantees. Our engineers are DBS-checked, and our work is covered by a 180-day parts and labour guarantee.
- Get a receipt. It should show the work done and the price paid.
How to prevent future lockouts
Most lockouts happen because of a door that locks itself behind you, a lost bunch of keys or a lock that has been failing for a while. A few habits make a big difference.
- Leave a spare key with someone you trust, such as a family member or a neighbour, rather than under a mat or plant pot where a burglar would look first.
- Know how your door locks. Night latches lock automatically when the door is pulled shut. Getting into the habit of picking up your keys before you step outside avoids most of these lockouts.
- Fix a stiff or sticking lock early. A key that is hard to turn or a uPVC handle that needs forcing is often a lock about to fail. Our locksmith services include repairs and lock changes before it becomes an emergency.
- Consider a key safe for vulnerable relatives or carers who need access, choosing a police-approved model where possible.
- Keep your keys in one place inside the home, near the door, so they are always in the same spot when you leave.
- Save a trusted locksmith's number now, while you are calm, so you are not searching online in a hurry and picking whichever advert appears first.
Locked out right now?
If you are locked out of your house in London, call Locksmith24. Our emergency locksmiths are available 24/7, typically arrive in 20 to 30 minutes and will always try to get you in without damage. You get a firm price before any work starts and no separate call-out fee. Check our areas covered to see where we work, then give us a call.
