Locked Out of Your House? 7 Expert Tips From Lockforce UK to Get Back In Safely (2025 Guide)
Quick Answer:
If you're locked out of your house, stay calm and follow these steps: check for any open doors or windows, see if someone you trust has a spare key, and if not, call a professional locksmith. Avoid trying to force the door, as it can cause costly damage. If you rent, your landlord may have a key.
Being
locked out of your home is something most people face at least once in their
lives — usually when it's the worst timing. Whether you've lost your keys, left
them inside, or your lock has jammed, the situation is stressful… but it's
rarely as bad as it seems.
At Lockforce
UK, we help people across the country every day who’ve found themselves in
the same situation. And with the right advice — and a reliable locksmith —
getting back in can be easier (and quicker) than you think.
Here’s what to do.
🚪 What To
Do When You’re Locked Out of Your House in 2025
1. Check for Unlocked Doors or Windows
It might
sound obvious, but start by walking around your home to see if:
- The back door was left open
- A side gate gives you access to another
entrance
- Any ground-floor windows are unlocked
Don’t
attempt anything risky (like climbing), and never break a window — it’ll cost
more to repair than hiring a locksmith.
2. Call Someone Who Has a Spare Key
Do you
live with a partner, family member or housemate? Call them — they may be able
to come home or give access remotely if you’ve got a smart lock.
If
you’ve given a spare key to a neighbour, friend or relative, now’s the time to
reach out.
3. Check for a Hidden Key (Carefully)
Some
people still keep a spare key outside. If you do, check the usual places in
case a partner or family member has left one out (you never know but we have
seen it happen when we have turned up to help):
- A key safe
- Behind a garden feature
- In a trusted hiding spot
👉 Security
tip for 2025: Avoid classic places like under the mat or a plant pot.
Burglars know those tricks. A Police Approved Key Safe is the best approach,
not a cheap one from Amazon.
4. Call a Trusted Locksmith
If the
above options don’t work, it’s time to call in the professionals.
At Lockforce
UK, we provide:
- The quickest and most effective entry back
into your property, based on
your situation
- Fast response, 24 hours a day in many
areas
- Local, DBS-checked locksmiths you can trust
- Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
We’ve helped thousands of people back into their homes quickly, safely, and without stress.
Top Tip – spend a few
minutes checking reviews and recommendations before calling a locksmith you
haven’t heard of before. And be wary of LOW (cheap) call out rates.
5. If You Rent, Contact Your Landlord
Landlords
or letting agents often have spare keys — especially for emergency access. If
it’s during business hours, they may be able to come out or send someone.
Just double-check your tenancy agreement to see who’s responsible for the cost if a locksmith is needed.
6. Don’t Force the Door
It’s
tempting. You’re cold, annoyed, and maybe in a rush. But don’t do what we have
seen on many occasions:
- Try to kick the door in – you’ll more likely
to hurt yourself
- Use a credit card – unless its maxed out and
you don’t want to use it anymore 😊
- Jam it open with a screwdriver – not many
people carry a spare screwdriver but it won’t help when locked out.
Forcing
the door can:
- Wreck your lock, frame or handle
- Void your insurance
- Lead to repair bills far higher than a locksmith’s fee
7. Wait Somewhere Safe
If it’s
cold, dark or you’re feeling vulnerable, wait in a neighbour’s house, your car,
or a nearby shop. Stay calm — help is on the way.
Why Lockforce UK?
As a
national network of independent local locksmiths, Lockforce UK offers:
- ✅ Clear and honest response
times
- 🔐 Safe, damage-free entry
- 🧾 Upfront pricing with no surprises
- ⭐ 25k 5 star
reviews
- 👮♂️ DBS-checked, fully insured
professionals
Common Lock Out Questions Answered
❓Can I break into my own house?
Legally,
you can attempt to enter your own property, but any damage caused is your
responsibility. If the police are called or you injure yourself, it could make
matters worse. We don’t recommend it.
❓Will a locksmith damage my door?
No. At
Lockforce, we use various entry methods but damaging the door is not one of
them. In extreme cases additional measures are required but we will assess the
situation and keep you informed of what we are doing and why.
❓Can my insurance cover this?
Sometimes.
If your keys were stolen or it’s classed as an emergency, your home
insurance or contents policy may cover the cost of a locksmith. Keep
the invoice to claim later.
❓How quickly can a locksmith
arrive?
Our team
will tell you what they can do, and what they can’t. If we can be with you in 30
to 60 minutes, we will tell you. Our teams work at all times throughout the
week, and as much as we are 24x7 we do take some time off occasionally.
Locked Out Right Now? Call Lockforce UK
We're
here to help get you back inside — fast, safely, and with zero drama.
📞 0333 567 8920
Author:
Sean Taylor
UK’s Trusted Locksmith Network
