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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.


๐Ÿšช 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

๐Ÿ‘‰ 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 ๐Ÿ˜Š
  • 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
  • ๐Ÿ” Safe, damage-free entry
  • ๐Ÿงพ Upfront pricing with no surprises
  •  25k 5 star reviews
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฎ 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.

๐Ÿ“ž 0333 567 8920

๐Ÿ” Find your nearest Lockforce locksmith: https://www.lockforce.co.uk/our-locations/




Author: Sean Taylor

Managing Director, Lockforce UK
UK’s Trusted Locksmith Network