Getting locked out of your house is one of those things that feels like a crisis in the moment but is usually resolved in under an hour. If it just happened to you: slow down, take a breath, and work through the steps below before doing anything expensive.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do — in order — when you're locked out of your house.
Step 1: Check Every Entry Point Before You Do Anything Else
Before you call anyone, spend two or three minutes checking your options. You might be closer to getting back in than you think.
Check these in order:
- All exterior doors — front, back, side, garage. Is any of them actually unlocked? It happens more than people admit.
- Ground-floor windows — Is any cracked open? A slightly open window with a screen you can remove might let you in.
- The garage — If you have an attached garage with a keypad, do you remember the code? The manual release cord inside can sometimes be reached through the top of the door with a wire coat hanger, though this takes some patience.
- A basement window — Basement windows are often older and sometimes can be opened from outside if not properly latched.
This check takes about three minutes and sometimes saves you $100 or more. Don't skip it.
Step 2: Call Someone Who Has a Key
Think through who has a copy of your key before pulling out your wallet.
- Roommates or family members — Is anyone else who lives there reachable?
- Trusted neighbors — Did you ever give a spare key to a neighbor for emergencies?
- Your landlord or property manager (if renting) — This is the most important one. If you're a renter, call your landlord or property management company before doing anything else. They are legally required to provide you access to your unit, and many have 24-hour emergency lines. Getting back in through your landlord costs you nothing.
- A family member in the area — Could someone drive over with a spare key in the next hour?
If any of these options work, you're done for free.
Step 3: Check Your Roadside Assistance Coverage
Many people don't realize their roadside assistance coverage extends to home lockouts — not just car lockouts. Check:
- Homeowners or renters insurance — Some policies include a "lockout service" benefit, typically covering $50 to $150 toward a locksmith call
- AAA membership — AAA's roadside assistance can sometimes cover residential lockouts depending on your plan
- Credit card benefits — Certain premium credit cards include home assistance services; check your card's benefits portal
Making a two-minute check here before calling a locksmith could save you most of the bill.
Step 4: Call a Locksmith
If you've exhausted the free options, it's time to call a locksmith. Here's how to do this the right way.
How to Find One
Search Google for "locksmith near me" or "[your city] locksmith." Look for:
- Businesses with a real website (not just a phone number)
- Reviews spanning at least a year or two
- A physical address you can verify
Be cautious of listings with suspiciously low "starting at" prices ($29, $39, $49). These are often scams that quote low on the phone and charge dramatically more once they arrive.
What to Tell the Locksmith
Give them accurate information so they can give you an accurate quote:
- Your address — including apartment number if applicable
- Type of lock — standard deadbolt? Knob lock? Security lock with a restricted keyway?
- What happened — locked out, lost key, broken lock, key won't turn?
- Time of day — they'll need to factor in any after-hours pricing
The Question You Must Ask
Before you agree to anything: "What is the total price, including the service call, labor, and any parts?"
Not "what's your starting rate." The total price for your specific situation.
A professional will be able to give you a reasonable estimate. If they refuse to commit to any number, that's a warning sign.
What to Expect When the Locksmith Arrives
A residential lockout with a standard lock usually takes 10 to 30 minutes to resolve. Here's what happens:
- The locksmith examines the lock and door condition
- They use picking tools, a tension wrench, or in some cases a bypass technique to open the door
- If the lock is a standard pin tumbler (as most American deadbolts are), drilling is almost never necessary
- They'll typically offer to rekey the lock while they're there — this is usually worth doing if you've lost a key rather than just forgotten it inside
Drilling should be a last resort, not a first move. If a locksmith immediately says they need to drill without attempting to pick the lock first, ask them to explain why. High-security locks (Medeco, Abloy, Mul-T-Lock) may genuinely require drilling, but standard residential locks rarely do.
What You'll Pay
Residential lockout prices vary by city and time of day:
| Time of Call | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Business hours (8 AM – 6 PM, weekdays) | $85 – $140 |
| Evenings (6 PM – 10 PM) | $110 – $175 |
| Late night / overnight | $140 – $200 |
| Weekends and holidays | $120 – $185 |
These are national averages. In high-cost cities (New York, San Francisco, Seattle), expect the upper end or above. In lower-cost markets (San Antonio, Memphis, Indianapolis), the lower end.
If you're quoted significantly below these ranges — say, $35 or $49 flat — proceed with extreme caution. That's below the cost of legitimate service in any major US market.
If You're Locked Out in a Dangerous Situation
If it's very late, you're in an unfamiliar area, or you feel unsafe waiting outside:
- Go to a neighbor's house and ask if you can wait inside
- Go to a nearby business that's open (gas station, restaurant, etc.)
- Call non-emergency police — officers sometimes assist with lockouts or can provide a safe waiting environment
- Most important: Don't wait outside alone in a vulnerable position for 45 minutes at 2 AM
After You Get Back In: What to Do Next
Once you're inside, take 10 minutes to handle the underlying problem:
- If you lost your key: Rekey the lock. It costs $50 to $100 and means the lost key is now useless.
- If you just forgot your key: Make a spare. Leave one with a trusted neighbor or family member.
- If the lock is old or worn: This might be the right time to upgrade.
- Consider a smart lock or keypad: An August, Schlage, or similar keypad deadbolt means you'll never be locked out by a forgotten key again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take a locksmith to open a house door? For a standard residential deadbolt, a professional locksmith typically opens the door in 5 to 30 minutes. The wide range reflects differences in lock type, condition, and the locksmith's experience. Drilling is faster but damages the lock; picking is the preferred approach.
Can I call the police if I'm locked out of my house? Police don't typically open locks, but they can sometimes help verify your identity and may know local resources. In some areas, non-emergency police can provide welfare assistance. For actual entry, you need a locksmith or a key holder.
Is it cheaper to call a locksmith during business hours? Yes, usually $35 to $75 cheaper than after-hours service. If your situation isn't dangerous and you can safely wait until morning or until a key holder is available, it's worth doing.
What if I'm locked out and my landlord won't answer? Keep trying. Most states have landlord obligations to provide emergency access. If you can't reach your landlord after genuine attempts, a locksmith is your next step. You may be able to deduct the cost from rent depending on your state's tenant laws.
Should I rekey after being locked out? If you were locked out because you lost a key, yes — rekey the lock. A lost key is a security risk. Rekeying costs $50 to $100 and makes the lost key completely useless. If you just forgot your key inside, rekeying isn't necessary, but making a spare is a good idea.