What to Do When You're Locked Out of Your Apartment

Getting locked out of your apartment can feel like the worst kind of inconvenience. Whether you’ve misplaced your keys or found yourself locked out during an unexpected rush, it can trigger all sorts of panic and frustration. The good news is, there are steps you can take to regain access to a locked apartment with minimal hassle. Here are our top tips.

1. Stay calm and assess your situation

First and foremost, stop and take a deep breath. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by being locked out of your apartment building. Keeping your cool will help you think more clearly so you can plan out your next steps. Take this time to ask yourself a few key questions to assess your situation: 

• Do you have a spare key nearby, like with a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor? 
• Is there an unlocked window, back door, or alternative entry point you can access? 

Keep in mind that your safety should always come first. Always avoid trying to break into your own apartment using makeshift tools; this could damage the lock or door. Not only will this cause more trouble, but you might also face penalties from your landlord and be held responsible for paying repair fees for damaging the property.

2. Check for spare keys

Reach out to the person you’ve trusted with that spare key, be it a neighbor, friend, family member, or even your house sitter or dog walker. Leaving a spare key with someone nearby can help avoid the stress and panic of being locked out of your apartment. 

3. Contact your landlord or property manager

In many cases, your landlord or property manager will have a backup key for your apartment, especially if they have to service it for maintenance. Call them as soon as possible to let them know about your situation. Just keep in mind that you may be asked to verify your identity before they hand over the key, and they may charge a fee for the service (depending on your lease agreement). 

If this becomes a recurring issue, consider discussing the possibility of installing a keyless entry or smart lock system. Keyless entry allows you to enter using a smartphone app or a keypad. Ask your landlord about the feasibility of making this upgrade to prevent getting locked out of your apartment in the future. This is also where a good landlord-tenant relationship can be helpful.

4. Call a locksmith

If you’ve run out of options and no one can help, the next step is to call a locksmith. Be sure to choose a reputable, licensed locksmith who has good reviews and experience in apartment lockouts. Professional locksmiths are often a fast and reliable solution, but can be pricey, especially if it’s late at night or during the holidays. 

5. Wait in a safe place

Being locked out of your apartment late at night or during bad weather can add another layer of stress. Head to a safe and well-lit area while you work on finding a solution to get back inside. You can wait inside your car or head to a friend’s house to stay comfortable and safe while you wait. Oftentimes, cities or larger apartment communities have local spots, such as 24/7 gyms, or larger retail locations, that are open and allow you to wait inside. The goal is to stay secure while figuring out the best way to get back inside.

6. Prevent future lockouts

Once you’re safe and sound back inside your apartment, take a moment to think ahead to avoid future lockouts. Here are a few simple tips you can use to prepare for next time: 

Review your lease

It’s always a good idea to check your lease to understand what’s involved in a lockout situation and whether there are any extra charges or protocols to follow. You can always ask your landlord questions to clarify any terms in your lease agreement. 

Create duplicate keys

Keep an extra key with a trusted neighbor or friend, so you always have someone nearby who can help. Just make sure to return any copies of the keys to the landlord or property manager when you move-out.

Invest in a lockbox

A small, secure lockbox is a great way to store a spare key outside your apartment in a hidden spot. Make sure it’s in a location that only you or someone you trust knows about.

Ask about smart locks

Talk to your landlord about installing a smart lock or keyless entry system. This allows you to access your apartment using a smartphone or keypad without a key. It's a convenient solution for renters who are always on the go. Plus, many smart locks come with built-in features that let you temporarily grant access to guests, should you need to let someone in while you’re away.

Be prepared for the unexpected

While there are always steps you can take to prevent and plan for lockouts, it’s also important to protect yourself from other unexpected events that can occur during your time as a renter. Consider getting renters insurance to safeguard your belongings and protect yourself from unexpected situations like break-ins or other unexpected damage. 

Remember, getting locked out of your apartment can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be a huge headache. By staying calm, thinking through your options, and preparing in advance, you’ll be able to get back inside in no time.