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Locked Out of Your House, Flat or Apartment? 5 Immediate Relief

Updated on September 5, 2019
A woman locked out of her apartment.
A woman locked out of her apartment. | Source

So What Now?

You go home and discovered you’re locked out of your own property – you can’t get in and finally lay down on your comfortable couch. What will you do?

Oh well, no worries. Calm down and go to your neighbour or call your closest friend to get the spare key you’ve entrusted to them for emergency situations such as this. After that, all is settled.

But, what if you have no spare key? Here are some options you can consider:

#1 Call others for assistance.

If you have roommates or anyone living with you in that house, call them as soon as possible and ask if they can go home for a while and help you get in. Anyway, this is emergency. Don’t think twice.

Although it can be a sure big deal of inconvenience on their part if they just walk out of their office to rescue you, but think of the frustrating, wasted time while stuck outside, especially during the winter months. Isn’t that justifiable? Now, go and call each of them. Just ask humbly and honestly.

Now, if you are just renting, ask assistance from your landlord. Most of the time, they have a duplicate key to your room or unit. On the other hand, if you are living in an apartment, go to the manager’s office for immediate help. Just prepare any proof of identification beforehand.

#2 Search for any possible entry.

Just in case you forgot to lock any of the windows around the house, it shall become the ultimate solution to your problem. Of course, only if you’re windows are big enough to accommodate your size and can easily be pulled outside.

If you have found an unlocked window, just lift it up and carefully enter. Just do this with so much caution as you can be injured if you lose balance and fell.

#3 Get your credit card or old ID.

You might not know but your credit card is not only for shopping, but it’s also used to open doorknobs when necessary, especially during lock outs.

However, take note that this option will only work on spring bolt doorknobs, which is typical in most standard type. Deadbolts do not budge when pushed using plastic cards like your credit card.

Of course, to begin, choose a card that you can easily replace when damaged or destroyed. ID’s identical to credit card properties can also be an alternative. Here’s how to pick a lock using these cards:

First, put it towards the latch and keep it in a perpendicular position.

Second, start pushing and wiggling.

Third, as you are pushing the card, try to bend it away from the knob so the latch will slide backwards.

#4 Remove or destroy the doorknob.

Check if the deadbolt is not used, it should be easy to remove the door knob in that case. The mounting screws of most doorknobs are hidden, but search through it and you’ll find a small slot like a pin; in most cases, this is found on the side.

Once you see that, get a paper clip or a bobby pin and put it into the slot; push hard. Use the other hand to twist the door as you push the pin. Do this until you’re able to remove the knob.

Next, open the decorative plating so you can see the lock-set. Get another thin pointing tool like your bobby pin and pull backwards on the lock. Now, the door is open and you can get in.

#5 Contact the nearest locksmith.

When all the other 4 options have failed, it is now time for you to contact a 24/7 local locksmith or emergency locksmith. When choosing who’s the best, consider cost (free quotation), experience (years in the business), professionalism (proven friendly, honest and professional staff), availability (24/7 operation), and proximity (nearness to the area) as your overall criteria.

What To Do Next?

Once you’re back inside your house, take precautionary steps the soonest possible time so you will not experience the same thing over and over again.

Start by giving your closest friend or neighbour a spare key to your unit. You can also have a duplicate copy of your key and hide it safely and securely outside for emergency access.

Indeed, it can be very frustrating to be locked out. But just remember that some things happen so we can learn a lesson or as they say, everything happens for a reason.

Be calm, have poise under pressure, use the five options suggested, and in no time, you will get in. It feels great to be back home, isn’t it?

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