Standing on your own porch, patting your pockets, realizing the keys are on the kitchen counter — it happens to almost everyone eventually. Here's what to do, in order, so you get back inside safely and without unnecessary damage.
Step 1: Check Every Entry Point
- Try every door, not just the front — back door, side door, garage entry.
- Check unlocked windows, but don't force a locked one open. A cracked frame costs more than a locksmith visit.
- Check the garage. Many attached garages have an unlocked interior door once you're inside.
Step 2: Look for a Spare
- A neighbor or family member who holds a spare key.
- A hidden spare (fake rock, lockbox) if you keep one — just don't announce its location to anyone watching.
- A smart lock or keypad entry, if you have one installed, that doesn't require a physical key at all.
Step 3: Decide Who to Call
If you're renting, call your landlord or property manager first — they may have a key or be required to send someone. If you own the home, or the landlord can't get there in time, a licensed locksmith is the fastest, least destructive option. Our house & sheriff lockout service handles both standard lockouts and court-ordered entries, and we can usually reach most of the Los Angeles area quickly.
Step 4: What a Locksmith Actually Does
A licensed locksmith opens most residential locks without drilling or damaging the door — using picks, bypass tools, or decoding techniques matched to your specific lock. Expect to pay in the $85–$150 range for a standard residential lockout, similar to typical LA locksmith pricing. Always confirm the price before the locksmith starts work.
Step 5: Skip the DIY Tricks
Credit cards, bobby pins, and YouTube bump-key tutorials work on very few modern locks and often damage the strike plate or cylinder in the process. If it doesn't open in the first minute or two, stop and call a professional.
Step 6: Make Sure It Doesn't Happen Again
Once you're back inside, take five minutes to prevent a repeat:
- Cut a labeled spare and give it to someone you trust.
- Consider a smart lock with a keypad or app-based entry as a backup.
- If you just moved in or aren't sure who has a copy of your key, it's worth deciding whether to rekey or replace your locks.
Locked out anywhere from Glendale to La Cañada Flintridge or Pasadena? Call Abe’s Lock & Key at 818-249-5128 for fast, non-destructive house lockout service.