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  4. Locked Out? Don't Panic

Homeowner Advice

General tips and advice for homeowners covering maintenance, seasonal tips and everyday property care.

Homeowner Advice

Locked Out? Don't Panic

With millions of students moving into new accommodation and a general upward trend in people buying or renting new homes after the restrictions of the last year, it goes without saying that more people than ever will be finding themselves locked out and keyless over the next few weeks. It is easy to panic when you are locked out, but as with any unexpected situation, it helps to take a deep breath, look at the options, and work calmly through plans A-C. Once they have been exhausted then, of course, you can panic!

With millions of students moving into new accommodation and a general upward trend in people buying or renting new homes after the restrictions of the last year, it goes without saying that more people than ever will be finding themselves locked out and keyless over the next few weeks. It is easy to panic when you are locked out, but as with any unexpected situation, it helps to take a deep breath, look at the options, and work calmly through plans A-C. Once they have been exhausted then, of course, you can panic!

Plan A – have a little look around for any open windows. Could the back door be unlocked? If you can’t access the rear but you know your neighbours, ask if you can hop over their wall.

Plan B – call friends, family, your landlord or anyone else who may have a key. If several people have keys, send them all a message to see where they are and how quickly you can get to them – or vice versa.

Plan C – if you can’t get into your home, nobody else has a key that they can get to you in time, and you desperately need to get in, it is time to call a locksmith. Check out local locksmiths and make a list of ones to call, starting with the one nearest your home.

Do NOT be tempted to break a window or lock. A locksmith will be able to help you to get into your home without causing damage to the lock or the door. It may feel like an unnecessary expense, but it will probably end up cheaper than repairing any damage and, if you are renting, you could risk losing your deposit.

Being locked out is something that is frustrating, but there are things that you can do to avoid it happening in the future.

Get a key safe – if you are not handy, get a handyman to install a lock safe for you. They are inexpensive and can be very useful if you are locked out, or someone needs to access your home. If you rent, check with your landlord first.

Find a safe space – don’t leave your key under the flowerpot by the front door, but if you have access to a slightly less obvious place, it can help to leave a spare key somewhere for emergencies.

Leave it with a neighbour – life would be much easier if you can pop to the neighbour’s and ask to use their spare key, instead of asking to climb over their wall!

At Trust A Trader, we know that the unexpected can happen at any time. Our directory of trusted electricians, locksmiths, plumbers and traders of every description is on hand to help you to find the help that you need, when you need it. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter and join our community of happy customers and trusted traders.

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Looking for more homeowner advice advice?

Find clear, practical answers to common homeowner advice questions, helping homeowners understand everyday issues, know what checks they can carry out safely, and when it is best to contact a qualified professional.

  • What home repairs should I never attempt myself?

    Gas work - full stop. Any work on gas appliances must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer by law. Structural changes like removing walls, altering roof timbers, or touching anything load-bearing need professional assessment and often Building Regulations sign-off. Electrical work involving the consumer unit or new circuits must meet Part P. And if your property was built before 2000, be aware asbestos may be present - it can only be handled by a licensed specialist.

  • Which home improvements add the most value to a property?

    Improvements that add usable space or modernise the rooms buyers scrutinise most tend to deliver the strongest returns. Loft conversions consistently top the list - adding a bedroom and bathroom can add more value than the work costs in many areas. Kitchen and bathroom updates are next. Open-plan ground-floor extensions connecting to a kitchen-diner have become one of the most sought-after layouts in UK family homes. And energy improvements - insulation, a new boiler, solar panels - are increasingly influencing buyer decisions as running costs become a bigger part of the conversation.

  • Should I renovate my home or move house?

    There's no universal right answer - it depends on your situation. Moving gets you what you want without living through a building site, but stamp duty, estate agent fees, and moving costs can easily add up to tens of thousands of pounds. Renovating lets you stay put and invest in your own property, but comes with disruption and unexpected costs. The most useful comparison: get a clear view of what your home could realistically be worth after the work, and what a move would actually cost end to end. A local estate agent and a builder's quote can give you those two numbers.

  • What does a home survey actually cover and do I need one when buying?

    A survey is an independent assessment of a property's condition carried out by a qualified surveyor - separate from the mortgage valuation, which only tells the lender what the property is worth, not what's wrong with it. A HomeBuyer Report flags visible defects and anything that needs further investigation. A Full Building Survey goes deeper and is worth the extra cost on older, larger, or unusual properties. Given that a house is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make, skipping the survey to save a few hundred pounds is a false economy - a single missed issue can cost far more to put right.

  • What should I do before starting any major home improvement project?

    Get your paperwork in order before anyone picks up a tool. Check whether you need planning permission or Building Regulations approval. Find out whether a Party Wall Agreement applies. Confirm your home insurance covers you during the works. Get at least three written quotes and make sure the scope of work is clearly agreed in writing with whoever you hire. And have a contingency budget - on almost any renovation, something unexpected comes up. The projects that go smoothly are usually the ones that were properly planned before they started.

  • What is the difference between freehold and leasehold and why does it matter for home improvements?

    If you own the freehold, you own the property and the land it sits on outright - you can generally do what you like subject to planning rules. If you own a leasehold property (common with flats), you own the right to live there for the remaining lease term, but the freeholder owns the building. This matters for home improvements because many leases require you to get the freeholder's written permission before making alterations - sometimes even internal ones. Always check your lease before starting any work, as doing alterations without the required consent can cause problems when you come to sell.

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