Accidentally getting locked out of your apartment can disrupt your entire day. On top of that, it can be especially stressful if it happens unexpectedly. Whether it’s due to a quick errand or a simple mistake, getting locked out of an apartment is actually more common than most people realize.
That’s why this guide will walk you through what you can do after getting locked out, when it makes sense to contact your landlord or property manager, whether you really need a locksmith, and a few simple ways to help prevent it from happening again.
Key Takeaways
- Stay calm and check for simple solutions before taking further action.
- If possible, contact your landlord or property manager during business hours for assistance.
- After hours, it is important to review any emergency contact procedures before arranging a locksmith service.
- Avoid forcing entry or causing damage to the property.
- Consider preventing future lockouts by creating a spare key plan and building consistent habits.
What to Do If You Get Locked Out of Your Apartment
As an experienced rental property management company in Northern Virginia, we understand that lockouts are common and usually have a straightforward solution. That’s why the first and most important step is to stay calm. After all, panic will just lead you to make rushed decisions that may damage the property or create safety risks.
1. Stay Calm
So first, don’t panic. You need to spend a little time thinking about what’s happened and looking in your pockets, your purse, or your car. You might have just misplaced your keys, and not actually locked them in.
2. Check for Easy Solutions
To begin with, there are a few simple solutions you can try before reaching out for outside help.
- First, ask yourself: is there any chance you may have left a window unlocked?
- Another thing worth checking is whether you left a spare key in your car.
- You might also want to ask yourself if a trusted person nearby has your spare key.
While these alternatives may help, you should still verify that they are safe and approved by your lease before taking action. While trying to get back inside, avoid forcing entry, as this may result in property damage and additional problems.
3. Contact Your Landlord or Property Manager
If none of the simple options work, you may need to contact your landlord or property manager during their regular office hours. Since lockouts are fairly common, many landlords or property managers already have procedures for these situations. Depending on the property, this may include maintenance assistance or instructions on what steps to take next.
That said, because lockout policies are not always the same, it’s important to check your lease agreement for any relevant rules or instructions.
What to Do If It’s After Hours
If you’re locked out of your apartment outside of normal business hours, your options may be limited. What happens next ultimately depends on your lease, so this should be the first place you look.
If your property has an emergency maintenance line, you’ll want to contact them right away. While some neighborhoods have after-hours service, lockouts aren’t an emergency in every case. Please remember that you may be charged an extra service fee for out-of-hours access.
If management isn’t able to help you right away, contact a friend or relative and see if you can stay with them until you can get inside tomorrow. Your safety must always be the first priority.
When to Call a Locksmith
If you are unable to contact your landlord or property manager and there is no safe alternative available, it may be necessary to call a licensed locksmith. With that in mind, it is important to review your lease agreement in advance to determine whether arranging your own locksmith service is permitted.
In most cases, tenants are responsible for the cost of locksmith services related to a lockout. In some situations, if the locks are replaced, you may also be required to provide management with a copy of the new key, depending on the terms outlined in your lease agreement.
Additionally, it is always best to choose a reputable and licensed locksmith. To avoid unexpected issues, consider avoiding services that provide vague pricing over the phone without a written estimate. It is also helpful to confirm any identification requirements before entry to prevent unnecessary delays.
What NOT to Do If You’re Locked Out
Unfortunately, when you’re locked out, your frustration can lead to poor decisions. In some cases, certain actions can cause property damage, violate your lease, or create safety concerns.
To avoid additional problems, there are certain actions you should not take during a lockout situation. For example, do not:
- Attempt to break a window or force entry
- Tamper with the lock mechanism
- Climb balconies or attempt unsafe entry methods
- Remove door hardware without authorization
- Leave doors propped open once you regain access
These actions may result in repair charges or lease violations. Protecting the property protects you as well.
How to Avoid Getting Locked Out in the Future
To stop yourself from getting locked out in the first place, a bit of planning will go a long way. You could entrust a spare key to someone you trust who lives close by. Some tenants use approved lockboxes or other key-storage solutions if permitted by their lease agreement. Others use smart locks or keypad door entry, which the building’s management will usually advise you on.
Little routines also help. Make it a habit to check for your keys before you lock the exit door, and always place your keys in the same spot in your apartment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is getting locked out considered an emergency?
Usually not. Lockouts are generally not considered maintenance emergencies, particularly when they do not create a safety concern.
Will my landlord charge me for unlocking the door?
Some landlords may charge a lockout service fee, especially if you need assistance after hours. Check your lease for details.
Can I call a locksmith without telling my landlord?
You should review your lease first. If the locks are changed, your lease agreement may require you to provide management with a copy of the new key.
Who pays if the lock needs to be replaced?
If the lock replacement is due to a tenant-caused lockout, the tenant is usually responsible for associated costs.
Need Help Understanding Your Lease or Rental Policies?
If being locked out is worrying, understanding your lease and the building’s rules can make things much smoother in the future. Knowing who you should contact, what you might have to pay, and what you are responsible for will make a situation like this much easier.
If you need help understanding your lease agreement or maintenance procedures, consider working with Professional Property Management in Northern Virginia. Whether you’re a tenant or a property owner, having a reliable team to answer questions and help navigate lease-related concerns can make all the difference. Contact PPM today to learn more about our services.