person locked out of apartment

Locked Out of Your Apartment? Here’s What to Do

It’s been a long day at work or a totally fun night out. You’re finally home. You reach into your purse or pocket to find your keys, but they’re not there. You futilely search for a few more seconds, rummaging through spare change and various other doodads but nothing. Time to face the facts — you’re locked out of your apartment.

What do I do if I get locked out of my apartment?

Locking yourself out of your house is one of the most discouraging feelings, especially when you can envision exactly where your keys are — inside the apartment. The best reaction is to already have a plan in place, but since not all of us think about it beforehand, here’s how you can handle the situation when you’re in the moment.

1. Get in touch with management or maintenance

If you’re locked out of your apartment during your management or leasing office’s business hours — and there’s an office on the premises — walk over and ask for help. Property managers or your landlord will always have a spare key on hand for things like maintenance emergencies, so it’s a pretty safe bet they can let you in to your place within a few minutes. Or, if they don’t have a key, they’ll likely have the number of a local locksmith they can call for an emergency locksmith visit. If it’s after business hours and your complex has an emergency maintenance number, try that.

Going this route is sure to produce quick results since you know they already have a copy of your key, but it may come with a fee. Asking the leasing office, maintenance staff or even doorman to help you when you’re stuck outside of your apartment can cost you anywhere from $25 to $100 depending on the terms of your lease.

2. Reach out to your roommate

One of the perks of having a roommate is getting help in these situations. Even if you have to wait for them to get home, at least you won’t have to take more dramatic measures to gain entry. Contact them to let them know what happened and see when you can expect them home.

If you have to wait a while, ask if you can come to them and grab their key. Make sure to promise to return the favor if ever needed. If that’s not an option, try to relocate to a coffee shop or restaurant where you can hang out for a few hours. If all else fails, go see a movie. The important thing is to stay safe while you stand by.

3. Look for another way in

You may have locked the front door, but what about the windows? Or, if the apartments in your building have back doors, do you have one you can use? If you want to avoid tracking down a spare key, you can always try to find another way to get into your apartment. This won’t work if you live in a high-rise or otherwise difficult-to-access unit, but some have the right design to give you an advantage.

For example, if you live in a structure where the first floor is a little above ground level so that you have a balcony, see if you can jump up to check the door.

If you live in a walk-up, brownstone or structure with multiple entrances, take some time to look at your options. See if you can find an unlocked window or if you can gain access by climbing the fire escape. Yes, you’ll look like you’re trying to break in, so don’t be too shady about it.

4. Can a locksmith open an apartment door?

When all else fails, you may want to call a locksmith. Make this your last resort mostly because you’re going to have to pay for professional locksmith service. In addition, you might also be charged a fee if the lock gets damaged or needs replacing after you’re inside.

In theory, locksmiths can unlock apartments without doing any damage, but there’s no guarantee it will happen so seamlessly. They may even have to install a new lock to let you in, which means a definite inconvenience for your property manager or landlord. They’ll most likely charge you for that.

Prevent the problem from happening again

Install a smart lock

Locking yourself out of your apartment the first time is one time too many. It’s so inconvenient and a little embarrassing. Really, the best solution is to prevent the problem from happening in the first place.

1. Upgrade to a smart lock for your front door

One way to prevent yourself from getting locked out is to upgrade your lock or doorknob that allows for keyless entry. There are a variety of smart locks that guarantee entry into your home with just an app — you pretty much can unlock the door by just getting near it.

By downloading the appropriate app and logging in, you can remotely control your lock. Smart locks let you control the doors from wherever you are, which is especially handy if you have young children that may try to escape. This even allows you to let in the pet sitter or overnight guest without you being at home. Most have monitors, too, so you can see who’s at your door and a logging system that lets you track each time someone locks or unlocks the door. It’s added security coupled with convenience. It’s also a significant upgrade.

Adding smart locks isn’t something you can do without landlord or property manager’s permission. Make sure to check with them before purchasing the technology. They may even like your idea so much that they’ll pay for the installation and offer the upgrade to the rest of the tenants in your complex.

2. Give a spare key to a friend

If you don’t have a roommate, never underestimate the power of giving a spare key to someone else. This can save you on more than one occasion. It will not only be there waiting if you lock yourself out but if you ever need someone to come into your apartment when you’re not there, you’re set. The trick is finding the right person to hold onto your spare, so when you give them a call, they’ll be available to hand it over.

Picking someone who lives close is an ideal choice. That way, you can easily get to your spare key if you need it. A trusted friend, family member or even a neighbor would work. If your significant other doesn’t live with you, they’re another great candidate. You should trust implicitly whoever has your spare. They shouldn’t ever enter your apartment without your permission, and are reliable enough to not lose your key.

3. Do a double-check for your apartment key

Another way to prevent getting locked out of your apartment is to work a key check into your routine before you even leave. Everyone has a routine before walking out the door. You may check that your stove is off, set the thermostat and turn off all the lights. This routine can include a check that you’ve got your wallet, cell phone and house keys. Adding a key check into your routine each time you head out will help reduce the risk of leaving them behind.

If routines aren’t your thing, try giving yourself a permanent reminder. A sign on or near your door in a bright, bold color telling you to grab them is sure to catch your eye on your way out. Eventually, you’ll look at the sign less and less, without forgetting.

The same works if you keep them in a specific spot. If you don’t already have a set place for them, create one. Try hanging a key hook and put it right near the door so you’re more likely to glance at it as you walk out. Habits form by repetition, so the more you grab your keys off their special hook, the more likely you won’t forget them.

4. Carry spare keys

This is only a helpful strategy if you can put a spare key in something you always carry. If you change out your wallet or purse often or forgo them altogether, it’s harder to keep a spare with you. The best trick is to make a spare and store it between your cell phone and the case. It’s one way to ensure you always have a key with you. Unless you lose your phone.

5. Hide your key in your apartment building

Forgoing all other options to make sure you don’t get locked out, hiding a key somewhere close is a riskier option. There’s a chance someone will find the key and remove it from its hiding place.

You can go this route if you’re extra careful. Avoid predictable hiding spots like under a mat, on top of your door frame or even by your back door (if you have one accessible from outside). If you have your house and car keys on separate keychains, you might be able to get away with keeping an apartment key in your car. Or, you can consider installing or hiding a combination lockbox that contains an extra key. Combination lockboxes have customizable combinations, so make sure you change it to something that you can remember.

Don’t use the numbers in your address, it’s too obvious. You can use your birthday or an anniversary, though, but think about putting the numbers out of order. Like if your birthday were 10-26-95, make your code 26-95-10.

Locked out of the apartment? It’s not the worst thing

It might feel like the absolute worst at the moment, but getting locked out of your apartment is only a minor inconvenience. Thankfully, there are people out there who are able to help and ways to make sure you don’t make this same mistake again. By the next day, your experience will become yet another embarrassing story you can tell at parties.

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