Locked Out of Your House? Here's Exactly What to Do

Standing on your own porch without a way in is one of those moments where panic sets in fast. Maybe you left for a quick errand and the door locked behind you. Maybe your key snapped in the lock. Whatever happened, you need a plan, not panic.

Here’s exactly what to do when you’re locked out of your house, and what to avoid so you don’t make a bad situation worse.

Step 1: Check Every Entry Point

Before you do anything else, walk the perimeter. Check every door, every window, every garage entry. You’d be surprised how often people find an unlocked side door or a cracked window they forgot about.

Check in this order:

Back door and side doors. These are the most commonly left unlocked.
Garage door. If you have a keypad, try it. If you have a separate garage entry door, check that too.
First-floor windows. Sliding windows sometimes have weak latches. Don’t force anything, just check if any are already unlocked.
Pet doors. If you have one large enough to reach through and unlock the main door, that’s your fastest solution.

If everything is sealed up tight, move to step 2.

Step 2: Don’t Try to Break In

This is where people make expensive mistakes. Kicking a door, prying a window, or trying to pick your own lock almost always causes more damage than the lockout itself. A broken door frame costs $300 to $800 to repair. A shattered window is $200 to $500. A professional lockout service is $75 to $150.

The math is simple. Don’t force it.

Other things to avoid:

Credit card trick. This only works on spring latches (not deadbolts), and you’ll likely damage your card and the door frame.
Bobby pins and YouTube tutorials. Lock picking takes real skill and specialized tools. You’ll waste time and potentially damage the lock cylinder.
Climbing through second-story windows. Falls from ladders send 500,000 Americans to the ER every year. It’s not worth the risk.

Step 3: Call Someone With a Key

Think about who might have a spare:

Family members or roommates. The obvious first call.
Your landlord. If you’re renting, your landlord or property manager should have a master key. Most can get to you within an hour.
A trusted neighbor. If you’ve ever given a spare key to a neighbor, now’s the time.
Your real estate agent. If you recently bought the home, your agent may still have a lockbox key.

No luck? Time for step 4.

Step 4: Call a Licensed Locksmith

A professional locksmith can get you into your home without damage in 15 to 30 minutes. Here’s what to expect:

Response time: Most locksmiths in the Salt Lake City area can arrive within 20 to 45 minutes. At GoKey Locksmiths, we aim for the shorter end of that range because we know you’re standing outside.

The process: The technician will verify you live at the address (ID check, mail, or other proof of residency), then use specialized tools to open your lock without damaging it. For standard deadbolts, this usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.

Cost: Residential lockout service in Salt Lake City runs $75 to $150 during business hours. After-hours calls (evenings, weekends, holidays) may include a $50 to $100 surcharge. Always get a quote before the technician starts work.

What to ask when you call:

What’s the total cost, including any trip or after-hours fees?
How long until you can get here?
Are you licensed and insured?

At GoKey Locksmiths, we answer all three of those questions upfront when you call (801) 512-4658. No surprises.

Step 5: Prevent It From Happening Again

Once you’re back inside, take 15 minutes to set up a system so this doesn’t repeat:

Hide a Spare Key (the Right Way)

Don’t put it under the doormat, in a fake rock, or above the door frame. Burglars check all of those spots. Instead:

Magnetic key box attached to a metal surface in your garage or on outdoor equipment, out of obvious sight.
Combination lockbox mounted in a discreet location. Same concept as a realtor lockbox but for your everyday spare.
Give a key to a trusted neighbor or family member who lives nearby.

Upgrade to a Keypad or Smart Lock

This is the permanent fix. A keypad deadbolt means you’ll never be locked out again, as long as you remember your code. Smart locks add features like temporary codes for guests, auto-lock timers, and remote unlock from your phone.

Popular options in 2026 include the Schlage Encode Plus, Yale Assure Lock 2, and August Wi-Fi Smart Lock. Prices range from $150 to $350 installed. We can help you choose and install the right one for your door.

Build the Habit

Always pat your pockets before closing the door.
Keep a spare key in your wallet or car.
Set your smart lock to auto-lock after 5 minutes instead of locking immediately. That gives you a buffer.

When to Call GoKey Locksmiths

If you’re locked out of your home anywhere in the Salt Lake City metro, Riverton, South Jordan, Draper, Herriman, Sandy, or West Jordan, call us at (801) 512-4658. We’re available 24/7, including holidays.

Matt Johnson founded GoKey Locksmiths in 2015 with a simple promise: honest pricing, fast response, and no damage to your property. Our 4.9-star rating and 200+ reviews back that up.

Don’t stand outside longer than you have to. Call us, and we’ll get you home.