When you're locked out, your options depend on what kind of lock you have

A locked door without a key is solvable, but the method depends on whether you own the door, what type of lock it has, and how urgently you need inside. If you rent, your landlord or property manager is your first call — they have a key and are legally required to provide access to your own unit. If you own the door, you can pick the lock, call a locksmith, or force entry depending on the lock type and how much damage you're willing to accept.

The distinction matters legally. Forcing open a door you don't own — even if you live there — can violate your lease or create liability. A locksmith costs money but leaves no damage and provides proof of entry. Lock picking works on many residential locks but requires specific tools and practice. Forcing entry is fastest but damages the lock and door frame.

Key Takeaways

  • Renters should contact their landlord or property manager first, since they are required to provide access and have a master key.
  • Locksmiths are the safest option for homeowners and provide documentation of entry, though they charge a service fee that varies by location and time of day.
  • Lock picking works on pin tumbler locks (the most common residential type) but requires a tension wrench and pick, and takes practice to learn.
  • Forcing entry through the door frame is fastest but damages the lock, strike plate, and frame, and should only be done on doors you own.

Contact your landlord if you rent

Your lease gives you the right to access your own unit, and your landlord is legally required to provide that access. Call or text your landlord or property manager and explain that you're locked out. Many landlords keep spare keys on file or have a master key and can let you in within hours.

If your landlord is unreachable, check your lease for an emergency contact — some properties list a maintenance number or after-hours line. If the lease mentions an emergency locksmith service, that may be covered by your rent or a small fee. Do not force the door open or call a locksmith without permission first, as your landlord may charge you for the damage or the locksmith call.

Hire a locksmith for professional entry

A locksmith can open almost any residential lock without damage. They arrive with specialized tools, open the lock in minutes, and provide a receipt documenting the service. This is the safest option if you own the door and want to preserve the lock and frame.

Locksmith fees vary widely by location, time of day, and lock type. A standard residential call during business hours typically costs between $75 and $150, though emergency calls (evenings, weekends, holidays) can run $150 to $300 or more. Call ahead and ask for a quote before they arrive. Ask whether they can rekey the lock while they're there if you've lost the key entirely — this costs extra but is often cheaper than replacing the whole lock.

Pick the lock if you have the right tools

Lock picking works on pin tumbler locks, which are the standard residential locks in most homes. These locks have a series of pins of different heights inside the cylinder. When the correct key is inserted, it pushes each pin to exactly the right height, allowing the cylinder to turn. A pick and tension wrench can manipulate the pins to the correct height without the key.

You need two tools: a tension wrench (a thin L-shaped piece of metal that applies rotational pressure) and a pick (a thin tool that manipulates individual pins). Basic pick sets cost $10 to $30 online or at hardware stores. Insert the tension wrench into the lock and apply gentle rotational pressure in the direction the key would turn. Use the pick to lift each pin until you feel it set at the shear line — the point where the pin stops rising. When all pins are set, the cylinder will turn and the lock will open.

Lock picking takes practice. Your first attempt may take 10 to 20 minutes, or fail entirely. Watch a video tutorial specific to your lock type before you start. If you're in a hurry, this is not the fastest method.

Force the door open through the frame

If you own the door and need inside immediately, you can force it open by breaking the lock or the door frame. This is the fastest method but causes damage that requires repair.

The weakest point is usually the strike plate — the metal bracket on the frame that the latch bolt enters. Kick or shoulder-charge the door near the lock, aiming to break the strike plate away from the frame. The door frame itself may splinter, and the lock will be damaged. Once inside, you'll need to replace the strike plate ($5 to $15) and repair the frame, or replace the entire lock ($20 to $100 depending on quality).

If the door opens outward (away from you), you may be able to remove the hinge pins from outside by tapping them upward with a hammer and nail. This takes 10 to 15 minutes and leaves the hinges intact, though the door will be off its frame.

Understand what type of lock you have

Pin tumbler locks (the most common) respond to picking and can be forced through the frame. Deadbolts are pin tumbler locks with a solid bolt that doesn't retract without the key, making them harder to force but still pickable. Keypad lockssmart locks can sometimes be reset using a master code or a factory reset, though this varies by model — check the manufacturer's website or manual.

Mortise locks (older, larger locks built into the door itself) are more complex and harder to pick. Padlocks can be cut with bolt cutters if you own them, or picked if you have the right tools. If you're unsure what type of lock you have, take a photo and show it to a locksmith — they can tell you in seconds whether picking or forcing is practical.

Prevent lockouts in the future

Hide a spare key in a secure location outside your home — a lockbox attached to a fence post, a fake rock in a planter, or a key safe mounted under a deck. Give a spare to a trusted neighbor or family member who lives nearby. If you have a smart lock, you can unlock it remotely from your phone or give temporary access codes to people you trust.

If you rent, ask your landlord whether you can install a keypad lock or smart lock. Some landlords allow it; others require the original lock to be reinstalled when you move. For renters, the spare-key-with-a-neighbor approach is usually the fastest emergency solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lock picking illegal?

Lock picking is legal in most places if you own the lock or have permission from the owner. Carrying lock picks with intent to commit a crime is illegal in some jurisdictions. If you're picking your own lock, you're not breaking any law. If a police officer asks, explain that you're locked out of your own home.

Can I pick a deadbolt?

Yes, deadbolts are pin tumbler locks and respond to the same picking technique as standard locks. They're slightly harder because the solid bolt requires more rotational pressure, but the method is identical. A deadbolt that's well-maintained and has quality pins may be harder to pick than a cheaper lock.

What if the lock is electronic or keypad?

Electronic locks often have a factory reset code or a backup key override. Check the manual or manufacturer's website for your specific model. Some can be reset by holding a button for 10 seconds; others require a master code. If you've lost the manual, contact the manufacturer with proof of purchase.

How much does a locksmith usually cost?

Standard residential locksmith calls during business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday) typically cost $75 to $150. After-hours, weekend, and holiday calls cost $150 to $300 or more. Call three locksmiths and ask for quotes before choosing one. Ask whether the quote includes the service call only or also includes rekeying if needed.

Can I break the door frame to get in?

Yes, if you own the door. You'll damage the strike plate and frame, requiring repair or replacement. This is the fastest method but the most expensive in terms of damage. If you rent, check your lease first — forcing entry may violate it and result in charges.