Help Center
Locked Out of Your House in Durham? What to Do
Keys left inside, lost or stuck? Here is how to get back into your home without breaking a window or a door, and what to have ready when you call.
What to do when you are locked out of your home
A house lockout is stressful, and the fastest-feeling fix, forcing the door or breaking glass, is usually the most expensive. A locksmith can usually get you in without damage.
If someone is inside who needs help, such as a child, an elderly person or a pet in distress, call 911 first.
Try these first
- Check every door and any window you know is unlocked. Do not break glass.
- Call anyone who has a spare key: a family member, neighbor, roommate, landlord or property manager.
- If you rent, call your landlord or property manager first. Many have a spare or an after-hours number.
- Check any hidden spare, garage keypad or smart lock app you might have forgotten about.
- If none of that works, call a locksmith. Have your address and the type of lock ready if you know it.
What a locksmith will ask for
A legitimate locksmith confirms you belong at the address before opening it.
Your address
Where you are, so we can give you an arrival window.
Proof you live there
A photo ID with the address, a lease, a utility bill or mail addressed to you. If you rent, the property manager can also confirm.
The type of door and lock
Front door, back door, deadbolt, keypad or smart lock. A photo helps if you can send one.
Why people get locked out of their home
The common reasons we get the call:
- The door locked behind you with the keys inside.
- Keys were lost or stolen.
- A key broke in the lock.
- The lock jammed or the deadbolt will not turn.
- A keypad or smart lock stopped working.
Our house lockout service gets most homeowners and renters back in without damage. If your key was lost or stolen, ask about a lock re-key so the old key stops working.
House lockout help by town
We come to your door in Durham, Chapel Hill and nearby Wake County. Find your town:
House Lockout Questions
Will you have to break my lock?
In most cases the door can be opened without damage. If the lock is damaged or unusually hard to open, we will tell you before doing anything that would replace it.
I rent. Can you open my apartment?
We will ask for proof that you live there, such as a lease or ID with the address. Calling your property manager first is often the quickest option.
Should I re-key after losing my keys?
If a key is lost or stolen, yes: re-keying makes the old key useless. See rekey or replace your locks for how to choose.
What if there is a break-in or damage?
If someone broke in, call the police first. Then call us to secure the door, and we can re-key or change the lock.
How much will it cost?
The price depends on the job, your vehicle or lock, and where you are. Call (919) 769-3432, tell us what is going on, and you will hear the price before we start work.
What are your hours?
We work 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, seven days a week.
Do you serve my town?
Durham Locksmith serves Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, Morrisville, Research Triangle Park, Cary and Apex, plus Knightdale, Wake Forest, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton, Zebulon and Garner in NC.
Locked Out of Your Home?
Call Durham Locksmith, give us your address, and get a price and an arrival window before we head out.
(919) 769-3432