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

Being locked out is frustrating — especially in a Canadian winter. Before you panic (or try to break in), follow these steps. As a professional locksmith, I've helped thousands of people through this exact situation.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Check Everything

• Check every door — front, back, side, garage
• Check all windows — especially ground-floor windows that might be unlocked
• Check your car — do you have a spare house key in the glovebox?
• Check with family — does your spouse, roommate, or family member have a key?
• Check your landlord — if you rent, your landlord likely has a spare

Step 2: Don't Try to Break In

I know it's tempting, but breaking a window or forcing a door almost always costs more to repair than calling a locksmith. You'll also risk:

• Injury from broken glass
• Damage to your door frame ($200-$500 to repair)
• Setting off your alarm system
• Neighbors calling the police

Step 3: Call a Licensed Locksmith

A professional locksmith can get you inside in 10-20 minutes without any damage to your lock or door. Here's what to expect:

• Response time: 15-30 minutes in the GTA
• Cost: $80-$120 for a standard house lockout
• Process: Non-destructive lock picking or bypass techniques
• Duration: Most lockouts are resolved in under 10 minutes once the locksmith arrives

How to Prevent Future Lockouts

• Hide a spare key — use a lockbox (NOT under the mat or in a fake rock)
• Give a key to a trusted neighbor — the old-fashioned approach works
• Install a smart lock — use a code, fingerprint, or phone app instead of keys
• Install a lockbox — combination lockboxes near your door hold a spare key securely
• Key yourself a spare — we can cut spare keys for $5-$15 each

Emergency Lockout Service — Toronto & GTA

Iron Key Security Locks provides 24/7 emergency lockout service across Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, North York, Etobicoke, Brampton, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and the entire GTA. Call 416-624-8013 — we'll be there in 15-30 minutes.