My Tenants Have Locked Themselves Out – What Now?
Did you know around 5.6 million keys go missing every single year? It’s no wonder landlords often get that late-night call: “I’ve locked myself out!”
If you’re a landlord, it pays to be prepared. Here are some simple ways to save yourself (and your tenants) from a whole lot of stress when the keys go missing.
Watch out for self-locking doors
Ever had a door slam shut behind you and instantly lock? That’s the classic self-locking mechanism in action. Convenient sometimes, but also one of the top reasons tenants end up stranded on the doorstep.
If you’re ever changing locks, think twice before installing these—future-you will thank you.
Always have spare keys (and fobs!)
Calling a locksmith isn’t cheap, but getting a few extra keys cut definitely is. A good rule of thumb:
Give your tenants at least two keys for every entrance door.
Keep at least two spares yourself.
And if your property has a fob entry system? Yep, get a couple of extra fobs too.
Share the responsibility
It’s perfectly fine for you to keep a spare set of keys—just remember, you can’t pop into the property whenever you like. Unless it’s a genuine emergency, you’ll need your tenant’s permission.
If you use a letting agent, check whether they offer a key-holding service. Sometimes, it’s nice to let someone else handle that 3 a.m. “I’m locked out!” call.
Have a locksmith on speed dial
Not every lockout happens because of a lost key. Sometimes keys snap, or locks simply give up. That’s when a reliable locksmith becomes your best friend.
Save the contact details of two or three local locksmiths in your phone—you’ll be glad you did when time is of the essence.
Don’t forget insurance
Some landlord insurance policies cover the cost of replacing lost keys or damaged locks. It’s worth checking your policy so you know exactly what’s included (and what isn’t). Look out for conditions, payout limits, and any excess charges too.
So, whose responsibility is it anyway?
Good news: tenants are usually responsible for covering the reasonable cost of replacing lost keys or entry fobs. And yes, if needed, those costs can be deducted from their deposit.
But when it comes to faulty locks? That one’s on the landlord.
Bottom line: Lockouts happen, but with a little planning—spare keys, a trusted locksmith, and the right insurance—you can handle them without too much hassle.
👉 Tenants may lose their keys, but you don’t have to lose your cool.
