Locked out of your home: what to do, step by step

By Michalis Manoli, Manolis M. Key Services, Aglantzia · 1 November 2026

Almost all of us have been there: the door blows shut behind us, the keys are left on the table and we are stuck outside. Here is a simple guide to what to do in the first few minutes, so you can get back into your home quickly and without paying for repairs. To see all our solutions for the home, see the page Residential Locksmith.

First of all: is there any danger inside the house?

If a young child, an elderly person or a pet is still inside, or if you have left the hob, oven or iron switched on, the situation is an emergency. Call 112 immediately and a locksmith at the same time. One of our customers wrote on Google that they had left the toaster on before setting off for Limassol; we arrived within minutes and opened the door before the fire could spread.

Step 1: Is there a spare key?

Think about who else has a key: your partner, parents, flatmate, a neighbour or your landlord if you rent. If one of them is nearby, this is the quickest solution.

Step 2: Is the door locked or just pulled shut?

This makes a big difference to the job:

• Door pulled shut: it has closed on the latch only, without the key being turned. It usually opens very quickly.
• Locked door: it has been locked with the key, so the lock's bolts are out. It takes more work, especially with armoured doors.

Step 3: Do not force it open yourself

Tricks with cards, screwdrivers or breaking a window usually end in a damaged door, a broken frame or an injury, and the repair costs far more than a locksmith's call-out. On top of that, a broken door or window leaves your home exposed until it is repaired.

Step 4: Call a locksmith and give them the right information

So that they arrive prepared, tell them on the phone:

1. the address and a landmark,
2. what type of door it is: wooden, armoured, aluminium or glass,
3. whether it is locked or just pulled shut,
4. whether the key has been left in the lock on the inside.

In Nicosia and its suburbs, when you call us we tell you straight away when we will be there.

What to have with you when the locksmith arrives

A reputable locksmith will want to make sure they are opening the door for someone who has the right to go in. It helps to have your ID card, a bill showing the address or your tenancy agreement, or a neighbour who can confirm it. If your documents are inside the house, you can show them as soon as the door is open.

Can the door be opened without damage?

In most cases, yes. With the right tools we open the door without damaging the door or the lock. With some high-security cylinders the cylinder (barrel) may need replacing; in that case we fit a new one on the spot, so you leave with your home secure.

How to stop it happening again

• Leave a spare key with someone you trust who lives nearby.
• Do not hide a key under the doormat or in a plant pot; these are the first places a burglar looks.
• Make a habit of checking you have your keys before you close the door.
• If you have lost your keys, change the cylinder. See also our tips to protect your home.