Locked Out of Your House? We'll Get You Back In Fast

Locked Out of Your House in Austin? Help Is 30 Minutes Away

You pat your pockets. No keys. You check your purse. Not there either. The door just slammed shut behind you - locked. You’re standing on your porch or driveway, locked out of your own home.

Maybe you took the trash out and the door locked behind you. Maybe you left keys on the kitchen counter. Maybe your child locked the deadbolt from inside. Maybe you lost your keys entirely.

Don’t panic. Don’t break a window. Don’t try to pick the lock yourself.

South Austin Locksmith provides professional 24/7 emergency home lockout service throughout Greater Austin. We’ll unlock your door in minutes without damage and get you back inside quickly.

Call (512) 354-0025 now for immediate dispatch.

Why Home Lockouts Happen (It Happens to Everyone)

Home lockouts are one of our most common emergency calls. Here’s why they happen so frequently:

The “Quick Trip Outside” Trap

You’re just:

• Taking out the trash (30 seconds, no need for keys)
• Grabbing something from the car (I’ll be right back)
• Checking the mail (just down the drivway)
• Letting the dog out (staying on the porch)

Door blows shut in wind. Locks automatically. Now you’re barefoot in pajamas, locked out.

Kids & Locks

Children are the #1 cause of residential lockouts:

• Toddler twists deadbolt while you’re outside
• Kid “practicing” locking/unlocking accidentally locks you out
• Teenager locks door not realizing you don’t have keys
• Child throws tantrum and locks door from inside

Lost or Misplaced Keys

• Keys fall out of pocket while working in yard
• Set keys down “just for a second” and can’t remember where
• Partner took the only set of keys to work
• Dog knocked keys off table onto floor (can see them through window)

Lock Malfunctions

• Frozen lock in winter won’t accept key
• Deadbolt stuck or jammed
• Key breaks off in lock
• Lock cylinder worn out and won’t turn

Moving Day Chaos

• Just moved in, landlord hasn’t given you keys yet
• Lost keys during move
• Changed locks but forgot to make spare
• Partner has only set of keys

Our Home Lockout Service Process

1. Your Emergency Call

When you call (512) 354-0025, we ask:

• Your address
• Type of lock(s) on door
• Whether anyone is inside
• Special circumstances (kids locked inside, extreme weather, vulnerable people)

We provide upfront price quote and estimated arrival time.

2. Technician Dispatched - 30 Minute Average

Our closest available technician heads to your location:

• Fully equipped mobile locksmith unit
• All tools needed for residential lockouts
• Key cutting equipment for spare keys
• Replacement locks if needed

Response times by area:

• South Austin (78704, 78745): 15-30 minutes
• Central Austin: 20-35 minutes
• North Austin: 25-45 minutes
• Surrounding cities: 35-60 minutes

3. Verification of Residence

Before unlocking, we verify you live there:

• Driver’s license matching address
• Utility bill or mail delivered to address
• Lease agreement or mortgage documents
• Property tax records (we can check online)

For renters: We may call landlord to verify. Have landlord contact info ready if possible.

4. Professional Lock Picking

Technician picks your lock using professional tools:

• Picks work on pin-tumbler deadbolts (most common residential locks)
• Picks work on knob locks, lever handles
• High-security picks for Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, etc.
• Bypass tools for certain lock types

90% of home lockouts are resolved by lock picking - no damage to lock, door, or frame.

5. Alternative Entry If Needed

If lock cannot be picked (broken, extreme high-security, jammed):

• Check for unlocked windows or back doors
• Remove lock cylinder and replace on-site
• As absolute last resort: drill lock and replace

We NEVER break windows or kick in doors. These cause hundreds in damage vs. $150-$200 for professional entry.

6. Spare Keys & Prevention

After getting you inside, we recommend:

• Cut 2-3 spare keys immediately ($5-$10 per key)
• Hide spare key in secure location (NOT under doormat)
• Give spare to trusted neighbor or family member
• Consider keyless entry lock for future

What NOT to Do When Locked Out

Don’t try to pick the lock yourself with bobby pins, paperclips, or YouTube tutorials:

• Amateur picking can break lock mechanism
• Can jam lock requiring full replacement ($150-$300)
• Can damage pins inside cylinder
• Simply doesn’t work unless you’re trained

Don’t break a window:

• Window replacement: $200-$800
• Security risk until window is replaced
• Can cut yourself on broken glass
• Creates bigger emergency than you started with

Don’t kick in the door:

• Door frame damage: $300-$800 to repair
• Door replacement: $500-$1,500
• Lock replacement: additional $100-$200
• Looks bad to neighbors
• Total cost: $900-$2,500 vs. $95-$200 for locksmith

Don’t try to remove door hinges (if hinges are on exterior):

• Damages door frame
• Still can’t open door if deadbolt is engaged
• Door won’t close properly after
• Not all doors have removable hinges

Don’t climb through window (even if unlocked):

• Risk of falling and injury
• Can damage window screen ($50-$150 replacement)
• Can damage window frame trying to climb through
• Undignified and potentially dangerous

Call a professional: (512) 354-0025

Special Home Lockout Situations

Apartment Lockouts

If you rent an apartment:

1. Check if property management office is open (they may have spare)
2. Call landlord or property management emergency line
3. If unavailable, call us at (512) 354-0025

We can unlock your apartment but require:

• Proof of residence (lease, mail, ID matching address)
• May need to contact landlord for verification
• Some apartment complexes have specific locksmith requirements - check lease

Cost: Same as house lockout ($95-$200 depending on time/lock type)

Child Locked Inside Home

If child locked inside and cannot unlock door:

First priority - assess safety:

• Can child reach door to unlock it with your guidance?
• Is child in immediate danger (near stairs, stove, chemicals)?
• How old is child? (Infant vs. 5-year-old makes big difference)

Call us at (512) 354-0025 and tell dispatcher child is locked inside:

• We’ll prioritize response (15-25 minute target)
• While waiting, stay calm - child mirrors your stress
• Talk to child through door with calm, reassuring voice
• Try to guide child to unlock door (“Turn the little knob”)

If child is in immediate danger: Call 911 first, then call us.

Disabled or Elderly Person Locked Out

We prioritize lockouts involving:

• Disabled individuals who cannot safely wait outside
• Elderly persons (especially in heat/cold/rain)
• Anyone with medical conditions requiring shelter

Call (512) 354-0025 and mention this - we’ll expedite response.

While waiting:

• Find shelter (neighbor’s house, car with AC/heat, covered area)
• Have medical information ready if needed
• Stay hydrated in hot weather

Late Night Lockouts (Midnight - 6 AM)

Locked out at 2 AM after night out? It happens.

We provide 24/7 service including overnight:

• Late night service fee: $150-$200 (vs. $95-$150 daytime)
• Slightly longer response time (40-60 minutes vs. 30-45 minutes)
• Limited technicians on call overnight

While waiting:

• Wait in safe, well-lit location
• Don’t sit on dark porch alone (go to 24-hour restaurant/gas station)
• Have phone fully charged
• Let friend/family know situation

Lockouts During Extreme Weather

Hot Weather (95°F+):

• Find shade or air-conditioned location (neighbor, car, store)
• Stay hydrated
• Don’t wait outside in direct sun if possible
• We expedite service in dangerous heat

Cold Weather (<40°F) or Rain:

• Find shelter immediately
• Go to neighbor’s house or sit in car with heat
• Don’t wait outside in freezing weather - hypothermia risk
• We expedite service in dangerous cold

Severe Weather (Tornado Warning, etc.):

• Your safety is priority #1
• Seek shelter at neighbor’s house or public building
• We’ll come as soon as weather permits

After-Hours, Weekend & Holiday Service

Home lockouts don’t wait for business hours. We’re available 24/7/365:

Standard Hours (8 AM - 6 PM Monday-Friday): $95-$150 Evenings (6 PM - 10 PM): $125-$175 Late Night (10 PM - 8 AM): $150-$200 Weekends (Saturday/Sunday): $125-$175 Holidays (Major holidays): $150-$200

Additional fees for:

• Far North Austin (beyond Parmer Lane): +$25-$50
• Surrounding cities (Round Rock, Pflugerville, etc.): +$25-$50
• High-security locks requiring special tools: +$25-$75

No hidden fees. Price quoted over phone is price you pay.

Preventing Future Home Lockouts

Strategy 1: Hide-a-Key (Done Right)

DON’T hide keys:

• Under doormat (first place burglars check)
• In fake rock (obvious to everyone)
• Above door frame (too obvious)
• Under flower pot (too obvious)

DO hide keys:

• In combination lockbox secured to hidden location
• At trusted neighbor’s house
• In real-looking object (not sold as “hide-a-key”)
• Buried in backyard at specific location only you know

Best option: Combination lockbox. Costs $20-$40, provides secure key access without carrying keys.

Strategy 2: Spare Key with Trusted Person

Give spare house key to:

• Trusted neighbor (especially if you have kids)
• Family member living nearby
• Close friend in area

Important: Tell them they have your spare key. Label it clearly. Keep their contact info handy.

Strategy 3: Keyless Entry Locks

Smart locks eliminate lockouts:

• Keypad entry (code instead of key)
• Smartphone entry (unlock with app)
• Biometric entry (fingerprint)
• Backup key override (if battery dies)

Cost: $150-$300 installed (including lock and labor) Benefit: Never locked out again (unless you forget code, but can reset remotely)

We install keyless entry locks - ask about this during lockout service.

Strategy 4: Always Check Before Closing Door

Make it a habit:

• Touch keys in pocket before closing door
• If going outside “just for second,” prop door open
• Keep spare key on separate keyring in car
• Leave car key on one ring, house key on another

Service Area - We Come to You

We serve all of Greater Austin:

South Austin (fastest response - 15-30 minutes):

• 78704, 78745, 78748, 78749

Central/Downtown Austin (20-35 minutes):

• 78701, 78702, 78703, 78705

North Austin (25-45 minutes):

• 78753, 78758, 78759

East Austin (20-35 minutes):

• 78721, 78722, 78723, 78724

West Austin (25-40 minutes):

• 78733, 78735, 78746

Surrounding Cities (35-60 minutes):

• Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park
• Georgetown, Leander
• Buda, Kyle, Dripping Springs

Locked Out of Your House? Call Now

Stop panicking. Stop trying DIY methods. Stop considering breaking a window.

Call South Austin Locksmith at (512) 354-0025 for professional home lockout service:

• 30-minute average response throughout Austin
• 24/7/365 emergency availability
• Non-destructive lock picking (no damage to door)
• Licensed, insured, background-checked technicians
• Upfront pricing with no hidden fees
• Spare key service on-site
• Lock rekeying and replacement available

Get back inside your home quickly and safely. Call now: (512) 354-0025