Getting locked out of your house is never convenient. But when you’re a tenant standing outside your front door late at night, a landlord dealing with a lock that’s failed in-between tenancies, or a letting agent trying to deal with an urgent call from a tenant, locksmith emergencies can be more than inconvenient. They can be stressful, disruptive and expensive. The good news is that most lock-related problems can be solved pretty quickly by an experienced locksmith. And knowing what to expect from an emergency locksmith service can help you stay calm in the moment, and make informed decisions even during an urgent situation.
Common Rental Property Callouts
While emergency callouts are essential, they aren’t the only reason rental properties need a locksmith. There are a range of other issues that crop up in rentals that need immediate attention. Some of them include:
- Lost or stolen keys
- Tenants locked out of the property
- Broken keys stuck in locks
- Locks that won’t turn or operate properly
- Failed uPVC door mechanisms
- Damaged locks following an attempted break-in
- Tenants moving out without returning keys
- Security concerns after a change of occupancy
A lot of these problems are unexpected, and can leave your property vulnerable if they’re not addressed quickly.
How Quickly Can an Emergency Locksmith Come?
This one is like asking how long is a piece of string. Response times generally vary depending on location, time of day and demand, but most emergency locksmiths aim to get to you as quickly as possible. Especially if someone’s locked out of the property or the property is vulnerable.
When you first call, a locksmith will usually ask a few questions to understand the situation. This helps them to bring the right tools and replacement parts if they’re needed. You might be asked things like:
- What type of property is involved.
- If someone has been locked out.
- What type of door or lock is fitted.
- If the lock has been damaged.
- If the property is currently secure.
At this stage, give your locksmith as much information as possible. This will help to speed up the process. The locksmith will then give you a timeframe for when they will arrive, and advice on anything you might need to do in the meantime. For example, if you’re a woman alone at night, they might recommend that you move to a well-lit area, or somewhere with lots of people.
What Happens During the Callout?
Once the locksmith arrives, they’ll take a look at the lock to see what’s going on, and then explain the options available to you. For example, if a tenant has locked themselves out, then the locksmith might be able to gain entry without causing any damage to the lock or the door. If the lock has been damaged or broken, they might be able to repair it. If a repair isn’t practical, they should be able to replace the lock and restore security in the same visit.
A good locksmith will always look for the least destructive solution first, so if their first suggestion is to drill the lock, you should look for another locksmith.
Who Pays for an Emergency Locksmith?
This is one of the most common questions we get, especially around rental properties. And the answer is, it depends.
If the issue is caused by wear and tear, or a faulty lock, then the responsibility usually falls on the landlord. But if a tenant has lost their keys or accidentally locked themselves out, then they will probably be expected to cover the cost of the locksmith to put it right.
It’s worth noting that tenancy agreements can vary, so it’s always worth checking the terms before arranging any work. If it’s possible, tenants should contact their landlords to discuss the issue and come to an agreement before calling a locksmith, especially if they aren’t sure who will be footing the bill.
Can Locks be Changed Right Away?
In most cases, yes, they can. On an emergency call out most locksmiths will carry a range of common lock types, and 9 times out of 10 they can complete a lock replacement during that initial visit. This is particularly important when keys have been stolen, a tenant has moved out without returning the keys, there’s been a break-in (or an attempt), or if access to the property needs to be restricted right away. Changing the lock as soon as possible can provide you with peace of mind and keep the property secure.
What if the Property Has uPVC Doors?
A lot of rental properties are fitted with uPVC doors and windows. In fact, it’s the preferred fitting for most landlords because they offer excellent security and are relatively cost-effective. But they can develop faults over time. Problems with the locking mechanism, gearbox, handles, or alignment can all prevent doors and windows from opening or locking properly. These are common problems, but they sometimes crop up suddenly or without warning. An experienced locksmith will be familiar with these systems, and can often repair the fault without needing to replace the entire door. Which is good news for everyone involved!
Choosing the Right Emergency Locksmith
Remember, not all locksmith services are the same. Some might only offer limited emergency callouts, some might require landlords to have them pre-paid as part of a package, and some locksmiths don’t even offer emergency service at all! So when you’re looking for a locksmith for a rental property, you need to do your research. Try to find someone who has experience with residential properties, prioritises non-destructive entry methods, and is fully insured with qualifications or industry training. Bonus points if they have transparent pricing and positive customer reviews too! Unfortunately, rogue locksmiths still operate within this industry, so taking a few minutes to check the credentials of any locksmith you choose will help you avoid falling victim to a scam, or just shoddy workmanship.
If you’d like more information or advice about emergency locksmiths for rental properties, just get in touch with the My Locks Locksmith team today for your free, no-obligation consultation.