Chances are, you’re going to get locked out. It happens to everyone, and it will usually happen on a cold, rainy day when you’re carrying six bags of shopping and really need the loo. We can’t magically open your doors for you, but here’s a few tips.

Give a Friend a Key

If you’re going this route, make sure first of all that it’s a friend or family member who you trust completely. It should also be someone who’s easy to get a hold of and not out all the time. It helps if it’s someone you can call at 2am when you can’t get in after the pub, but that might be asking too much. Finally, in a perfect world this friend would live close enough to you that you can walk there or get there easily.

We don’t recommend hiding a key somewhere, or leaving a window unlocked ‘just in case’!

Have a Spare Set

If you carry a handbag or always wear the same jacket, think about getting an extra copy of your house key made and never taking it out of your bag or pocket. If it’s always there, it might just be there when you need it.

NEVER put your address on your keys or your keyring. That’s just asking for trouble.

Call Your Landlord or Letting Agency

Your landlord will probably have a key, and might even be nice enough to come over and let you in. Not recommended if it’s the middle of the night and your pished, but worth trying at other times.

Call in the Pros

Kicking your door in might seem the best option, but it won’t be so great if you have to pay to repair the door and the door frame (doors are ridiculously expensive!). Before you try your best van Damme moves on your flat, consider calling a locksmith. A lot of them have 24 hour services and they’ll let you back in to your flat, for a fee.