Lost House Keys? What to Do Next

Losing your house keys is one of those situations that can go from the mildly annoying to the seriously stressful very, very quickly. You check all of your pockets, empty out your bag and retrace your steps for the last day, all while wondering whether the keys are genuinely gone for good.

If you have lost your house keys, what should you do?

The answer depends on more than whether you can still get into your home. You also need to consider where the keys may have been lost and whether somebody may be able to connect them with your address and whether your property is still secure.

Here is what to do if your house keys have gone missing.

Lost House Keys? Start by Checking the Obvious Places

Before assuming that your keys have been permanently lost, spend a good few minutes checking in all the places where they are most likely to be.

Think carefully about the last time you definitely remember having them.

Then check:

• Your pockets and bags
• Around your car
• Your workplace
• Any shops you recently visited (or at least call them to ask)
• The area immediately outside your home
• Under furniture
• Coat pockets

If you have recently been to a restaurant or a pub, it makes sense to give them a call. Someone may have handed your keys in.

Retracing your steps can also help, but your personal safety should come first. Avoid returning alone to isolated areas, particularly late at night, simply to search for a set of keys.

Can You Get Into Your House Without Your Keys?

If your keys are nowhere to be found, the next question  to ask is whether you have another safe way to access the property.

Perhaps another member of your household has a spare key, or you have previously left a spare with a trusted family member.

If so, getting inside might actually be quite straightforward.

Avoid trying to force your way through any locked doors or windows, as damage that is caused while attempting to gain entry could end up costing you considerably more to repair than calling a locksmith.

If you are locked out and don’t have a spare key available, an emergency locksmith can help you to regain access.

City Locks Norwich provides a 24 hour locksmith service across Norwich and surrounding areas, including nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Should You Change the Locks if You Lose Your House Keys?

This is one of the most important questions to consider.

Losing a key does not automatically mean that somebody knows exactly which property it opens. If you dropped an unmarked key somewhere miles away from your home, for example, the immediate security risk is likely to be relatively low.

However, there are circumstances where changing the lock should be seriously considered.

Ask yourself whether your lost keys could be connected to your property in any way.

This might be possible if they were lost alongside:

• A wallet that contains an I.D with your address visible
• A bag containing personal information
• A work pass identifying your workplace
• Car keys or other identifiable belongings

You should also take the situation more seriously if you believe the keys may have been stolen rather than simply misplaced.

If there is a realistic possibility that someone could identify the property the keys belong to, replacing the relevant locks can remove that risk completely.

What if Your House Keys Were Stolen?

Stolen keys should always be treated differently from keys that have simply been misplaced.

If you think that somebody took your belongings deliberately, it would be unsafe to assume that they have no interest in the keys.

This becomes particularly concerning if other stolen items contain information that could reveal your home address.

If you believe that your house keys have been stolen and there is a  real possibility that your property can be identified, it makes sense to consider arranging for the locks to be changed as quickly as you can.

Depending on the circumstances, you may also want to report the theft to the police and contact your insurer if other valuable belongings were taken.

What if You Have Lost Your Keys but Have a Spare?

Having a spare does solve the immediate issue of access, but it does not necessarily solve the security problem.

You still need to carefully consider where the original keys could have gone. 

If you feel quite confident that they have simply been lost somewhere with no identifying information attached, you may decide that the risk is quite low.

If you cannot be fully confident about where they were actually lost, or your address could potentially be identified, changing the lock may provide greater peace of mind.

A spare key allows you to get inside and it does not prevent a missing key from continuing to operate the existing lock.

Should You Change the Locks if Your Keys Have Your Address on Them?

If your lost keys can be directly linked to your address, replacing the relevant locks is a sensible security precaution.

A key that is found on its own gives a stranger very little information.

A key that is found alongside an address gives them considerably more.

This is also why it is generally best practice to avoid attaching your full home address to your house keys. If you use a key tag, always consider what information somebody finding the keys would actually need.

What Should You Do if You Lose Your Keys at Night?

Losing your house keys late at night can feel particularly stressful, especially if you are already standing right outside your property.

If possible, wait somewhere that is safe and well lit while you start arranging help.

Avoid trying to climb through any windows, or forcing any doors, as aside from potentially damaging your property, these methods can also cause injury to yourself.

City Locks are Norwich based locksmiths who operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If you are locked out in Norwich or the surrounding area, an emergency locksmith can help you regain access and deal with the lock if replacement is necessary.

Do You Need to Replace Every Single Lock?

Usually, losing one set of house keys does not mean every single lock throughout the property needs to be replaced.

The important question to ask yourself is which locks the missing keys can open.

If the lost key only operates the front door, for example, it may only be necessary to address that particular lock.

However, some properties use keys that operate multiple external doors. You should explain this to the locksmith so the overall security of the property can be considered.

What About Lost Keys for a Rented Property?

If your home is rented, you should always check your tenancy agreement and make contact with your landlord or letting agent where appropriate.

They may hold a spare key or have a particular procedure in place for dealing with lost keys.

You should usually avoid making any significant alterations to any locks without considering your tenancy arrangements, particularly if your landlord requires access to the property under the terms of the agreement.

If you are currently locked out, then make sure that you let the locksmith know that the property is rented when discussing your options.

How To Avoid Losing Your House Keys Again In The Future?

While it is true that nobody actually plans to lose their keys, a few simple and easy to implement habits can make it much less likely.

Try keeping your keys in the exact same place whenever you are at home. A bowl or drawer near your front entrance can prevent them from disappearing in different places around your house.

It can also be very useful to leave a spare key with someone you trust rather than hiding one somewhere obvious like under a mat outside your property.

Key trackers can provide another smart option, as these small devices can be attached to a keyring and can be connected to a smartphone, which makes it much easier to locate your keys when they go missing nearby.

Most importantly, you should always avoid putting any of your address details on your keyring.

When Should You Call a Locksmith for Lost House Keys?

You should always consider contacting a locksmith if you have lost your house keys and:

• You are locked outside your property
• Nobody has access to a spare
• You believe your keys have been stolen
• The keys can be connected to your address
• You are concerned about the security of your home
• You need the existing lock changed
• Your spare key is not working properly

An experienced locksmith can help you to regain access and advise whether replacing the lock is appropriate based on what has happened.

Lost Your House Keys in Norwich?

If you have lost your house keys in Norwich, City Locks Norwich can help you get back into your property and secure again if necessary.

Established in 2006, City Locks provides locksmith services to homes and businesses throughout Norwich, Norfolk and surrounding areas.

Our vans carry many of the locks commonly most used throughout the local area, giving our locksmiths the opportunity to replace locks during the initial visit where required.

Emergency locksmith assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends, nights and bank holidays.

If your keys have gone missing and you cannot get into your property or are concerned that your home may no longer be secure, contact City Locks Norwich for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have lost my house keys?

Start by checking your pockets, bags and the places you have recently visited. Contact relevant businesses or lost property services and check whether someone you trust has a spare. If you cannot get into your home, you may need to contact a locksmith.

Should I change my locks if I lose my house keys?

Not necessarily, but you should consider where the keys were lost and whether they could be linked to your property. If the keys were stolen or lost alongside something showing your address, changing the locks can remove the risk of the missing keys being used.

Can a locksmith get me into my house without my keys?

Yes. A professional locksmith can assess the lock and determine an appropriate way to regain access. The method used will depend on the type and condition of the lock.

Can a locksmith make a new key if I have lost mine?

This depends on the type of lock and circumstances. In some situations a replacement key may be possible, while in others replacing the lock may be more appropriate, particularly if the missing key presents a security risk.

What should I do if my house keys have been stolen?

Consider whether the person who took them could identify your address. If there is a realistic security risk, arrange to have the relevant locks changed. You may also need to report the theft to the police depending on the circumstances.

What should I do if I lose my house keys at night?

If you are locked out, wait somewhere safe if possible and contact an emergency locksmith. Avoid attempting to force open doors or windows, as this can damage your property or cause injury.

Does City Locks Norwich offer emergency help for lost keys?

Yes. City Locks Norwich provides emergency locksmith services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year across Norwich and surrounding areas.