Patting your pockets and realizing your keys are gone is a sinking feeling. Lost house keys cause two problems at once: you may not be able to get inside, and you may not know who could end up holding a key to your front door. This guide walks you through what to do if you lose your house keys, step by step, from getting back in to making your home secure again.
If you are locked out right now, call Macmanuel Lock & Key Services in Hawthorne, CA at (424) 297-4396.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Retrace Your Steps
Most lost keys turn up close by. Before you assume the worst, take a few minutes to check the obvious places:
- Your car, bag, jacket pockets and the ground around where you parked
- The last store, gym, restaurant or office you visited (ask at the front desk or lost and found)
- Your mailbox, porch and the outside of the door, in case you left them in the lock
- Anyone you were with, in case they picked them up by mistake
Call places you visited instead of driving back to each one. It saves time, especially if you are already standing outside your home.
Step 2: Think About Where the Keys Might Be
How worried you should be depends on what else was with your keys:
- Keys with nothing that shows your address: the risk is lower, because a stranger who finds them does not know which door they open.
- Keys together with an ID, mail, a wallet or a tag with your address: the risk is higher. Treat this as a security problem, not just an inconvenience.
- Keys that may have been stolen: assume someone could try to use them, and plan to secure your locks the same day.
Step 3: Get Back Inside Safely
If no one else has a key and you cannot get in, here are your options, from easiest to last resort:
- Check for a spare. A family member, roommate or trusted neighbor may have one. Renters can contact the landlord or property manager.
- Check every entry point carefully. A back door or garage entry you can open normally is fine. Do not climb through windows or force anything, since that can lead to injury or damage that costs more to fix than the lockout.
- Call a locksmith. A residential locksmith can help you get back in and talk through what to do about the lost key. Expect to be asked for ID showing you live at the address.
Our house lockout services page explains how we help when you are locked out of your home.
Step 4: Decide Whether to Rekey or Change Your Locks
Once you are inside, the next question is whether the lost key is still a risk. If there is any chance someone could connect the key to your home, it is worth making that key useless. You have two main options:
Rekey your existing locks
Rekeying changes the inside of the lock so the old key no longer works, while you keep the same hardware. It is a good fit when your locks are in good condition and you just want to shut out the lost key. Learn more on our lock rekeying services page.
Change the locks
Replacing the lock makes sense when the hardware is old, worn or damaged, or when you want an upgrade such as a stronger deadbolt or a smart lock. See our lock change services page.
Not sure which one you need? Our guide on rekey vs change locks compares both in detail.
Step 5: Don’t Forget the Other Keys on the Ring
House keys are rarely alone. Make a quick list of everything that was on the ring:
- Back door, side gate or garage keys: these locks may need rekeying too.
- Mailbox keys: renters usually need to contact the property manager or post office.
- Work or business keys: tell your employer or building manager so they can decide what to do.
- Car keys or a fob: if your only car key was on the ring, see our lost car keys page.
Step 6: Make Sure It Doesn’t Happen Again
- Have spare keys made and leave one with someone you trust. Our key duplication services page covers house, business and car keys.
- Never put your address on your key ring. A phone number or a return service is safer.
- Avoid obvious hiding spots like under the doormat or a flower pot. They are the first places anyone checks.
- Use one regular spot for keys at home, such as a hook or bowl by the door.
- Think about keyless entry. A keypad or smart lock means a lost key no longer locks you out.
How Much Does It Cost to Deal With Lost House Keys?
The price depends on what you need: getting back inside, rekeying, new locks, how many doors are involved and the type of hardware. Call (424) 297-4396, tell us what happened, and we will give you a quote for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I change my locks if I lost my house keys?
If there is any chance someone could link the key to your home, such as an ID or address on the same ring, it is safest to rekey or change the locks. If you are sure the key cannot be traced to you, you may decide a new spare key is enough.
Is rekeying enough after losing a house key?
Often, yes. Rekeying makes the old key stop working while keeping your current locks. If the locks are worn or you want an upgrade, changing them may be the better choice.
Can a locksmith get me into my house if I lost my keys?
Yes, in most cases. A residential locksmith can help you regain entry and discuss rekeying or new locks. You will usually be asked for ID showing you live there.
Can I get a copy of my house key without the original?
Not by simple copying, because a copy needs an original. A locksmith can rekey the lock and give you new keys that fit it instead.
What if I rent my home?
Tell your landlord or property manager first. Many leases have rules about who can rekey or change locks, and the landlord may already have a spare.
Do you help with lost house keys outside Hawthorne?
Yes. We are based in Hawthorne and also help homeowners and renters in nearby areas such as Inglewood, Gardena and Torrance. Call to confirm availability.
Lost Your House Keys? Call a Locksmith in Hawthorne
Whether you need to get back inside or want to make sure a lost key can never open your door, call Macmanuel Lock & Key Services at (424) 297-4396. You can also visit our residential locksmith services page to see everything we offer for homes.