Home lockout service in Philadelphia: 24/7 residential emergency unlock
Locked out of your home in Philadelphia? Standing on your own front step, exhausted after work, and your keys are sitting on the kitchen table inside?
We’ve all been there. That sinking feeling when the door clicks shut behind you and you realize what just happened.
We’re Ben Locksmith, and we unlock homes across Philadelphia 24/7. Apartments, houses, rowhomes, condos. We come to you with the right tools, unlock your door without damaging anything, and get you back inside. Usually in 20 to 30 minutes.
Call now: +1 267-585-6033
South Philly rowhome? Fishtown apartment? Center City condo? Your house in Roxborough? We’re on our way.
EMERGENCY: Someone locked inside who needs help
If a child, elderly person, or anyone vulnerable is locked inside alone and you can’t get to them, this is an emergency.
Call 911 first if it’s life threatening. Then call us immediately at +1 267-585-6033.
We drop everything for these situations. We have the tools to unlock your door in under 2 minutes. We prioritize these calls above all others.
Don’t panic. Help is coming. Stay on the line with 911 if needed. We’re on our way to get you inside.
Common home lockout situations we handle every day
Locked out after taking trash to the curb
You stepped outside for 30 seconds to put trash on the curb or take the dog out. The door closed behind you. Now you’re locked out. Maybe in your pajamas or slippers. Neighbors are watching.
This happens constantly. We see it multiple times a week. Let’s get you back inside before the whole block sees you in your bathrobe.
Keys locked inside the house
You can see them. Right there on the kitchen counter or the table by the door. Your keys are inside. You are outside. The door is locked.
The most common lockout scenario. We fix this fast.
Lost or misplaced keys
You got home and reached for your keys. They’re not in your pocket. Not in your bag. You have no idea where they are. You’re locked out with no way to get in.
We unlock your door and can discuss rekeying or new keys once you’re inside. For key services, check our residential locksmith page.
Roommate or family member has the only key
Your roommate went out of town. Your spouse took the car with the house keys. Your kid has the spare and isn’t answering texts. You’re standing outside with no way in.
Call us. We’ll verify you live there and get you inside.
Smart lock died or malfunctioned
Your smart lock battery died. Or the electronics failed. Or it’s not recognizing your code. Or your phone app won’t connect. You’re locked out of your own home because technology failed.
We can unlock the door mechanically and help troubleshoot the smart lock once you’re inside.
Just moved in, locks weren’t changed
You just moved into a new apartment or house. The previous owner or tenant supposedly turned in all keys. But maybe they didn’t. Or maybe they made copies. You’re not sure. And now you need to get in.
We unlock the door and strongly recommend rekeying immediately so you control who has access. New place, new locks.
Broke up, locks may have been changed
You lived with someone. You broke up. You moved out temporarily or they changed the locks without telling you. You still legally live there but you can’t get in.
This is complicated. We verify residency and legal right to access. If you’re on the lease or own the property, we can help. Bring documentation.
Locked out with kids or pets waiting to get in
You’re standing outside with tired kids who need to use the bathroom. Or it’s cold and everyone’s uncomfortable. Or your dog really needs to go out. The pressure is building.
We understand family lockouts are stressful. We move fast when kids are involved.
Elderly parent or relative locked out
Your parent or elderly relative is locked out of their home. They’re confused, upset, or can’t remember where they put the spare key. They need help now.
We’re patient and professional with elderly lockout situations. We verify identity gently and get them back inside safely.
Locked out in bad weather
It’s pouring rain and you’re getting soaked. Or it’s a freezing January night. Or it’s 95 degrees in summer. You’re stuck outside your own home in miserable weather.
Philly weather is brutal. We prioritize weather emergency lockouts. You’re not standing in the cold or heat long.
Apartment lockout with building access issues
You’re locked out of your apartment unit. But the building’s main door is also locked. Or you need to get through security. Or the building management isn’t answering.
We work with Philadelphia apartment buildings constantly. We know how to coordinate with building security and management to access your unit legally and quickly.
What NOT to do when locked out of your house
People make lockout situations worse by trying desperate solutions. Don’t be that person.
Don’t try to break in yourself
Don’t kick the door. Don’t try to pry it open. Don’t smash windows. You’ll cause hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage and you might still be locked out.
Broken doors, cracked frames, shattered windows. All expensive to fix. Way more expensive than calling us.
Don’t climb through windows
People try this all the time. They get stuck. They fall and get injured. Windows break. Screens rip. It’s dangerous and costly.
Just call us. Seriously.
Don’t try credit card tricks from YouTube
Modern residential locks don’t work like in the movies. You can’t slip a credit card into the latch and pop it open. You’ll just damage your door frame and still be locked out.
Those YouTube videos are for old locks or specific situations. Your Philly rowhome deadbolt isn’t opening with a credit card.
Don’t try to pick the lock yourself
Unless you’re actually trained in lockpicking, you’ll damage the lock mechanism. Bent pins, jammed tumblers, broken springs. Then we have to repair or replace the lock on top of unlocking it.
Don’t wait and hope it resolves itself
Your door will not magically unlock. Staring at it doesn’t help. Getting more frustrated doesn’t help. Your keys aren’t going to teleport into your hand.
Just call us now. We fix this problem 20 times a day. Let us help.
Need a professional house lockout near you? Give us a call
Whatever your locksmith needs, we’ve got you covered.
Why choose Ben Locksmith for your house or apartment lockout
We’re local to Philadelphia and we know your neighborhood
We’re not a national call center dispatching random contractors. We’re a Philadelphia locksmith business. We know every neighborhood. We know the building types. We’ve unlocked doors on South Philly rowhouse steps, in Center City high rises, in Northeast apartment complexes, everywhere.
We know which streets are one way. We know where to park. We know how to navigate tight alleys and narrow doorways. We know Philly buildings.
We answer our phone 24/7
Home lockouts happen at any time. Early morning before work. Late at night when you get home. Middle of the night. Weekends. Holidays.
We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You talk to us, not voicemail. Not an answering service. Us.
We show up fast
Most Philadelphia locations we reach in 20 to 30 minutes from when you call. Sometimes faster if we’re already nearby.
We know fast matters. You’re tired. You’re frustrated. You want to get inside your own home. We understand and we move accordingly.
For all emergency locksmith situations across Philadelphia, check our emergency locksmith services.
We won’t damage your door or lock
We use professional non-destructive entry tools and techniques. We’ve unlocked thousands of Philadelphia homes. We know exactly what we’re doing.
No kicked in doors. No broken frames. No drilled locks unless absolutely necessary and approved by you first. We get you in cleanly and safely.
Our technicians are trained, licensed, and insured. If somehow we did cause damage, we’re insured to cover it. But we’re careful and skilled, so damage rarely occurs.
Transparent pricing with no surprises
We give you a price quote over the phone before we come. You know what it costs before we arrive. That’s the price you pay when we’re done.
No hidden fees. No surprise charges. No “oh by the way” add ons. Clear, honest, upfront pricing.
We verify and protect your security
We verify you live at the address before unlocking. Driver’s license, mail, lease agreement, something that proves this is your home.
This protects you and prevents us from helping someone break into a house that isn’t theirs. Legitimate locksmiths always verify residency.
Our home lockout service process
You call, we dispatch immediately
Call +1 267-585-6033 or text us. Tell us where you are, what type of home (house, apartment, rowhome, condo), and what happened.
We give you a quote over the phone. We dispatch the nearest available technician to your location. We give you an estimated arrival time.
If it’s an emergency—someone inside who needs help, extreme weather, safety concern—tell us and we prioritize.
We arrive and verify residency
Our technician arrives in a marked van with professional locksmith tools. We verify you live at the address. Quick security check to ensure we’re helping the right person.
We assess your door and lock type. We choose the best entry method for your specific situation.
We unlock your door without damage
We use professional locksmith tools designed for non-destructive entry. Different locks need different techniques. We have tools for deadbolts, knob locks, mortise locks, whatever your home has.
Most residential doors we unlock in 5 to 10 minutes once we’re working. Some take longer depending on the lock type and security level.
You watch the whole process. We explain what we’re doing. No mysteries.
You’re back inside your home
We would hand you your keys if they were inside. We will test the door and lock to make sure everything works properly and nothing was damaged.
We provide a receipt. We discuss whether you need rekeying, spare keys, or lock upgrades for the future.
Crisis over. You’re home.
How much does home lockout service cost in Philadelphia?
Standard residential lockout during business hours
Most homes and apartments: $85 to $150 for straightforward lockouts during normal weekday business hours.
This covers our travel, expertise, tools, and time to unlock your door and get you back inside your home.
After hours residential lockout service
Nights after 8pm, early mornings before 8am, weekends, holidays: $125 to $200 for most homes.
After hours requires technicians to be available outside normal schedules. The premium covers that availability.
Emergency priority dispatch
If you need someone RIGHT NOW and can’t wait even 30 minutes—weather emergency, someone inside who needs help, safety concern—emergency priority may add $50.
This moves you to the absolute front of the queue. We drop everything and come immediately.
Complex locks or high security systems
Homes with high security locks, multiple deadbolts, or complex security systems: $150 to $225.
These take more time and specialized tools to unlock without damage.
Apartment building lockouts
If we need to coordinate with building management, get through security, or navigate complex building access: may add $25 to $50.
Why professional unlock is worth it
Compare our pricing to the alternatives:
Broken door or frame from DIY attempts: $300 to $1,500+ to repair properly. Often requires a carpenter, new door, new frame.
Broken window: $200 to $500 to replace, plus you’re exposed until it’s fixed.
Damaged lock from attempted picking: $150 to $300 to repair or replace.
Locksmith scam companies: Some charge $50 over phone then demand $400 when they arrive. We quote honestly upfront.
Professional lockout service is the cheapest option that actually works. You’re back in your home in 30 minutes, nothing is broken, and you can relax.
Real home lockout situations we've handled
Last week we helped someone in Queen Village who took their dog out at 6am. The door closed behind them. They were in pajamas with no phone, no keys, nothing. The neighbor let them use a phone to call us. We were there in 22 minutes. Got them inside before they had to explain to more neighbors why they were outside in pajamas.
A month ago we got a call from someone in Fishtown whose smart lock died. Batteries gave out and the mechanical backup wasn’t working right. They’d been at work all day and just wanted to get inside and sleep. We unlocked the door in 8 minutes and showed them how to prevent it from happening again.
We’ve unlocked South Philly rowhomes where people stepped out for 30 seconds and got locked out. Center City apartments where residents lost their keys. Manayunk houses where roommates had the only key. Northeast homes where elderly residents couldn’t find their spare. Everywhere across Philadelphia, every type of home, every type of lockout situation.
We’ve done this thousands of times. Whatever your situation is, we’ve handled it before. Let us help you get back inside.
Service areas: Home lockout service across all Philadelphia neighborhoods
We’re a mobile service. We come to wherever your home is located, any time of day or night.
Center City and downtown Philadelphia
Apartments and condos in Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square West, Midtown Village, Logan Square. High rise buildings, historic properties, modern construction. We know downtown access and building protocols.
South Philadelphia
Classic Philly rowhomes in Bella Vista, Queen Village, Passyunk Square, East Passyunk, Pennsport, Point Breeze. Those narrow rowhomes with tight doorways and street parking. We navigate South Philly constantly.
North Philadelphia
Temple University area, Fishtown, Fairmount, Northern Liberties, Poplar, Port Richmond, Brewerytown, Olde Kensington, Kensington. Student housing, apartments, rowhomes, new construction. We cover North Philly thoroughly.
West Philadelphia
University City near Penn and Drexel, Powelton Village, Cedar Park, Spruce Hill. Student apartments, family homes, Victorian houses. We serve West Philly regularly.
Northeast Philadelphia
Mayfair, Frankford, Tacony, Bustleton, Fox Chase. Single family homes, twins, apartment complexes. Residential neighborhoods where we help families get back inside.
Northwest Philadelphia
Manayunk, Roxborough, East Falls, Germantown, Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy. Hillside homes, rowhomes, apartments, single family houses. We handle Northwest Philly’s diverse housing.
Nearby suburbs
Bensalem, Cheltenham, Upper Darby, Lansdowne, and other communities close to Philadelphia. If you’re near the city and locked out, call us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you get to me?
Most Philadelphia residential locations we reach in 20 to 30 minutes from when you call. Sometimes faster if we’re already in your neighborhood. Sometimes a bit longer if traffic is bad or you’re further out.
We give you an honest estimated arrival time when you call.
Will you damage my door?
No. We specialize in non-destructive entry. We have professional tools designed specifically for unlocking residential doors without causing damage.
We’ve unlocked thousands of homes without breaking doors, drilling locks unnecessarily, or damaging frames. That’s what we’re good at.
Do I need to prove I live here?
Yes. We verify residency before unlocking. Driver’s license with the address, mail, lease agreement, utility bill, something that proves this is your home.
This protects you from unauthorized entry and protects us from helping someone break into a house that isn’t theirs.
What if I rent and my landlord isn't available?
If you’re on the lease, we can unlock your door. We verify you’re the legal tenant. Your landlord doesn’t need to be present.
If locks need rekeying or replacing after, that might require landlord approval depending on your lease.
Can you make me spare keys while you're here?
Yes. If you need spare keys cut after we unlock your door, we can do that on site. We also offer key duplication services.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, all major credit cards, and debit cards. Payment is due after we unlock your door and you’re satisfied with the service.
What if my lock is damaged and needs replacing?
We assess the lock after unlocking. If it’s damaged or worn and needs replacement, we can handle that on the spot. We carry common residential lock hardware.
We explain what needs replacing and why, give you options and pricing, and you decide how to proceed.
Locked out of your home right now? Call immediately
Don’t wait. Don’t try to break in. Don’t stress.
Call or text us now. Tell us where you are and what’s happening. We give you a quote and an arrival time. Then we dispatch immediately.
Available 24/7. Early morning, late night, weekends, holidays. We answer the phone. We come to you. We get you back inside your home.
Standing outside your house, apartment, or rowhome in Philly? Help is on the way.
Stop being locked out. Let’s get you back inside where you belong.
Fast response
Average 15-20 minutes response time
Local service
Serving Greater Philadelphia
24/7 Emergency
Always here when you need us