Detached houses, rented units and which door to try

Census Bureau estimates for 2024 count 43 percent of Pittsburgh's homes as detached houses. A detached house usually has more than one way in, such as a back door, a side door off the driveway or a basement door. Check each one before you request help: a door you rarely use may be unlocked, or may take a key still on your ring.

About 52 percent of the city's occupied homes are rented. If you rent, the landlord or property manager may hold a key to your unit, so ask them first. If they can't come, say in your request that you rent and give the manager's name.

Original front doors in Manchester and Allegheny West

Manchester and Allegheny West are two of the 16 locally designated historic districts the city lists. Under Pittsburgh Code Chapter 1101, exterior alterations there require a Certificate of Appropriateness, and a new front door or street-side hardware is the kind of change the street can see. If your door is original wood and faces the street, say so in your request. This is general information, not legal advice.

If someone is at risk

If a child, an older person or a pet is alone inside and needs help, or someone outside is getting dangerously cold in snow or ice, call 911. Otherwise wait somewhere warm, such as a neighbor's home or a nearby shop.

Proof of residence and what to include

Expect to be asked to show that you live there. A photo ID with the address is the simplest proof. If your ID shows an old address, bring a lease, deed, mortgage statement or utility bill in your name; if those papers are inside, say so, and they can be checked once the door is open. In a house lockout request, include:

the street address and which door you are locked out of
the lock type if you know it: knob lock, deadbolt or an older mortise lock
whether you own or rent
whether the keys are inside or lost

If the keys are lost rather than locked in, consider rekeying once you are back inside. More local notes are on the Pittsburgh page.

At the door

What house lockout covers

Help getting back into your home when you are locked out, with non-destructive methods tried first where the lock allows.

A conversation about the door, the lock, and your situation before anyone is sent
Non-destructive entry methods tried first where the lock allows
A proof-of-residence check before entry, or as soon as the door is open if documents are inside

ID and proof you may access the property are checked before any work.

House Lockout in Pennsylvania

Sources

Public records and references this page draws on. They are outside USA Locksmith Pros and open in a new tab.

House Lockout in Pittsburgh, PA