House Lockout in Memphis, TN

Which door, and who controls it

A Memphis house lockout starts with a question about the building, because the Midtown and Mud Island neighborhoods have very different kinds of doors.

• Central Gardens. American foursquares and bungalows are the most common forms in this historic district. A detached house can have more than one exterior door, so say which one is locked.
• Poplar Avenue. The Midtown stretch is lined with 1920s apartment buildings, where the street entrance and the unit door may be controlled by different people. If only the street door is shut, the person who controls it may be able to let you in.
• Harbor Town. Developed in 1989 on Mud Island, it is a dense neighborhood known for traditional row houses. In a row, the exact house number and street tell more than a description of the door, so give both.

Showing that you live there

More than half of Memphis households rent, so a lease often matters. Photo ID showing the address helps, as does a lease or a utility bill. If all of it is locked inside, say so; a landlord or building manager who can confirm that you live there also helps.

If a landlord is keeping you out of a home you rent, that can be a legal question as well as a lockout. Shelby County is one of the 17 counties where Tennessee's Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies (T.C.A. § 66-28-102). Under § 66-28-504, a tenant whom a landlord unlawfully removes or excludes may recover possession or end the agreement, and may recover actual damages. This is general information, not legal advice.

While you wait outside

Wait somewhere sheltered, such as with a neighbor. If a child, a pet or a pot on the stove is left inside, call 911 rather than waiting for a locksmith.

What to put in the request

Give the street address or building name, the nearest cross street, which door is locked and whether you own or rent. Tennessee Locksmith Pros takes service requests from homes, businesses and drivers in Memphis. See house lockout service. To have the keys changed afterward, see lock rekeying and the Memphis page.