House Lockout in Houston, TX

Which door you are locked out of

The building decides how a house lockout plays out in Houston.

• Large apartment buildings. Census Bureau estimates for 2024 put 22.1 percent of Houston homes in buildings of 50 or more units. Residents can be shut out at two points: the gate or lobby entry, which the property controls, and the unit door, which is lock work.
• Old Sixth Ward. As of 2007, 300 houses built between 1854 and 1935 still stood here, from Greek Revival cottages to Queen Anne houses and bungalows. If the locked door and its lock are original, say so in your request.
• Glenbrook Valley. South of Sims Bayou, this historic district has 1,256 houses, mostly mid-century ranch houses built from 1953 to 1962. Say whether the locked door is the front, back or a side entry, and whether a deadbolt is thrown or only the knob lock is set.

If you rent and your key stops working

With 59.1 percent of occupied Houston homes rented, a key that suddenly fails is not always a lost key, so look for a notice on the door. Section 92.0081 of the Texas Property Code lets a landlord change the locks over delinquent rent only if the lease permits it and advance written notice was given, and the landlord must then provide a new key at any hour, whether or not the rent is paid. This is general information, not legal advice.

Waiting safely

Houston went through a hard freeze in February 2021, and hurricane season brings its own risks. In a freeze or a storm, wait in a car, a lobby or a neighbor's home rather than on an open porch. If a child, an older adult or a pet is alone inside and at risk, call 911. When a lockout comes with storm damage or a break-in, see emergency locksmith.

What to have ready

• photo ID showing the address, or a lease or deed if your ID lists another address
• the neighborhood and nearest cross streets
• the building type: house, townhome, or unit in a larger building, with any gate or lobby access details
• whether keys were lost or stolen, since lock rekeying may follow

The house lockout page describes the service; the Houston page covers the city.