Being a landlord really sucks sometimes. Some tenants can be nasty - others flaky and there is almost always something to fix.
I had a tenant change the locks without telling me (or giving me a key). They then moved out and locked the keys in the unit.
I drove an hour there and back to find this out - it was freezing and I had no tools with me. Luckily the new tenant was willing to come back the next day.
How I Got In
I found a door without a deadbolt. I had a butter knife and a slot head screwdriver. Once you figure out where the lock is you have to slide underneath it and pop it out while hitting the door with your shoulder. It leaves a bit of a mess and is certainly not easy - I would only recommend it in a situation where you are extremely frustrated and even then I would try a "cleaner" method.
How I Should Have Got In
So went on YouTube after the fact. I grew up before the Internet and cell phones and I really like solving problems without outside help. I sometimes forget I have a little computer in my pocket. Its not my age group - its just me.
This video on using a "bump key" would have saved me time and damage. This is how I will do it next time - im sure its not the last time I have to break in.
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