When forced entry is appropriate
Forced entry is lawful where the person carrying it out has a right to be there — for example, after a court warrant of possession has been executed, after a lawful surrender of tenancy, after an LPA receiver has been appointed and there is no tenant in situ, or after the keyholder of a vacant property has lost access. It is not lawful — and we will not carry it out — where the entry would be against the will of a current occupant with rights to be there.
Coordinating locksmith and clearance
Most forced entries are best handled by a locksmith using non-destructive methods first (picking, bumping, decoding) and destructive methods only as a last resort. Our partner locksmiths are SSAIB-accredited and trained in both approaches. Where the lock can be opened non-destructively, the property is re-secured with new keys for the landlord; where the lock must be drilled or removed, a replacement euro-cylinder or full lock is fitted as part of the same visit.
The contents-block scenario
A particular category of forced entry is the property where the contents themselves block the door. Severe hoarding is the most common cause: items piled against the inside of the front door make conventional entry impossible. In these cases we attempt entry through an alternative route (back door, window, garage) before resorting to destructive entry on the front door. Our crews are equipped to work in these constrained environments — clearance starts from the entry point and works inward, creating a usable path before any larger volume of contents is tackled.
Documentation for forced entry
Every forced entry is photographically documented before, during and after — the original door condition, the entry method, any damage caused, and the final re-secured state. The documentation is provided to the landlord, the lender, the receiver or whoever has instructed the entry, and is designed to defeat any subsequent damages claim from a former occupant about the manner of the entry.
Re-securing after entry
The property must be left as secure or more secure than before the forced entry, both as a legal duty and as a practical necessity. We fit insurance-approved locks (typically British Standard 3621 or equivalent), supply the new keys to the instructing party, and document the re-securing with photographs and a locksmith certificate. For high-risk properties — those at risk of squatters, thieves or vandalism — we can fit additional security (steel security door, window security shutters, alarm) as part of the same visit.
Frequently asked questions
Can you force entry to a property where the occupant is still inside?
Only where the occupant has no lawful right to remain — for example, after a court warrant of possession has been executed and they have not left. In all other cases, forced entry to an occupied property is unlawful and we will not undertake it.
What if I'm not sure I have the right to force entry?
Speak to us — we will not force entry on the basis of an uncertain legal position. Where you need confirmation, we'll suggest you take legal advice first.
Do you cause damage on every forced entry?
No — most forced entries are non-destructive (picking, bumping). Destructive entry (drilling, lever attack) is used only where non-destructive methods fail or are unsuitable. Where destructive entry is needed, we typically replace the lock cylinder rather than the whole lock, reducing the repair cost significantly.
Is the locksmith part of the same booking and invoice?
Yes. Forced entry clearance is a single co-ordinated service with a single invoice covering the locksmith, the entry method, the re-securing and the clearance.
How much does forced entry add to a clearance cost?
Typically £150-£350 for the locksmith work depending on lock type, complexity, and whether destructive entry is required. The clearance cost is unchanged.