Is this essential? How can I stay safe?

[Confuzzled123]

I moved house recently and have been living in temporary accommodation. I finally moved in today but have noticed that the patio doors to the rear garden of the house do not lock.

Ordinary i would call a locksmith out but I am worried about risk of disease. I live in a fairly rural village but there is occasional burglary.

If I do call out a locksmith, how can I stay safe? Or should I just keep the broken door until things improve?

Thanks in advance!

[MrsWolf2]

I think you will need to get it sorted, home insurance surely won’t cover you if the doors won’t lock and I don’t think I could feel safe.

I would find a locksmith and just ask them about what precautions they are taking and what their other clients have done too, they will be able to give you the best advice.

[Flowersforpowers]

Yes I would class that as essential. Any locksmith should be taking precautions - just wipe down any surfaces they touch whilst in your house.

[ShyTown]

We had our patio door break. The locksmith came and worked from the outside, not stepping foot in the house, and after initially speaking to him from 6ft away, we made sure to be in the other part of the house. I then gave the door a good antibac clean whilst wearing gloves afterwards. That was a week ago so I think we are most likely fine and no harm done. A locking door is pretty essential and I don’t think your insurance would pay out if you were burgled.

[Confuzzled123]

Thanks very much. I’ll give the locksmith a call to see what precautions he’s taking.

I hadn’t thought about the insurance aspect. Thanks!

[LangClegsInSpace]

Call the locksmith, this is essential work. They will only be working on your door, not coming in your house. You'll be able to stay well away from them. Pay by bank transfer, give the door surfaces a good clean after they've finished