Handling Unexpected Visitors Safely

How to manage door knocks, deliveries, and unwanted visitors.

Handling Unexpected Visitors Safely

Quick Overview

This page offers options for checking who is at your door, deciding whether to open it, and responding safely if you want to refuse or delay entry.

Before You Approach the Door

• Pause and listen for:
  • Voices (number of people, tone, any names mentioned)
  • Vehicle sounds (delivery truck, car idling, no vehicle at all)
  • Movement near windows or side areas
• Check your phone:
  • Missed calls or texts that match the visit (e.g., “I’m outside,” delivery notifications)
  • Security app alerts, if you use cameras or smart doorbells
• Decide your basic position:
  • “I will not open the door, but I might speak through it.”
  • “I may open with chain/partial latch only if I feel comfortable.”
  • “I will not respond at all.”

Using a Peep-Hole or Door Viewer

If your door has a peep-hole or viewer, you can use it to gather information before speaking.

• Approach quietly and avoid making noise that signals you are at the door.
• Look for:
  • Number of people present
  • Visible uniforms, ID badges, or company logos
  • Objects in hand (packages, clipboards, flyers)
  • Any attempt to hide from the peep-hole
• Stay aware of blind spots:
  • Someone standing out of view to one side
  • Vehicles parked in a way that limits visibility
• Use indoor lighting carefully:
  • If possible, keep lights in the entryway dim so your silhouette is less obvious.
  • Use a side room light instead of the main entry light if that still lets you move safely.

If You Do Not Have a Peep-Hole

• Use side or front windows if available:
  • Look from an angle rather than standing directly in full view.
  • Stand back slightly from curtains or blinds to reduce visibility from outside.
• Consider audio cues:
  • Ask, through the closed door: “Who is it?” before approaching closely.
  • Listen to how the person responds and whether they answer the question directly.
• If you have cameras or a smart doorbell:
  • Check the live view before moving toward the door.
  • Use the intercom option to speak without getting close to the door itself.

Delivery Safety (Packages, Food, Services)

These options apply to deliveries such as parcels, groceries, rideshares, or maintenance visits arranged by a landlord or company.

Before the Delivery Window

• Save confirmation details:
  • Order numbers and tracking IDs
  • Company name and expected delivery time
  • Any access codes or special instructions you provided
• Decide your preferred contact:
  • “Leave at door, no interaction.”
  • “I will speak through the door and not open fully.”
  • “I will meet outside in a public visible area if needed.”

When a Delivery Person Arrives

• Check for consistency:
  • Uniform or badge that matches the company
  • Branded vehicle (if the company usually uses one)
  • Package labels that match your name or unit number (if visible)
• Use the closed door to communicate:
  • “Hello, who is the delivery for?”
  • “Which company are you with?”
  • “Can you please leave it at the door?”
• Compare with your records:
  • Expected time vs. actual arrival time
  • Company name vs. what the person states
  • Any name on the package vs. your name or household name

Options If You Prefer No Face-to-Face Contact

• Through the closed door:
  • “You can leave it at the door, thank you.”
  • “Please just set it down and knock once more when you’re done.”
  • “I will pick it up after you leave, thank you.”
• By phone or app (for some services):
  • Use the “leave at door” or similar option in the delivery app.
  • Send: “Please leave at door. I won’t be opening.”
• If you are unsure:
  • “I’m not expecting a delivery. I’m not opening the door. Please contact your dispatch.”

Verifying Someone’s Identity

Sometimes people identify themselves as workers, maintenance, officials, or acquaintances. You can gather more information before you decide how to respond.

Basic Questions to Ask Through a Closed Door

• “What is your full name?”
• “Which company or department are you with?”
• “What is this regarding?”
• “Who scheduled this visit?”
• “Do you have a work order number, reference number, or badge ID?”

Visual Checks (Through Peep-Hole, Window, or Camera)

• Look for:
  • Photo ID that matches the name given
  • Official badge with a logo and person’s photo
  • Company logo on clothing or equipment
  • Paperwork or a work order with your correct address and name
• Ask them to:
  • Hold ID up closer to the peep-hole, window, or camera
  • Place any paperwork flat against the door or window for you to read

Independent Confirmation Options

• Use a phone number you already trust:
  • Call a landlord, building manager, or office directly using previously saved numbers.
  • Call the company’s public customer service line (found independently) to confirm a visit.
• Check written notices:
  • Review any prior email, text, or letter that announced the visit.
  • Look for:
    • Date and time of the scheduled visit
    • Name of the staff person, if provided
    • Reference or ticket number
• Use time as a buffer:
  • “I need to verify this visit. Please wait while I make a call.”
  • Step away from the door to make calls or check messages.

Deciding Whether to Open the Door

You can set your own thresholds for when you feel comfortable opening the door, even partially.

• Common reasons some people choose not to open:
  • Visitor identity not fully verified
  • More people present than expected
  • Time of visit is not what was arranged
  • Visitor avoids clear answers to simple questions
• Partial-opening options (if available and you choose to use them):
  • Using a chain lock or bar lock to limit door opening distance
  • Keeping a solid object (like a door wedge) behind the door to reduce how far it swings
  • Standing behind the door and to the side, not directly in front of the opening
• Non-opening options:
  • Speaking only through the closed door
  • Using a window, balcony, or intercom instead
  • Not responding if you decide that is safest for you

Neutral Safe Refusal Scripts

These sample phrases are written in a neutral, low-conflict tone. You can adjust language and details to fit your situation.

General “Not Opening the Door” Scripts

• “I’m not opening the door today. Please leave any information in the mailbox or under the door.”
• “This isn’t a good time for me to open the door. You can contact me by phone or email.”
• “I don’t open the door without prior notice. Please schedule an appointment through the usual channels.”

For Unknown or Uninvited Visitors

• “I wasn’t informed about this visit and I’m not opening the door. Please follow up with the office/management.”
• “I don’t open the door to people I don’t know. If this is important, please send official notice in writing.”
• “I’m not able to verify this visit right now, so I’m not opening the door.”

For Deliveries

• “I prefer contactless delivery. Please leave it at the door. Thank you.”
• “I’m not opening the door. If this delivery requires a signature, please mark it as unavailable and return it.”
• “I’m not expecting a delivery, so I won’t open the door. Please check with your dispatcher.”

For Maintenance or Repairs

• “I wasn’t notified about maintenance today. Please coordinate a new time through the landlord/office.”
• “I’m not able to allow entry today. Please reschedule through the usual process.”
• “I need written confirmation of this work order before I can consider entry.”

For People You Know but Do Not Want to Let In

• “I’m not able to have visitors today.”
• “Now is not a good time to talk at the door. Please send a message instead.”
• “I’m not opening the door. Take care.”

Additional Practical Steps

• Pre-set boundaries for your household:
  • Agree on when to open or not open the door.
  • Decide who is allowed to answer the door (adults only, for example).
• Keep reference details easy to access:
  • Important phone numbers for landlord, office, or building security
  • Notes of scheduled visits (dates, times, company names)
• Consider documenting concerning visits:
  • Time, date, and description of the visitor
  • What they said and how they identified themselves
  • Any steps you took (e.g., calls made, messages sent)

Recommended Articles

• Safety Planning Checklist for Day-to-Day Routines
• Gathering and Organizing Documentation Safely
• Phone and Technology Safety Basics
• Managing Home Entry, Locks, and Keys
• Documenting Concerning Encounters and Incidents