The bloody handle's broken on the garage door with no other access! Typical isn't it?! First day for weeks that it's guaranteed not to rain, go to take the coop for a run and I can't.

I guess I can't really ask for advice about breaking in to my own (rented) garage on a public forum? I'm reluctant to get the landlord involved yet in case they damage the car.

The handle unlocks and turns, but doesn't seem to be connected to anything and the door stays latched.

Landlord job. The handle on most of these things just links to a couple of pull-bars that release the latches; if it's not opening then one of the bars has perhaps broken.

Better to have the landlord fix his faulty door and have to pay to repair your car (unlikely, he'll probably just get a crowbar to it) than you pay the exorbitant price of a new door.

There are a few 'How to's....' on Youtube and on the internet they may help you to 'trip' it.

I'm in! It was worryingly easy without damaging anything. The handle links to a single spring loaded catch via a cable which had snapped. It didn't take much effort to nudge the catch back with a screwdriver through the gap at the top of the door. I think some additional security is in order.

At least the coop's free!

Phew. Great news

You can add "burglar" to your CV Dan.

Phew, we no longer have a desperate Dan, more a relieved one

I was going to suggest that course of action

Never tried it, but have spent plenty of time in my lockup with the door down and have admired that a child's ruler would be enough to pull the catch above the door...

Well done though...