Getting locked out of your apartment in New York City is uniquely frustrating. Your building might not have a doorman. The super might be off-duty. Your spare key might be with a friend in another borough. Unlike houses, apartments involve layers of access -- lobby doors, intercom buzzers, individual unit locks -- that all need to work in sequence for you to get inside.
Our locksmiths understand the specific challenges of NYC apartment lockouts. We work with every type of building in the five boroughs, from pre-war walk-ups on the Upper West Side to modern high-rise condos in downtown Brooklyn, from co-op buildings with strict board rules to rent-stabilized apartments with decades-old hardware.
NYC apartments use an enormous variety of locks, many not found in other cities. Our technicians carry tools and expertise for all of them:
If you find yourself locked out, do not panic and do not attempt to force the door open. Kicking or prying a door can damage the frame, void your lease terms, and cost hundreds in repairs. Instead:
For a more detailed step-by-step walkthrough, read our complete guide to apartment lockouts in NYC. If you have lost your apartment keys entirely, we can also cut new keys on-site or rekey your locks so the lost keys no longer work.
Yes. Our technicians are trained in non-destructive entry methods. In the vast majority of apartment lockouts, we open the door without any damage to the lock, door, or frame. If a lock cannot be picked, we will discuss options with you before proceeding.
We are equipped to work with Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Abloy, and other high-security lock brands commonly installed in NYC apartments. High-security locks may take slightly longer to open but do not require destructive entry.
Not necessarily. If you have a doorman building, they may be able to assist. Otherwise, you can call us directly. Some co-op and condo boards have preferred vendor requirements, so it is worth checking if your building has such a policy. We can coordinate with building management on-site if needed.
For security purposes, we verify residency before performing any lockout service. A valid photo ID matching the address, a piece of mail, a utility bill, or confirmation from building management all work. We want to ensure your safety as much as our own.
Our apartment lockout service is available 24 hours a day, across every borough. Whether you are in a Manhattan co-op, a Queens walkup, or a Bronx apartment complex, one call gets a licensed locksmith on the way. After we get you inside, consider our tips for improving your apartment door security to prevent future issues.
After we get you back inside, consider lock rekeying to ensure old keys no longer work -- especially important if you lost your keys or are worried about unauthorized copies. Read our guide on what to do when locked out of your apartment in NYC for step-by-step advice, or learn about our residential locksmith services for ongoing home security needs.