Residential Locksmith Guide
Getting locked out of your apartment is one of the most common emergencies New Yorkers face. Before you do anything drastic, take a moment to check all the obvious options. Have you tried every door and accessible window? Is there a spare key with a neighbor, friend, or family member? Many NYC apartment dwellers leave a spare with someone in the building for exactly this reason.
If you live in a building with a doorman or a superintendent, they should be your first call. Most supers in NYC buildings keep master keys or can contact the management company that does. Building management is typically required to provide access during business hours, and many offer emergency access after hours as well.
In most NYC rental buildings, the landlord or management company has a legal obligation to provide access to your apartment. Call your building's management office or super first. If it is during business hours, they can usually let you in at no charge. After hours, policies vary -- some buildings charge a fee for emergency access, while others have an on-call super.
Co-op and condo buildings often have their own rules. Check your building's house rules or contact the managing agent. In many co-ops, the super will let you in but may require you to show ID or have your identity confirmed by another resident.
Call a professional locksmith when the building super is unavailable, you cannot reach management, or you need to get in quickly. A licensed locksmith can open most standard apartment locks -- Medeco, Schlage, Kwikset, and common NYC cylinder locks -- without causing any damage to the door or lock.
The process typically takes between 5 and 20 minutes depending on the lock type. Residential locksmith services in NYC for a standard lockout typically range from $75 to $250, depending on the time of day, lock complexity, and your borough. Late-night and weekend calls are usually at the higher end of that range.
Under New York City housing law, your landlord cannot lock you out of your apartment. If you have been locked out by a landlord action -- changed locks, removed your belongings -- this is an illegal lockout and you should call 311 or contact housing court immediately. This is a completely different situation from accidentally locking yourself out.
If the lockout happens because of a faulty lock that has not been maintained, the cost of the locksmith may be the landlord's responsibility. Document the situation and notify your landlord in writing. Under NYC housing maintenance code, landlords are required to maintain functional locks on apartment doors.
If you have children and are worried about being locked out with them inside, read our guide on what to do if you are locked out with a child inside in NYC -- it covers the exact emergency steps for parents.
Locked out right now? Our licensed locksmiths provide 24/7 apartment lockout service across all five NYC boroughs.
Generally, no. The NYPD will typically respond to a lockout only if there is a medical emergency, a child or vulnerable person locked inside, or a safety concern. For a standard lockout, they will advise you to call a locksmith or your building super.
If the lockout is due to your own mistake (forgetting keys), you typically pay. If the lockout is caused by a faulty or unmaintained lock, the cost may fall on your landlord. Document the situation and reference NYC Housing Maintenance Code for lock maintenance obligations.
Most standard NYC apartment locks -- including Medeco, Schlage, and common pin-tumbler cylinders -- can be opened in 5 to 20 minutes by a licensed locksmith. High-security locks or multi-point locking systems may take longer.
If you are locked out late at night, our guide on emergency lockouts at night in NYC covers nighttime pricing, safety tips, and what to expect from a 24-hour locksmith.