Question 1

I am locked out of my Brooklyn apartment — what should I do right now while I wait for a locksmith?

Accepted Answer

First, try the obvious: check all other entry points (back door, fire escape with door access), ask a neighbor if they were given a spare key, contact your building super or management company (many buildings have emergency super lines). If you are in an unsafe location — street at night — move to a nearby business or lobby and call from there. Do not leave your door unlocked to re-enter if someone propped it open. Once you have called us, stay accessible by phone — sometimes we arrive faster than expected.

Question 2

Does my landlord or super have a legal right to let me back into my own apartment?

Accepted Answer

Your building super almost certainly has a master key and should be your first call. Many supers charge nothing or a nominal fee for emergency lockout assistance. If your super is unavailable and your management company is reachable, they may also have master key access or a preferred locksmith. Note: your landlord retaining a master key is legal in NYC. Some tenants are uncomfortable with this — if so, the solution after your lockout is to change your locks and provide the landlord a copy of the new key under §27-2043.

Question 3

How do I know the locksmith is legitimate and not overcharging me?

Accepted Answer

NYC has specific rules for locksmiths. A legitimate NYC locksmith must be licensed with the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) and must give you a written price estimate before starting work. Ask to see the license. If the price quoted over the phone changes dramatically when they arrive, that is a red flag for a bait-and-switch operation. Avenue Locksmith technicians carry their DCWP credentials and quote the final price before touching the door.

Question 4

How much does a residential lockout cost in Brooklyn?

Accepted Answer

A standard residential lockout starts at $75–$125. Price varies based on lock type (standard deadbolt vs. high-security lock), time of day (our pricing is consistent — no after-hours surcharge), and whether any follow-up work like a rekey is needed. We quote the exact amount over the phone and confirm on arrival before work begins.

Question 5

Can you get me in without damaging my lock or door?

Accepted Answer

In nearly all cases, yes. We use professional non-destructive entry techniques — lock picking, bypass tools, and sometimes shimming — that open the door without damage. We only drill as an absolute last resort, and only after explaining the situation and cost to you first. Brooklyn apartment doors are generally manageable without drilling unless the lock is high-security or the cylinder is severely damaged.

Residential Lockout Service in Brooklyn, NY — Apartments & Houses

What to Do Right Now — Step by Step

Why Brooklyn Residents Call Us

Recent Residential Lockout Jobs

Residential Lockout FAQ — What Brooklyn Residents Ask

Related Services

Brooklyn home lockout dispatch — picks out first, drills last