Locked Out of Your NYC Apartment?
Here’s Exactly What to Do

It happens to everyone. You’re standing in the hallway at 11 PM, keys sitting on your kitchen counter, and the door is locked. In New York City, where you can’t exactly walk around to a back door or window, getting back inside can feel overwhelming.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do — fast, safely, and without spending more money than you need to.

Step-by-Step: What to Do When Locked Out

1. Stay calm and check all entry points

   Before anything else: check every door and window. Is there a back entrance? A fire escape window you left open? A building lobby door that’s unlocked? A few seconds of checking can save you $100.

2. Call your super or building management

   Most NYC apartment buildings have a superintendent with a master key. This is free, fast, and should always be your first call. Check your lease or building lobby board for the super’s number. Many buildings also have a 24-hour emergency maintenance line.

3. Call a trusted neighbor or roommate

   Did you leave a spare key with a neighbor? Now’s the time to call in that favor. If you have a roommate, call them — even if it means waking them up. A 2 AM phone call beats a $150 locksmith bill.

4. Call a licensed NYC locksmith

   If the super is unavailable and no one has a spare key, call a licensed, local locksmith. A reputable locksmith will arrive in 20–45 minutes, open the door without damage in most cases, and charge a transparent upfront price. Always ask for a quote before they start.

5. Wait somewhere safe

   Don’t stand alone in a dark hallway or outside at night while you wait. Wait in the building lobby, a nearby café, or with a neighbor. NYC is generally safe, but situational awareness matters late at night.

6. Get a spare key made immediately after

   Once you’re back inside, get a spare key cut the next morning. Give it to a neighbor, family member, or store it in a combination lockbox outside your door. This lockout will never happen again.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t call 911 — NYPD doesn’t respond to lockouts unless there’s an emergency. They will not unlock your door.
• Don’t use a credit card to slip the lock — This only works on spring latches (not deadbolts), and most NYC apartment doors use deadbolts.
• Don’t climb a fire escape — It’s dangerous, can alarm neighbors, and fire escapes are not designed to enter through windows safely.
• Don’t hire an unlicensed locksmith from an unverified ad — Locksmith scams are common in NYC. Always verify the company has a physical NYC address and confirmed reviews before they arrive.
• Don’t break a window — Replacing even a basic NYC apartment window costs starting at $160+, far more than a locksmith.

How Much Does an NYC Apartment Lockout Cost?

See our full NYC locksmith pricing guide for a complete breakdown of what every service costs in 2026.

How to Avoid Getting Locked Out Again

When to Consider Rekeying or Changing Your Lock

If you lost your key (not just left it inside), consider having your lock rekeyed or replaced — especially if there’s any chance someone else could find the key. Rekeying is cheaper than a full lock replacement and takes about 15 minutes.

Common situations that call for a rekey or lock change:

• Lost your keys and don’t know where they went
• Just moved into a new NYC apartment (you never know who has copies)
• Ended a relationship with someone who had a key
• Had a break-in or attempted break-in
• Keys were stolen with identifying info (wallet, badge with address)

Our residential locksmith team handles rekeying and lock replacements across all five boroughs, usually same-day.