Locked out

What to know

1. Call your landlord, property manager or the building's after-hours maintenance line first. Many can let you in for little or nothing. Your lease or welcome packet has the number.
2. Locked out of your car? Call your roadside assistance first. It may come with your car, your insurance or a club like AAA. Source: Washington AG³
3. If you need a locksmith, don't just call the first search ad. Fake local listings route you to out-of-state call centers. Source: Minnesota AG¹
4. Listen to how they answer. A generic "locksmith services" instead of a business name is a warning sign. Ask for the business's legal name. If they won't say, call someone else. Source: Washington AG³
5. Get the full price before they come: service call, travel, labor and parts. Ask for a written quote before work starts, and don't agree if the price goes up on site. Source: Connecticut DCP²
6. Check ID when they arrive, and see if it matches the business name on the bill and the vehicle. A real locksmith should ask for your ID too, to make sure you live there. Source: Minnesota AGWashington AG¹³
7. Get an itemized invoice when it's done. Source: Washington AG³ Pay by card if you can, so you can dispute a bad charge.

Set this up today

• Save your landlord's emergency or after-hours number in your phone.
• Look up one local locksmith with a real storefront and save the number.
• Leave a spare key with a friend or family member nearby.
• If your building uses fobs or codes, write down who to call when they don't work.

What to ask on the phone

Hi, I'm locked out of my apartment at [address]. What's your business's full name and address? What's the total price, including the service call, travel and any fees? How long until you get here? Will the technician have ID with your business name?

If it doesn't work

• Got overcharged? Dispute the charge with your card company and report it to your state attorney general's consumer office.
• Did your landlord lock you out on purpose? That's not a lockout, it's an illegal eviction in many states. See An eviction notice on your door.
• Lost your keys, not just locked out? Ask the landlord to rekey. Someone may have your address.