Center City condo lockouts have a few quirks that make them different from a standard house lockout. The building itself is part of the job. Here's what to expect before you call us at (267) 587-7778.
The two types of Center City condo lockout
Type one: you stepped out for a minute. Took out the recycling, grabbed a package at the lobby, let the dog out. The door closed behind you. Keys are inside. This is a 5 to 10 minute job once we arrive — non-destructive entry, standard process.
Type two: you actually lost your keys. No idea where they are. This is a different situation. We still open the door, but you should also think seriously about rekeying or changing the lock afterward — missing keys are somewhere out there and you don't know who might find them with your building address on a keychain. We can do the rekey in the same visit.
Those two scenarios have different costs and implications. When you call us, tell us which situation you're in so we can quote you accurately.
Working with building security and concierge
Most Center City high-rises — buildings around Walnut, Chestnut, Market, Logan Square, Rittenhouse Square, and Society Hill — have a front desk, concierge, or security desk. Before you call us, check with the front desk. Some buildings have a property manager on call who can let you in during business hours. That's typically faster and free.
After hours — which is when most lockouts happen — the building's options narrow fast. Night-shift security in most Center City buildings does not carry master key access to individual units. That's when you call us.
We're used to working in managed buildings. We carry ID, we can check in at a security desk, and we know how to explain the job to building staff. If your building has specific access procedures, let us know when you call so we know what to expect when we arrive.
What ID to have ready
Have your photo ID and something that connects you to the unit address — your lease, a piece of mail with your name and the building address, or a bank statement. If your driver's license shows your current Center City address, that's typically sufficient. If you moved in recently and your license still shows a prior address, have a lease page with your name, the building address, and your unit number.
We verify identity on every residential lockout. It takes 30 seconds and protects everyone, including the next tenant who moves in after you.
After-hours lockouts: what to expect on pricing
After-hours service — generally anything after 9 p.m. and before 7 a.m. — carries an after-hours surcharge on top of the standard lockout rate. We tell you the total price over the phone before we dispatch. No surprises when we arrive.
The majority of Center City condo lockout calls we get happen between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Came home late, reached for the keys, not there. This is exactly when the building's own options have run out. Save our number before you need it: (267) 587-7778. It's a lot easier to find a locksmith when you're still inside than when you're standing in a hallway at midnight.
Buildings we service in Center City
We work throughout Center City — Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square West, Old City, Logan Square, Callowhill, and Society Hill. We also serve Center City East near Penn's Landing, the Avenue of the Arts corridor, and Chinatown and Spring Garden border blocks. Call for a real-time ETA based on where we are.
If the lock wasn't rekeyed when you moved in
New Philadelphia tenants who moved in and found the lock was never rekeyed after the previous tenant: this is common. Prior tenants may still have working key copies. Your landlord is responsible for providing secure access, and a rekey is the standard resolution. We can rekey in the same visit after opening the door, and we provide a written invoice you can present to your landlord if reimbursement is in your lease.
Call (267) 587-7778 or reach out at fisherlocksmith@gmail.com. We've been serving Philadelphia since 1993 and we're familiar with how Center City building management works.