Do I need to prove I lease the building for a commercial lockout?
You need to show that you are entitled to enter the premises, and a lease is one common way to do that. Before opening anything, the locksmith checks your identification and proof that you have the right to be there.
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A lease is not the only option. A driver's licence showing the address, a utility bill, or a manager or neighbour who can confirm who you are can also work. If you are an employee rather than the tenant or owner, the person who holds the lease or runs the business may need to confirm it.
Why the locksmith asks
A locksmith cannot tell by looking at a door whether the person standing outside is the tenant, a member of staff or someone with no right to the space. Confirming entitlement first is how the locksmith makes sure the door is opened for the right person. It protects you and your business too.
It also means this page cannot be used as a how-to. Nothing here describes how a door is opened. The route is always the same: call, show who you are, agree the price, and the door is opened.
Commercial premises often have more than one person with a claim to them, such as a tenant, a landlord, a property manager or an employee. Having the right paperwork or the right person on hand makes the visit smoother.
What you can check yourself
- Find your proofLook for a lease, a utility bill or other paperwork for the premises. A photo of it on your phone is a useful start, and the locksmith decides what is sufficient on the day.
- Have your own identification readyA driver's licence with an address is the usual first item. Keep it with you when the locksmith arrives.
- Reach someone who can vouch for youA manager, the owner, the landlord or a neighbouring business owner who knows you may be able to confirm that you belong there.
- Check for a spare keyAsk a colleague, the manager or the property owner whether a spare key is held somewhere you can reach. That can save the visit.
- Note which door is the problemTell the locksmith whether it is a front door, a back door or a door with panic hardware. It helps them prepare for the right lock.
When to call a locksmith
Call when you cannot reach a spare key or the person who holds one. You can reach One Call Locksmiths on (866) 690-5848. We arrange the visit with an independent locksmith, and the locksmith does the work.
On arrival the locksmith checks your identification and proof that you are entitled to enter before opening anything. The estimate is free. The locksmith looks at the lock, gives the price, and work starts only once you agree it.
What the locksmith will do
- Confirm your authority to enterIdentification and proof of entitlement are checked first, whether that is a lease, a bill or a manager's confirmation.
- Get the door openOnce entitlement is confirmed and the price is agreed, the door is opened so you can get back into your premises.
- Repair or replace commercial hardwareCommercial cylinders, mortice locks and panic hardware can be repaired or replaced if they are worn or damaged.
- Set up access levelsA master-key system can be arranged so different staff hold different levels of access.
- Fit access controlKeypads and other access control can be fitted if you would rather not depend on a single set of keys.
Related questions
- What if I am an employee and the owner is not available?
- The locksmith still needs confirmation that you are entitled to enter. A manager or the business owner may be able to confirm this by phone or in person. Try to reach one of them before the visit.
- Can the locksmith change the locks while they are there?
- Yes. Locks can be replaced or the cylinders changed, and the price is agreed before work starts. Staff turnover, not burglary, is the usual reason a business changes its locks.
- Can a fire-exit door be locked or chained to fix a problem?
- No. Panic and fire-exit hardware has to keep working as an exit, so it is repaired or replaced rather than chained or disabled.
- Does a locksmith need a licence to work on my premises?
- It varies by state. Some states license or register locksmiths through a state agency, others leave it to cities or counties, and some do not regulate the trade. Check with your state or city. One Call Locksmiths is a referral service and holds no licence itself.
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