What will a locksmith ask for before opening my locked shop?

If you are an employee rather than the owner or tenant, the locksmith may need the owner, manager or landlord to confirm that you are allowed in. A quick call to that person before the visit often saves time on the day.

Why the locksmith asks

What you can have ready

• Photo identificationHave a driver's licence or similar ID to hand, ideally one showing an address. If it is inside the shop, a phone photo of it may still be useful to mention when you call.
• Something that links you to the premisesA lease, a utility bill or similar paperwork for the shop helps the locksmith confirm that you are entitled to enter. Digital copies on your phone or in an email are a good place to look.
• A person who can confirmIf you manage or work in the shop, ask the owner, landlord or a manager to be reachable by phone. Their confirmation can stand in for paperwork.
• Details of the doorNote which door is locked and whether it is a front door, back door or fire exit. Say whether it has a keypad or a standard key lock, so the estimate can be accurate.
• Leave fire-exit hardware as it isPanic and fire-exit hardware has to keep working as an exit. Do not chain or disable it to solve a lock problem, and leave any repair to the locksmith.

What the locksmith will do

• Confirm your authority to enterThe locksmith checks your identification and your link to the premises first. Nothing is opened until that is settled.
• Open the doorOnce your entitlement is confirmed and the price is agreed, the door is opened.
• Repair or replace the hardwareIf a commercial cylinder, mortice lock or piece of panic hardware has failed, it can be repaired or replaced. Fire-exit hardware is kept working as an exit.
• Set up master-key systemsIf your staff need different levels of access, a master-key system can be set up so each person holds the right key.
• Fit access control and keypadsA keypad or access-control system can be fitted if you would rather not rely on keys alone.

Related questions

Can an employee ask for the shop to be opened?

Yes, but the locksmith still needs to confirm that the employee is entitled to enter. That may mean the owner, manager or landlord confirming by phone, or the employee showing identification along with something from the business.

What if I rent the shop and the landlord holds the keys?

Show your lease along with your ID, and tell the locksmith who the landlord is. The landlord may also be asked to confirm. Check your lease before any lock is changed, as it may say who is responsible.

Does the locksmith tell me the price before opening the door?

Yes. The estimate is free, the locksmith gives the price after looking at the lock, and work starts only once you agree to it.

Should I change the locks when a member of staff leaves?

Often it is sensible. Staff turnover, not burglary, is the usual reason a business needs its locks changed. A locksmith can replace cylinders or set up a master-key system so access can be managed by level.

Does a locksmith need a licence?

It depends on where you are. 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 own state or city.

Keep reading

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• AnswerCan a tenant call a locksmith if the landlord holds the shop keys?
• AnswerWhat proof of authority does a locksmith need for a business lockout?
• AnswerDo I need to prove I lease the building for a commercial lockout?
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