Locked out of the office: a practical checklist

Before you call

• Check with the building manager or security desk. They may hold a master key.
• Ask whether a coworker or the owner has a key, and how far away they are.
• Read the lease. Some buildings insist on their own locksmith.

Proof of authorization

A locksmith needs to know you're allowed in. A business card plus ID, a copy of the lease, or a manager confirming by phone usually covers it. Yes, it slows you down a little. It also protects your business from someone else talking their way in.

What the locksmith does

Most commercial cylinders open without damage. High-security locks, or a key broken off inside, are another story: the technician may need to extract the key or swap the cylinder. Get the price before work starts.

Once you're back in

Keys lost or stolen? Rekey the affected cylinders the same day. Lockouts keep happening? Look at a master key system or keypad entry so the right people always have access, and the wrong ones don't.

Need help with a lock in Milpitas? Call 408-310-4400 or request a callback.