Guide
Locked out as a DC renter
58% of DC households rent (Census ACS 2020-2024). In a rental, the lock usually belongs to the landlord, so the first call is often the building, not a locksmith. Here is the order that tends to cost least.
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On this page
Share of households that rent, by ward
Who to call, in order
- Front desk or concierge, if your building has one.
- The management company's emergency line. Many buildings charge a lockout fee, which may be less than a locksmith.
- Your landlord, for a rowhouse flat or a condo you rent from an owner.
- A locksmith, if no one with a key can come. Show your lease or ID with the address.
Who pays
If you locked yourself out, plan to pay, whether that is the building's fee or the locksmith's bill. If the lock broke on its own, that is a repair, which landlords usually handle. Read your lease for the specifics.
Changing the locks on a rental
Most leases say you can't change or add a lock without the landlord's written OK, and the landlord will need a key. Ask the landlord to rekey after a roommate leaves, or get permission and hand over a key afterward.
High-security keys
Some DC buildings use restricted keys that a kiosk or hardware store can't copy. Only the holder of the key record, usually the property manager, can order more. If you lose one, a locksmith can't simply cut a spare; tell management first, and expect the fix to be a new cylinder ordered through them.
The DC lock-change law
Under DC Code s. 42-3505.08, a tenant who is the victim of an intrafamily offense can ask the landlord in writing to change the locks on every entrance door to the unit, and the landlord has 5 business days to do it. If the person is a tenant in the same unit, the request needs a copy of a protection order; if not, no documentation is required. The landlord pays up front and the tenant reimburses the cost within 45 days, at no more than any other tenant would pay for a lock change. The section is DC Code 42-3505.08. If you need this, put the request in writing and keep a copy.
Questions people in DC ask
Can my landlord charge me for a lockout?
If your lease sets a lockout fee and you locked yourself out, usually yes. Ask what it is before they send someone.
Can my landlord change my locks to force me out?
Lockouts by a landlord without a court process are a legal matter, not a locksmith one. Contact a tenant legal services group or the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate.