{"id":16026,"date":"2022-08-12T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-12T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/content-manager\/?p=16026"},"modified":"2022-08-12T15:01:27","modified_gmt":"2022-08-12T19:01:27","slug":"locked-out-of-apartment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.renthop.com\/blog\/locked-out-of-apartment\/","title":{"rendered":"My Key Fob Isn\u2019t Working: What To Do When Locked Out Of Your Apartment"},"content":{"rendered":"
There are few situations more stressful than not being able to get into your apartment or home. No matter how cautious or responsible you are, keys can be lost or broken, and key fobs can stop working for various reasons. Even with today’s tech developments and the ease of keyless entry systems, there remains the potential for lockout. So, what do you do if you’re locked out?<\/p>\n
An increasing number of buildings in New York City<\/a> are converting to keyless entry systems that use electronic key fobs to gain entry. These systems increase the security of the building and are an added layer of protection for tenants. By allowing only a limited number of key fobs per apartment, managers can protect against illegal tenants and illegal Airbnb renting. Since key fobs cannot be copied or replicated like a regular key can, both landlords and tenants have added control over who has access to their building and when. Despite these added benefits, electronic key systems can still malfunction or break, leaving residents stranded and locked out of their buildings.<\/p>\n Key Fobs and other electronic keys are known as smart keys. Today’s smart keys do not fit into a matching lock like standard keys do and instead operate via radio frequency signals<\/a>. The transmitter in the key fob sends a signal to the remote device in the receiver, and when near the door, this short-range signal communicates for the door to unlock. Working instantaneously and without struggling to fit a key into the lock, these systems are meant to make life easier. But at times, they can also provide added challenges.<\/p>\n When the apartment key fob is not working, there are several things you can investigate to determine why. Before calling for help, check to see if you are using the key correctly. If you were given a physical key as a backup, try using that instead.<\/p>\n In most cases, the key fob quits operating because the battery has run out. Lithium batteries generally power key fobs, and these will eventually run out of juice. The standard key fob will run out of batteries after three to four years<\/a>. When this occurs, the battery will lose its charge, and the signal can no longer reach its destination, leaving you stuck outside.<\/p>\n First, try replacing the battery. You can visit a local corner or convenience store to get the batteries, or order one online. To replace the battery, look up a tutorial online based on the model of your fob. The fob may have an engraving on it that includes a make and model. Otherwise, you can try prying open the edge of the fob with a knife or other slim tool.<\/p>\n Keyless entry systems run on electricity and may not be hooked up to a backup generator. In this case, any sort of power outage could leave residents outside. Some residents report their electronic keys won’t work if the building’s Wi-Fi is down. If this is the case, you will need to contact your landlord for help and assistance to gain entry to the building. Some buildings have a back or side entry that you can use instead, or the landlord might have to prop the door open until the power has been restored.<\/p>\n Another issue could be mechanical damage. Think of all the stress our keys go through. Keys are put in our pockets, sat on, and dropped on the ground. Daily wear and tear can damage the technology within the fob beyond working condition. If replacing the battery doesn\u2019t work, try opening the fob again and look for any signs of damage. This would include cracks in the caging or circuit board, oxidized or calcified battery, and buttons or electronic components that are not connecting to the circuit board.<\/p>\n If the key fob appears to be working correctly and does not have noticeable damaged, yet you still can\u2019t gain entry, there could be damage to the receiving component within the door. If there is damage to the door or lock panel on your front door, it’s possible the signal cannot complete between key and door. In this case, contact your landlord or building manager to gain entry and find a solution. If these efforts have been made and the landlord cannot be reached, call 311 or contact the New York City Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) for assistance.<\/p>\n If you use standard keys and worry about losing them, one idea is to leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or friend. Your building\u2019s landlord has a master set of keys and can be contacted to make you a new set, although many buildings charge a fee for issuing replacement keys. If all efforts have been made and the landlord cannot be reached, call 311 or contact HPD.<\/p>\n Renters may also have the following questions about accessing their fob key apartment:<\/p>\n Many landlords and property managers operate between business hours. If you’re locked out after their office closes, you probably will not be able to get in contact with them. Some property managers have an emergency extension that you can access by calling their main number, so it\u2019s still worth giving this a try. If this does not work, you can try calling your super or porter, but they also may not answer.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve called everyone in your building who could provide access to the property, it\u2019s time to call a 24-hour locksmith. There are plenty of providers across the five boroughs who help with emergency lockouts. When you\u2019re on the phone with them, make sure to clarify that you have a key fob and not a physical key. The locksmith will likely charge a couple of hundred dollars to help you regain access to your apartment.<\/p>\n There are options if lockouts become a recurring issue. Many buildings have an alternate entrance on the side or back of the building that uses a regular key. Ask your landlord what options there are to gain entry should your keys stop working. It\u2019s best to have a plan in advance so you don\u2019t feel stranded if the issue arises.<\/p>\n \u200b\u200b”You could try to find out what the key fob system is and get in touch with the manufacturer,” advises William Gribben, a specialist in tenant rights and partner for the law firm HMG&J<\/a>, “Find out from a mechanical point of view what can be done. If nobody can get into the building, there needs to be a backup system when the key fob doesn’t work. Either the building management could leave a door open with a security guard posted there or have an old-fashioned lock on the door.”<\/p>\nHow Smart Keys Work<\/h2>\n
What if the Key Fob Stops Working?<\/h2>\n
The Key Fob\u2019s Batteries are Dead<\/h3>\n
The Key Fob has Lost Connection<\/h3>\n
The Key Fob has Mechanical Damage<\/h3>\n
Troubleshooting Issues with Standard Lock Keys<\/h2>\n
Additional Tips for Renters<\/h3>\n
What If I\u2019m Locked Out of My Apartment After Hours?<\/h3>\n
What If the Key Fob Consistently Fails?<\/h3>\n