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Locked Out in Paris!

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Locked Out in Paris? Here’s What You Can Do!

We’ve all been hit with that terrible sinking feeling – you locked yourself out of your apartment, or you fear your keys were stolen. Either way, you can’t enter your home. It’s inconvenient and stressful. But don’t worry—there are practical steps and tips to handle this situation without breaking the bank.

Step 1: Check for Backup Keys

If you’ve planned, you might have left a spare set of keys with a trusted friend, family member, neighbor, or the concierge in your building. If so, reach out to them first. If not:

  • Contact Your Landlord: Most landlords keep spare keys for emergencies. Try reaching out to them right away.
  • Talk to the Concierge: Many Parisian apartment buildings have a concierge or caretaker who might have access to your flat or can assist in contacting the landlord.
  • Rented Through Paris Rental? If you rent your apartment in Paris with an agency and they manage it, they can often resolve your issue quickly.

Step 2: Consider Your Options for the Night

If you’re locked out after business hours and unable to access your flat, staying with a friend or booking a hotel might be the most economical solution for the night. Avoid making hasty decisions that could lead to unnecessary expenses. Locksmiths who come at night or on weekends usually charge higher rates.

What About a Locksmith in Paris?

Emergency locksmith services can help, but they often come at a high cost, especially if you call the numbers listed on SOS flyers found in your mailboxes. These locksmith services can charge anywhere from 150€ to a shocking 2,000€ depending on the time of day and the job's complexity.

Recommended Locksmiths in Paris

Here's a list of reliable, reasonably-priced locksmiths available around the clock:
Serrurier Mozart (24/7):

  • Address: 62 Avenue Mozart, 16th arrondissement
  • Phone: 01 40 50 17 17

La Cle du 11ème:

  • Address: 138 Boulevard Voltaire, 11th arrondissement
  • Phone: 01 43 70 60 10 or 01 43 70 43 43

Société ABA Serrurerie

  • Address: 54 Avenue Simon Bolivar, 19th arrondissement
  • Phone: 01 42 00 33 89

Minimize Locksmith Costs

Unlocking a Simple Lock: If the door is not fully locked (just closed), many locksmiths can use tools like x-ray sheets to slide the door open. In such cases, you'll only need to pay for their visit.

Replacing the Cylinder (Barillet): If you need to change the lock, replacing just the cylinder is usually cheaper and quicker than changing the entire lock system.

 

credit photo @Christian Stahl

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