12 MARCH 2025
NOTE: This information is provided as a guide and costs or fees may change over time
Locking yourself out of your apartment in Paris can be stressful, especially if it’s late at night, you don’t speak French fluently, or you have important plans. Whether you misplaced your keys, left them inside, or the lock simply won’t budge, don’t panic!
Step 1: Stay calm and check your options
Before calling a locksmith, consider these quick and free solutions:
Do you have a spare key? – If you’ve given a key to a friend, neighbour, or concierge, now is the time to call them.
Is there an open window or back door? – If you’re on the ground floor or a courtyard apartment, check for an alternative entry.
Can you contact your landlord or rental agency? – If you’re renting a furnished apartment, your rental agency may have a spare key or an emergency contact.
If staying in an Airbnb or short-term rental – Contact your host via the Airbnb app or phone – many have backup solutions.
Best Case Scenario: Your landlord, agency, or neighboor has a spare key and can let you in.
Step 2: Check if there’s a concierge (for some buildings only)
Many Parisian apartment buildings still have concierges or building managers. If yours does, they may have a spare key for emergencies or know a trusted locksmith if you need professional help.
Concierges typically work during business hours (8am – 7pm), so this option is best during the day.
Step 3: Call a locksmith (but avoid scams!)
If you need a locksmith (serrurier), be cautious as Paris has locksmith scams where you could be charged €500+ for a simple door opening.
How to Find a Legitimate, Affordable Locksmith
Call your rental agency first – They may have a trusted locksmith and could cover part of the cost.
Use a reputable service – Reliable locksmiths in Paris typically charge €90–€150 for opening a standard door during the day.
Avoid calling numbers from stickers on intercoms or mailboxes – These are often scams.
Warning: Never agree to locksmith services without confirming the price first.
Step 4: What if it’s late at night or a weekend?
If you’re locked out after hours (10pm – 7am), on a Sunday, or a public holiday, expect higher fees:
Emergency locksmith rates start at €150–€250 for late-night calls.
Some locksmiths charge extra for replacing locks, especially if your key is broken inside.
Consider staying in a hotel or friend’s place if the cost is too high.
Tip: If you’re locked out at night and don’t have a locksmith option, check if your rental agency has an emergency contact or consider staying in a budget hotel for the night.
Step 5: Who pays for locksmith costs? (tenant vs. landlord responsibility)
If you lost or forgot your keys – The renter usually pays for the locksmith.
If the lock is faulty or the key broke inside – The landlord may be responsible.
If renting via an agency or short-term rental – Check your contract – some agencies cover emergency locksmith costs.
Always ask your agency or landlord if they have an emergency locksmith policy before booking one yourself.
Step 6: Prevent future lockouts
Once you’re back inside, take these steps to avoid getting locked out again:
Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour or friend.
Use a smart lockbox (if allowed by your rental).
Take a photo of your agency’s emergency contact number for quick access.
Set a reminder before leaving: “Keys, wallet, phone?”
Consider attaching a Bluetooth tracker like Tile or Apple AirTag to your keys to avoid losing them in the future.
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