Eviction Lockouts in NYC: What Landlords Must Know

Let's be blunt: in New York City, a landlord cannot change the locks to remove a tenant. Ever. Self-help evictions are illegal, and courts punish them severely. The only legal path runs through housing court and the city marshal.

The process: win a judgment of possession, obtain a warrant of eviction, and the marshal schedules the eviction. Only the marshal — with that warrant — can remove the occupant. Locksmiths work alongside the marshal at that appointment.

Our role starts when the marshal gives the order: we rekey or replace every exterior lock on the spot — front, back, and side entries — and hand the new keys directly to the owner or manager. The property is secured before we leave.

After the eviction: secure the vacant unit, update the building's master key system, and consider high-security cylinders for units that will sit empty. Vacant apartments attract squatters; good locks are cheaper than the alternative.

If a tenant has already abandoned the unit and you're unsure of the legal status, talk to your attorney before touching the locks. We can secure the property the moment the legal picture is clear.