Locksmith Services in Albany, NY

Homes and locks in Albany

Albany's housing spreads out from downtown in rings: row houses in the older sections nearest the Hudson, then two-family homes from the late 1800s, then single-family houses built after World War II.

Row-house areas include the Victorian rows of the Mansion neighborhood, the brick rows of the South End, Center Square's restored homes and the Italianate rows of Arbor Hill. The Pastures mixes owner-occupied and rented historic homes.

In the Clinton Square area, a 2019 state plan found 63 percent of housing units in buildings with two to four units, and almost half built in 1939 or earlier. Expect a shared street door plus a door for each unit.

Farther west, Pine Hills was one of the first neighborhoods to develop along more suburban lines, and Buckingham Lake is mainly single-family homes. Detached houses add side, garage and patio doors, so count them all when you rekey after a move.

Local rules worth knowing

Under Chapter 231 of the Albany City Code, landlords must register each rental unit and obtain a Residential Occupancy Permit every 30 months after a city inspection. Inspectors confirm that unit doors lock and work, and that no exit needs a key to open from inside.

Section 133-60 of the City Code, reproduced in that guide, adds:

• Common entrances in one- and two-unit buildings need self-locking doors with at least a half-inch latch throw, plus a deadbolt. Buildings with three or more units need a self-locking dead-latch on common entrance doors.
• Apartment doors need a 180-degree viewer unless glass gives a view. They cannot be hollow core, and hinges reachable from outside need a security pin.
• First-floor, basement and fire-escape windows need a working lock. Double-hung windows need pins or clips so they cannot be locked open more than four inches.

This is general information, not legal advice.

Businesses and buildings

The Downtown Albany Historic District covers 19 blocks between Columbia and State streets and Broadway and Lodge Street. Most of its 160 buildings date from 1880 to 1930.

Just north, the Clinton Square plan listed vacant historic buildings such as the former Kenmore Hotel, where a developer proposed retail space with homes above. The Warehouse District beyond has drawn interest in its abandoned buildings.

A converted building can pair a storefront door with a separate residential entrance, and each needs its own key plan. See commercial locksmith service.

Car trouble in Albany

Section 359-74 of the City Code sets up permit parking on designated streets around the Empire State Plaza, in Center Square, Hudson/Park, Park South, Washington Park, Mansion, the Pastures, Sheridan Hollow and the Ten Broeck Triangle. A car stranded there by a lost key may be sitting in a permit-only space, so name the street when you ask for help.

Albany calls snow emergencies mainly based on street conditions, with at least 12 hours' notice when possible. Cars move to the even side first, then to the odd side after 24 hours. Cars left in place can be ticketed or towed. If a car lockout hits during an emergency, mention the deadline. If your car was towed, the city says to call the Albany Police Department to find the tow lot.

Requesting service in Albany

New York Locksmith Pros takes service requests from homes, businesses and drivers in Albany. Include cross streets, whether it is a street or apartment door, and whether a landlord holds the keys. See New York for other cities.