Emergency Locksmith in Charleston, SC

What makes a lock problem urgent in Charleston

A lock problem is urgent when waiting puts someone or something at risk, and in Charleston weather is often involved. By NOAA's count, 19 hurricanes came ashore on the South Carolina coast between 1901 and 2020.

Situations that can't sensibly wait:

• a child, a pet or a vulnerable adult shut inside a car or a home; call 911 first
• a door that won't lock after a break-in, once police have been called
• a lockout with a storm moving in or water rising in the street
• a door that won't close or latch after storm damage

Safety before the lock

After a break-in, call the police first and leave the door and lock as you found them until officers are done; then secure the opening. If a storm is moving in while you are locked out, get to shelter first, since the lock can wait.

Renters and landlords

Section 27-40-530(e) of the state's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act requires the landlord's permission before a tenant changes locks, so replacing a damaged lock is a decision to make together. Landlords covered by the city's rental pilot must, under City Code Sec. 7-128(e), be able to service tenant and emergency calls.

Charges when an emergency is declared

Once the Governor declares a state of emergency, section 39-5-145 makes it unlawful to sell a commodity, defined to include services, at an unconscionable amount in the declared area: one that grossly exceeds the average of the previous 30 days without added costs or market trends to explain it. Ask for the full cost in writing before work starts and keep the receipt. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs mediates written consumer complaints. This is general information, not legal advice.

What to send

• what happened, and whether anyone is at risk
• the address, or for a car the exact spot
• whether police have been called, if there was a break-in
• whether flooding has closed streets near you, and any route still open
• a photo of the damaged lock or door, if it is safe to take one

For a home, see house lockout; for a vehicle, car lockout. The emergency locksmith page describes the service, and the Charleston page covers local conditions.