I moved into a prewar building in Dyker Heights a few months ago and on Friday they swapped the front door buzzer for some app-based system. Management emailed saying lobby access is now app-only and if we want a physical fob it's 'not standard' and may require a deposit. My partner has an older phone that can't run the app, and our unit still has an old landline-style intercom but it won't ring the new entrance. My lease says landlord provides access to common areas and can change locks, but I thought we couldn't be locked out just because we don't use an app. Is this allowed? Should I call 311?

Wait, they didn't leave any physical backup? That sounds scary. What happens if the app crashes or your phone dies and you're standing outside with groceries? I'm new to this too, but I'd email back and say the app method doesn't work for your household. Maybe ask the super if there's a mechanical key override for the fire department or postal worker. Our management was annoying about fobs but folded after a few tenants said 'battery died' in the same week.

We went through something like this in Washington Heights. The front door got a smart lock and they wanted everyone to use the app, but our super still had a few physical fobs in his shop for deliveries and EMS. I asked in writing and got one with no deposit, but it took about five days. Maybe check if your building still has a rear door or service entrance that uses a normal key? Also, ask them to put their answer in writing—my management stopped responding when I called but wrote back fast after a paper trail.

I might be the odd one out, but I don't think a landlord is automatically required to keep physical keys if they upgrade the entry system. They do have to keep the building accessible and secure, but the app might count as access unless the lease specifically says you get a fob. The stronger issue is whether they're effectively locking you out because your household can't use the app. That's an accommodation or habitability problem, not a key-fob problem. Ask for a fob as an alternative access device and request the deposit policy in writing. But don't assume 'no fob' is illegal on its own.

Yeah, don't call 311 yet. This is regular property manager nonsense. The super usually has a pile of fobs because EMS and food delivery can't download an app to get in. Tell the super your partner's phone can't use the app and you need a physical fob for everyday access; if he won't, email the management company and mention you need it for medical appointments or something practical. My last building said 'app only' until enough people complained, then suddenly there were fobs in the office. Also check if your lease has an 'electronic access' rider—I bet it doesn't ask for a fee.

I had this in East Harlem a couple years ago. Building went to a phone entry, and it messed up deliveries, home health aides, you name it. The fob was 'available upon request' but not in the original email. We had to ask the management office twice, then they asked for a deposit. We pushed back and showed the lease didn't mention any deposit, and they dropped it. The app also went down twice in the first month and the after-hours line told us to call a locksmith; the super ended up leaving the side door propped. So yeah, get the fob but also note the app outage policy.

Small update: I emailed management asking for a fob in writing and ccd the super. The super actually handed me an old fob this morning and said 'don't tell the office,' so I guess I shouldn't mention that. It works on the side entrance. He also said management was nervous about losing fobs because they cost money to replace. I still want something in writing for my partner. Do I need to file a 311 complaint or just keep the paper trail? Thanks all, this is super helpful.

Good on the super. If management still tries to charge a deposit, ask them to show where that fee lives in the lease or house rules. This feels like one of those 'policy' things that isn't actually written down. Sort of like the earlier thread 'Open call barista gigs in NYC: is the "hard copy resume" rule just a dare?' Open call barista gigs in NYC: is the 'hard copy resume' rule just a dare? where the rule turned out to be a manager's personal preference. Same energy here: the unofficial fob probably exists; you just have to find the person who actually knows where they are.

Question for the group: if my building starts the same thing and my phone is fine, can I still ask for a fob because I don't want to rely on my phone for entry? I thought there was some kind of key deposit cap in NYC, but maybe I'm mixing that up with something else. I also don't love the idea of the app knowing when I come home. Is there a privacy thing with these apps, or am I overthinking it?

Respectfully, I don't think privacy is the winning argument here. Most building apps collect entry logs, but that's not much different from a doorman or a sign-in sheet, and it's not a lease violation by itself. If you can use the app, you'll have a harder time demanding a fob unless the building rules say one thing and management does another. Focus on the people who can't use the app, lockout risk, and lack of written deposit terms. That's the actual problem—not whether the new system is annoying. Keep the fob you have, get the terms in writing, and save all emails.