Locked Out of Your House? What to Do

Short answer: if a child or vulnerable person is inside alone, or something is left on (like the stove), call 000. Otherwise, check every door and window, contact anyone with a spare key (housemates, family, a neighbour, your property manager), and if that fails, call a locksmith. Don't break a window or force a door. It costs more to fix than a locksmith.

Step 1: Is it an emergency?

Call 000 straight away if:

• a young child or vulnerable person is inside alone
• something dangerous is left on, such as the stove, a heater or a running bath
• you smell gas or smoke

Step 2: Check every way in (without forcing anything)

• The back door, side door and laundry door
• The door from the garage into the house, and the garage itself
• Sliding doors, which are sometimes left unlatched
• Windows that are already open

Don't climb onto roofs or through high windows. A fall is far worse than a locksmith's call-out.

Step 3: Find a spare key

Think about who might have one:

• Housemates, partner or family
• A trusted neighbour
• Your property manager or landlord, if you rent. Most keep a set, though they may only release it during business hours and may ask for ID.
• A key safe, if you installed one
• A cleaner, dog walker or carer who has a key

Step 4: Call a locksmith

If there's no spare nearby, a locksmith is usually the quickest and cheapest way in. When you call, have ready:

• your address and which door you're locked out of
• the type of lock if you know it (deadlock, deadlatch, smart lock, security door)
• any gate codes or access details

Ask for the price before anyone is sent.

What happens when the locksmith arrives

1. They look at the lock and choose the least damaging way in. Most standard house locks can be opened without damage, using picking or bypass tools.
2. If the door is deadlocked or has a high-security cylinder, it may take longer, and occasionally drilling and replacing the lock is the only option. You'll be told before any work starts.
3. Once you're in, you'll be asked for proof you live there, such as a licence with the address, a bill or a lease. That's there to protect you.

Locked out because keys were lost or stolen?

If you've lost your keys rather than just left them inside, think about who could have them. If anything with your address was lost with them, rekey the locks once you're in so the old keys stop working. See rekey or replace your locks.

Renting?

Tell your property manager about the lockout, especially if a lock was damaged or replaced. In Victoria, renters generally need the rental provider's consent before changing locks.

How to avoid the next one

• Leave a spare with someone you trust who lives nearby.
• Install a key safe with a code only your household knows. See key safes for holiday homes and rentals.
• Consider a smart lock with a keypad, so you can't lock yourself out with the key inside. See smart locks in Australia.
• Get into the habit of checking for keys before you close a self-locking door.

On the Mornington Peninsula or in Frankston? See emergency lockouts.