Locked out in Melbourne: what to do and what to ask a locksmith

First: is anyone at risk?

If a child or someone who can't help themselves is alone inside, or something dangerous has been left on, such as the stove, call 000. That's an emergency, not a locksmith job.

Before you call a locksmith

Run through who else has a key: someone you live with, a family member, a neighbour you've left one with. If you rent, your rental provider or agent usually has a key (renters who change a lock have to give them one); ask whether they can let you in, especially during office hours.

Don't climb in through a window or onto a roof to get in. A locksmith's call-out costs less than a fall.

What the locksmith will ask you

A careful locksmith wants to know they're letting in the right person, and may decline the job if you can't show it. Have something ready that ties you to the address, such as a licence or bill showing it, a lease, or a household member who can confirm it.

They'll also want to know the door and lock: a deadlatch (which locks automatically when the door closes), a deadbolt, a smart lock, or a security screen door in front, and the brand if you know it.

Pin down the price before they come

Ask on the phone, and ask for it by text or email, so there's a record.

• The call-out fee, and any after-hours, weekend or public holiday rate
• Whether opening the door is included in the call-out or charged on top
• Whether they'll try to open it without damage before drilling the lock
• What a replacement lock or cylinder would cost if one has to be drilled
• How they take payment; be wary of a business that wants an unusual payment method for the trade

If the lock is damaged getting in

If a lock has to be drilled, you'll need it replaced or rekeyed before you can secure the home again. Ask whether the locksmith carries a matching replacement, so it can be done in the same visit.

Renters need the rental provider's consent before changing a lock (they can't refuse it without a good reason), and must give a key for the new lock to the rental provider and the other renters. If the home can't be secured, tell the rental provider straight away: damage that makes a property unsafe or insecure is on Victoria's urgent repairs list. Rental providers must make sure each external door has a working deadlatch, where one can be fitted.

Lost keys, not just locked out?

If your keys were lost or stolen with something that shows your address, getting back in isn't the end of it: someone else may now have a key. Rekeying the locks makes the old keys useless without replacing the hardware.

Example brief

“Locked out of a ground-floor unit in St Kilda; keys are inside. Front door has a deadlatch and no deadbolt. I have my driver's licence with this address. Please tell me the call-out fee, whether opening is included, and whether you'll try to open it without drilling.”

Before you book a locksmith

• 000 if anyone inside is at risk
• Spare keys and the rental agent tried first
• Proof that you live there
• Call-out, opening and after-hours costs in writing
• Non-destructive entry tried before drilling
• Renters: consent before changing a lock

Need someone now? See emergency tradies in Melbourne, and confirm availability and price directly. Lost keys? See lock rekeying. Planning ahead? Start a job request. Availability depends on real postings, and registration must be enabled to submit.