What to do if you're locked out of your home

What should you do if you're locked out?

1. Move to a safe place. If you are near traffic, exposed to extreme weather or feel unsafe, wait with a trusted neighbour or in a well-lit public place.
2. Check whether you have another safe way in. Try other doors only if you can access them without climbing, forcing a lock or entering a hazardous area. Do not attempt to enter through a high window, roof or balcony.
3. Contact someone with an authorised spare key. Call a household member or trusted contact, or if you are renting, a property manager or building manager who is permitted to give you access.
4. Confirm the problem. Is the key missing, inside the house, broken, stuck or failing to turn? This information can help a locksmith.
5. Call a qualified locksmith. Ask about identification requirements, the likely callout cost, after-hours charges (if relevant).
6. Review the security risk. If a key is lost or may identify your address, tell the locksmith before work begins so they can assess the security risk and explain the available rekeying or replacement options.

What not to do when you’re locked out

Do not force the door, break a window or insert improvised tools into the lock. DIY lock-picking attempts can damage the lock or door, make professional access harder and reduce your home's security. Avoid climbing fences, balconies or roofs, even if a window appears open.

If a child, vulnerable person or animal is locked inside and may be at immediate risk, call 000. You should also call emergency services if there is smoke, fire, a suspected gas leak or another immediate threat to life or property.

When should you call a locksmith?

A locksmith can help when you cannot regain access safely or when the key, lock or door mechanism is not working. In 2025, RACV Emergency Home Assist helped 4,791 people get back inside their homes.

Common reasons to call a locksmith

• Your keys are inside the locked home
• Your keys are lost or stolen
• A key has snapped or become stuck in the lock
• The key turns but the door will not open
• The lock is jammed, worn or damaged
• A door or window will not secure properly
• You have moved home and want to control who has access.

What to ask before booking

Describe the door, lock and problem as clearly as you can. Ask the locksmith for an estimate, including any callout or after-hours fee, and whether opening the door, rekeying the lock and replacing the lock are priced separately.

A locksmith may ask for identification or other evidence that you live at the property before providing access.

What if you're locked out of a rental or apartment?

If you rent, contact the rental provider or property manager before authorising non-emergency work where practical. They may hold a spare key. If you want to change the lock, you must get the rental provider’s consent first and organise and pay for the change. According to Consumer Affairs Victoria, the rental provider cannot unreasonably withhold consent.

In an apartment building, the owners corporation or building manager may be able to help with shared-entry doors, but they may not have authority to open your private residence.

Keep receipts and a written record of the problem and any work completed. Do not arrange to replace or alter a lock without checking the requirements that apply to your tenancy or building.

More: When to call a locksmith: locked out, lost keys and broken locks

How to prevent getting locked out again

• Create a key routine - keep keys in one consistent place inside the home, away from doors and windows.
• Give a spare key to someone you trust -choose a person who can reach you when needed and review the arrangement if circumstances change.
• Use a secure key safe carefully - select a robust, weather-resistant model, install it on a solid surface in a discreet location and change the code regularly. Avoid obvious hiding places such as under a doormat or pot.
• Maintain locks and keys - address stiffness, grinding, rust, worn key teeth or a key that needs jiggling before the lock fails. Use only a suitable dry lock lubricant and avoid oil-based products.
• Consider access options - a professionally installed smart lock or keypad may reduce reliance on a physical key, but you should plan for flat batteries, power loss and other failures.
• Keep contact details accessible - save a trusted locksmith or emergency home assistance number in your phone before you need it.

More: Guide to the best locks for front doors and other entrances

Can RACV help if you're locked out?

RACV Emergency Trades can arrange a qualified locksmith 24 hours a day for eligible home lockout emergencies. You can request a single emergency callout or prepare for future qualifying emergencies with an Emergency Home Assist plan. RACV says help usually arrives within the hour, although response times can vary by location, traffic, weather and demand.

Locksmith assistance may include helping you regain entry and safely removing a key stuck in a lock. Lock, handle or door replacement may not be included. Annual plans also have a 72-hour waiting period before callouts are available. Check current pricing, availability, inclusions, exclusions and the fair use policy before purchasing or requesting service.

Need emergency trade help? Call RACV on 13 46 63.

More: The most common home emergencies for calls to tradies

Frequently asked questions about home lockouts