Locked Out of Your Home? Here's What to Do in Perth

Being locked out is stressful, but panicking leads to bad decisions. Take a deep breath and work through these checks:

Check all entry points: - Try all doors (front, back, garage, laundry) - Check windows that might be unlocked - Look for a doggy door or cat flap you might fit through

Look for spare keys: - Under doormats or pot plants (move these after!) - With neighbours you've given keys to - In your car if accessible - With family members who might be nearby

Check your bag/pockets again: You'd be surprised how often keys are in a different pocket or section of your bag. Do a thorough check.

Important: Don't try to force entry yourself. You're more likely to cause expensive damage or injury than successfully get in.

Once you've confirmed you're truly locked out, here are your options ranked by cost and convenience:

1. Call someone with a key - Free Family members, partners, flatmates, or trusted neighbours might have spare keys. This is always the cheapest option.

2. Wait for someone - Free but inconvenient If a housemate is due home soon, waiting might be sensible. Find a café or neighbour to wait with.

3. Call your landlord/property manager - Usually free Renters should always contact their property manager. They often have spare keys and might not charge for lockouts.

4. Call a licensed locksmith - $80-$200 The fastest professional option. A licensed locksmith can open most locks in 10-30 minutes without damage.

Never: Break a window, force a door, or try to pick the lock yourself. The damage cost will far exceed locksmith fees.

Unfortunately, locksmith scams are common. Here's how to avoid them:

Red flags to watch for: - No company name when answering the phone - Refusing to give a quote before arriving - Unmarked vehicle - legitimate companies have branded vans - Wanting to drill immediately - good locksmiths try non-destructive entry first - Cash-only payment or pressure to pay before work - No ID or license when asked

What legitimate locksmiths do: - Answer with company name - Give approximate quotes over the phone - Arrive in marked vehicles - Show ID and license - Try non-destructive methods first - Provide itemised invoices - Accept card payments

Pro tip: Save a locksmith's number in your phone before you need one. Do your research when you're not stressed.

Knowing what to expect helps you identify legitimate service:

1. Identification A real locksmith will show ID and their security license number. In WA, locksmiths must be licensed. Ask to see it.

2. Quote confirmation Before starting work, they'll confirm the quoted price. Get this in writing if possible.

3. Non-destructive entry attempt Professionals try lock picks, bypass tools, or other methods before drilling. Drilling is a last resort.

4. Quick work Most residential lockouts take 5-20 minutes to open. If someone is struggling for 30+ minutes, they may not be experienced.

5. Advice and invoice After entry, a good locksmith will advise on your lock's condition and provide a proper tax invoice.

Your rights: You can refuse service if prices suddenly increase or you feel uncomfortable. A reputable locksmith won't pressure you.

Learn from this experience with these prevention strategies:

Physical key backups: - Give spare keys to trusted neighbours - Keep a key at work in a secure location - Use a combination lockbox hidden outside - Leave a key with nearby family

Smart solutions: - Smart locks - Never need keys again - Keypad deadbolts - Code-based entry - Smart lock retrofits - Add to existing locks

Habit changes: - Always check for keys before closing doors - Use a designated key spot (hook, bowl) - Attach keys to something bulky (less likely to forget) - Consider a Tile or AirTag on your keyring

For the forgetful: Smart locks are genuinely life-changing. With auto-lock and phone entry, lockouts become impossible. We install smart locks from $200 including installation.

Some lockouts are genuine emergencies requiring immediate action:

Child or pet locked inside: Call 000 if there's any risk to their safety (heat, medical needs). Otherwise, call an emergency locksmith immediately. Most will prioritise these calls.

Medical emergency: If someone inside needs urgent medical attention, call 000 first. Emergency services can force entry if necessary.

Car lockout with engine running: Call a locksmith immediately. An automotive locksmith can open car doors in minutes.

Late at night in unsafe area: Your safety comes first. Go to a nearby business, service station, or call someone to stay with you while waiting for the locksmith.

Our emergency service: We offer 24/7 emergency lockout assistance across Perth. Average response time is 20-30 minutes. Call us any time—we understand emergencies don't follow business hours.