When to call an emergency locksmith
An emergency locksmith is appropriate when safe access or property security cannot wait. A provider should confirm your authority to enter before opening or changing locks.
Safety classification
Safe inspection only
This guide covers safe first actions only. It is not a licence to perform regulated work or enter a dangerous area.
What to do
- 1
Check immediate safety
Call 000 if a child, vulnerable person, fire risk or medical emergency is inside.
- 2
Check other authorised access once
Contact another occupant, property manager or approved key holder rather than forcing a door or window.
- 3
Document damage
For a failed or attacked lock, photograph it without touching sharp or unstable material.
- 4
Prepare proof
Have identification and evidence of occupancy, ownership or authority available.
- 5
Start the request
Share the address, door and lock type, whether keys are lost or inside, and whether the property is insecure.
When to stop
- A person is in immediate danger
- There is an active intruder or violence risk
- Entry would breach a tenancy, court order or ownership dispute
- The door or surrounding structure is unsafe
Locksmith
Prepare the problem, safety status and location once. The matching category will be pre-filled.
Start a free requestEditorial boundary
Fixit247 does not publish instructions for unlicensed electrical, gas, asbestos, structural, high-roof, dangerous tree or live-road work.
Read the policyRelated guides
Locked out of your house? What to do first
Calm, safe steps when you are locked out of your home in Australia — who to contact, what not to do, and what a locksmith will need from you.
ReadKey broke in the lock? What to do
Safe steps when a key snaps in a door lock, what not to try, and when a locksmith needs to extract it or replace the cylinder.
ReadLock hard to turn? Safe fixes to try
Why door locks become stiff, the safe checks and lubrication a homeowner can do, and when a sticking lock or door needs a locksmith.
ReadChanging locks when you move into a new home
Why and how to secure a new home's locks after moving in, rekeying versus replacing, and what renters must check before changing any lock.
ReadHow to choose a locksmith you can trust
How to avoid locksmith call-out surprises in Australia: check licensing, get a clear price basis, confirm identity checks, and know when a lockout is urgent.
ReadRekey or replace your locks? How to decide
The difference between rekeying and replacing locks, when each makes sense after moving, losing keys or a break-in, and what renters need to check first.
Read