Losing my house keys can happen to anyone. You may leave them in a shop, drop them while travelling, or simply realise they are missing when you reach your front door. The important thing is not to panic. There are a few simple steps you can take to regain access to your home and make sure your property remains secure.
For homeowners and renters across Perth, including Perth CBD, East Perth, West Perth, South Perth, Victoria Park, Subiaco, Mount Lawley, Scarborough, Joondalup, Wanneroo, Midland, Cannington and surrounding suburbs, knowing what to do after losing your keys can save time and prevent unnecessary security risks.
1. Check Where You Last Used Your Keys
Before changing your locks, take a moment to think about where you last had your keys.
Check your:
- Car and vehicle seats
- Bags and pockets
- Workplace
- Shops or restaurants you recently visited
- Friends’ or family members’ homes
- Driveway and garden areas
If you think you dropped the keys somewhere nearby, retracing your steps may help you find them.
If the keys are attached to anything that identifies your home address, however, you should treat the situation more seriously.
2. Consider Whether Someone Could Identify Your Home
A lost key does not automatically mean your house is at risk. The level of risk depends on what was lost with it.
For example, if your house keys were attached to a key tag showing your address, or your keys were lost together with documents containing your personal details, someone may potentially connect the keys to your property.
In this situation, simply making another key may not be enough.
Rekeying or changing the lock can prevent the lost key from being used to operate the existing lock. WA Government locksmith specifications also recognise re-keying as an appropriate service when keys are lost or stolen.
3. Call a Locksmith If You Are Locked Out
If you have lost your keys and cannot get inside, a professional locksmith can help you regain access without unnecessarily damaging the door.
Sheehan Locksmiths Perth provides locksmith assistance for homeowners and businesses throughout Perth. Depending on the lock and situation, a locksmith may be able to unlock the door, repair the existing lock, replace it, or rekey it.
This can be particularly useful if you are standing outside your home late at night, returning from work, or dealing with a lost key when you have children or elderly family members waiting inside.
A professional locksmith should first assess the lock and choose an appropriate entry method rather than immediately replacing everything.
4. Decide Whether You Need Rekeying or a New Lock
Once you are back inside, you need to decide whether the existing lock is still suitable.
Rekeying changes the lock’s internal configuration so the old key no longer operates it. This can be a practical option when the lock itself is in good condition but you are concerned about a missing key.
A lock replacement may make more sense when the lock is old, damaged, worn, or no longer provides the level of security you want.
For example, if you have recently moved into a Perth property, lost several keys, or are unsure who may have copies, upgrading or rekeying your external door locks can provide additional peace of mind.
5. Don’t Hide a Spare Key Outside
After losing your keys, it can be tempting to create another spare and hide it under a pot, mat or other obvious location.
This is not a good long-term security solution.
WA home-security guidance recommends keeping spare keys with a trusted person rather than hiding them outside. It also recommends securing doors and windows and removing easily accessible items that could assist an intruder.
If you want a backup option, consider leaving a spare key with a trusted family member, friend or neighbour.
6. If Your Keys Were Stolen, Act Quickly
There is an important difference between losing your keys and having them stolen.
If you believe your keys were stolen, especially if your wallet, identification or address details were also taken, consider changing or rekeying your locks as soon as possible.
If the incident involved theft or criminal activity, WA Police provides reporting options, including 131 444 for non-emergency police assistance. In an emergency or immediate threat, call 000.
What If You Are Renting in Perth?
If you rent your home, you should also consider your tenancy responsibilities before changing locks.
WA Consumer Protection states that tenants generally need to discuss security changes with the landlord or property manager, although specific rules apply in certain circumstances. Rental properties must also meet minimum security requirements for doors, windows and other access points.
If you are unsure, contact your property manager before arranging non-emergency lock changes.
Final Thoughts
Losing your house keys is frustrating, but it does not have to become a major problem. First, check whether you can safely recover the keys. If you cannot find them, consider the security risk and whether rekeying or replacing your locks is appropriate.
If you are locked outside your property, a professional locksmith can help you regain access and assess your existing locks. For homeowners and businesses across Perth, Sheehan Locksmiths Perth can assist with lockouts, key-related problems, lock repairs, rekeying and security upgrades.
The most important thing is to deal with a lost key promptly when there is any possibility that someone could use it to access your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I change my locks if I lose my house keys?
Not always. If there is no way for someone to connect the key to your home, the risk may be lower. However, if the keys were stolen or linked to your address, rekeying or replacing the lock can be a sensible security step.
2. Can a locksmith help if I am locked out because I lost my keys?
Yes. A professional locksmith can assess the door and use an appropriate entry method. They can also provide replacement keys, rekey the lock or replace damaged or unsuitable hardware.
3. Is rekeying better than replacing a lock?
It depends on the condition of the lock. Rekeying can be suitable when the existing lock is in good condition but you want the lost key to stop working. Replacement may be better when the lock is old or damaged.
4. Where should I keep a spare house key?
A trusted family member, friend or neighbour is generally a better option than hiding a spare key outside your property. WA home-security advice specifically warns against concealed outdoor spare keys.
5. Can Sheehan Locksmiths Perth help with lost house keys?
Yes. Sheehan Locksmiths Perth provides locksmith services across Perth for lockouts, lock repairs, rekeying, replacement locks and other residential security needs.
0 Comments