Being locked out is stressful, and stress is when it is easiest to make a rushed decision. A calm checklist helps.
First, check you are safe
If someone is in danger inside (a child, a person who is unwell) or there is a fire, gas smell or flooding, call the emergency number 112 straight away. Everything else can wait a few minutes.
Check the simple things
Try the other doors and windows you may have left unlocked, and ask whether a neighbour, a relative, the building manager or the rental owner holds a spare key. If you rent, tell the owner or the agency: they may already have a solution.
Describe the lock to the professional
When you request a locksmith, say what kind of door it is (wooden, security door, aluminium), what kind of lock (cylinder, multi-point, electronic) and whether you have a key that does not turn or no key at all. Photos of the door and the lock help the professional come with the right tools.
Agree the work before it starts
A reliable professional explains what they will do and what it will cost. In the app, the price in the offer is the price you pay, which avoids surprises on the doorstep. Ask in the chat whether a lock replacement may be needed and keep the conversation in the app.
After the visit
Ask for a spare key. If keys were lost, consider changing the lock cylinder. Check that the door closes and locks properly. In a rental, tell the owner what was done.
Find a locksmith
Look at locksmith in Málaga, in Marbella or in Fuengirola. For a broader view of finding a reliable tradesperson, see our guide on finding a reliable plumber or electrician.