This can be a tricky situation, but here is a few suggestions for you.

Firstly, was the key you used, the one the real estate provided you with?
or
Was it a key you had cut yourself?

If it was supplied to you by the real estate, then the landlord will be responsible for the costs. (Supplied with a worn/faulty key)
however, if you had it cut, then the costs will be your responsibility.

Now, if the key was supplied by the R/E, then put your reimbursment request in writing, along with a copy of the invoice (not the original). If the R/E try dodging reimbursing you, tell them that you intend to forward a complaint, along with a copy of all the details to  NSW Fair Trading. ( not sure what industry for other states).

Hopefully, you wont need to take it that far....

Good luck 🙂

If the key is worn and thin it can snap easily. If the lock is worn it could be that the pins inside it have worn or slipped. Either way ask the RE to have the lock serviced...... and get a spare key cut.

Suggest to the RE that the lock should be checked

Maybe try contacting J.Hockey.MP@aph.gov.au  He's a tenant.  He might know what to do. 

 

 

Go one better. Put a new lock in the door and when you move out don't give them the new key