Key Summary

The Lockbox Ban: Public lockboxes are now illegal on council property. Unauthorised boxes will be removed, and owners may be fined up to $1,000.
The Best Alternative: KeyNest provides a fully compliant network of 100+ Melbourne Points and 4,000+ compartments, with a collection point available every 300m in high-traffic areas.
Secure Smart Tech: Unlike vulnerable manual lockboxes, KeyNest uses heavy-duty galvanized steel lockers that automate the check-in process with unique access codes and real-time tracking for every key movement.
Unmatched Efficiency: With 92% of points available 24/7, and an average collection time of under 30 seconds, KeyNest offers the best experience for guests, cleaners and contractors.

In 2024, the Australian city of Melbourne officially outlawed public lock boxes, under part 6 of the Activities Local Law 2024 act - making it illegal to attach key safes to council buildings and infrastructure.

Property managers, short-stay accommodation hosts and serviced apartment owners must move their lockboxes to private property installations or risk forcible removal of the box and up to $1000 fine.

KeyNest, with its 7000+ locations, provides a quicker, safer and cheaper key storage alternative, while also providing convenience to guests.

Why were these laws introduced?

The law specifically targets three different issues caused from an increase in lockbox distribution:

Property damage - installation on public buildings and infrastructure can lead to eventual structural damage.

Obstructing access - the buildup of lockboxes had reached a point where footpaths were impeded, and even fire hydrants were in danger of being blocked.

Public safety - councils report that some unmonitored lockboxes can be targeted by thieves, or used as ‘dead drops’ for illicit activity, which can damage the reputation of said council.

To combat these vulnerabilities, KeyNest’s secure smart lockers utilise cellular connectivity to give real-time tamper alerts and encrypted access. Unlike static lockboxes, KeyNest’s connected hubs ensure every key movement is automatically logged and monitored.

Here’s why KeyNest is the best option for key storage in Melbourne

KeyNest has 100+ Points in Greater Melbourne, and 4000 key compartments available
That’s 1 Point every 300m in high-traffic locations
92% of Melbourne points are available 24/7
On average, it takes less than 30 seconds to collect your keys
KeyNest has grown 150% YoY in the state of Victoria - ideal for scaling operations

In Melbourne and want a KeyNest closer to you? You can request one right here.

What do property managers, short-stay accommodation, and serviced apartment owners need to know?

Here’s what you need to know about the main legislative changes, especially important for property managers of short-stay accommodations in Melbourne.

Is it illegal to use lock boxes in Melbourne?

Technically, no. But, local legislation has made it much harder to handle STR lockbox operations without switching to a more compliant key storage solution. Bear in mind - it’s not just short-term rentals that are affected, this is ALL lockboxes, including for those who rely on assisted living.

Even private property, where lockboxes aren’t banned by the council, could risk insurance claims - some insurance providers will deny a claim if thieves broke in via a compromised lockbox.

KeyNest’s network of 100+ locations and 4000 key compartments is the best option for those that need a quick, simple and instant key storage solution - without having to risk council lockbox fines.

Are there better alternatives to lock boxes for short-stay accommodations in Melbourne?

Lock boxes, while a useful tool, have been made long obsolete thanks to KeyNest Points.

Features	KeyNest Points	Traditional Lockbox
Security	High (+ CCTV, and Galvanized steel on the lockers)	Low (Mechanical bypass)
Tracking	Real-time SMS/email alerts	None
Compliance	100% Council compliant	Regulated heavily by councils
Reliability	Unique 8-digit codes	Codes can be easily guessed or changed
Support	24/7 Multilingual support	None

What Makes KeyNest Points so Reliable for Key Exchanges?

With global platforms like Airbnb championing KeyNest, it has proven itself to be a safe and compliant alternative to standard lock boxes, having already got approval from Melbourne city council and the Victorian Government.

24/7 Secure Points: KeyNest operate and are located in vetted local businesses (24/7 convenience stores, petrol stations, delis).
Smart secure lockers: Our KeyNest Points use secure, connected smart lockers that operate independently to make every key handover fast, reliable, and stress-free. These lockers are integrated with the KeyNest platform, which automates the entire exchange process. When a key is dropped off, a unique access code is generated and instantly shared with the right person - whether that’s a guest, cleaner, or contractor.
No errors, misplaced keys, or mix-ups: It’s a secure locker system that makes every key handover smooth and simple, whether you’re sharing keys across town or across the country.

Remove management: The KeyNest tracks every key movement in real-time. The auto-generation of unique codes ensures the right person gets the right key.

2026 Expansion: KeyNest has most recently added 25 new locations throughout Melbourne, with more to come in convenient areas.

About Us

KeyNest offers you a convenient service for storing and exchanging your property keys. You can drop off a key at any of the 7,000+ locations in our network, so there’s one such Point located next to your property.

Guests, cleaners or contractors can then collect the key securely from a KeyNest Point which is usually open 24/7. You'll be notified each time the key is picked up or returned, and you can even customize check-in and check-out times. By leveraging technology and a global network of locations, KeyNest continues to redefine property management, offering solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of the rental market..

KeyNest has an ever-expanding global network of locations located just minutes from your property. To find out more you can contact us.

You could be fined upwards of $1000, whereas KeyNest Lockers are already in legal, vetted, CCTV monitored-partner locations - 92% of which in Melbourne are open 24/7.
KeyNest boosts ROI by eliminating lockbox costs and manual handover travel, directly improving guest satisfaction - which in turn drives increased repeat bookings.
KeyNest uses an encrypted RFID fob, only to be collected with a unique, one-time-use code, sent directly to whoever needs it. An automated digital audit trail means you have instant increased accountability.

Melbourne’s Lockbox Ban: Why KeyNest is the Best Alternative to Melbourne Lockboxes