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Hello We rent and the two exterior doors use dead bolts that are locked from the inside by keys. Our concern is that a key will inadvertently be removed prior to an emergency that would prevent a means of egress. Any advice? Many thanks JD
Homeowner? No a big deal it's your own issue. Renter? Needs to be fixed.
I had no idea this was against code. I've seen many older apts. like this. I thought people just had spare keys made and left them in the locks in case of fire.
Our family had a door like this and we kept the key inside the lock 24/7. It never left the door (well not unless we couldn't find our personal key in a pinch) and never was a problem.
I thought in entrances with glass panels on the door or sidelights, an interior keyed deadbolt was necessary to prevent intrusion from breaking the glass and unlocking the deadbolt.
We keep the key on a nail out of reach of the door when locked. When unlocked, we leave the key in the lock. It is a good check for us to make sure the door is locked and it keeps the key accessible in case of emergency.
However, we are homeowners so cannot attest to the legality of it in a renting situation.
I thought in entrances with glass panels on the door or sidelights, an interior keyed deadbolt was necessary to prevent intrusion from breaking the glass and unlocking the deadbolt.
This is what I was going to say...
I just recently bought a deadbolt that is a combination lock...the combo is on the outside and it has a key for the inside, but I guess in the case of a door with glass it could be installed the other way.
I know it's against code in NY. It's foolish to think in a fire you will be able to get to the key and open the door, even if it is on a hook next to the door - gotta find the key, fit it in the keyhole....not something that sounds reasonable while panicky, you're trying to exit a fire, especially if there are kids involved.
It is definitely not against any normal building code I'm aware of in NC and actually pretty common on doors with any glass in them. Not 100% sure if rentals are different though. Then again a lock is only good enough to keep honest people out anyway. It would be simple and not very expensive to change them to have a thumbturn on the inside.
Last edited by Sherifftruman; 11-08-2011 at 12:55 PM..
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