Locking Egress Door

Locking Egress Door

Sandy Hook, CT · Member since 2018 · 15 posts · 7 votes

I just bought my first duplex and we'll be living in one apt (closest to driveway) and renting out the other apt (furthest from driveway - one has to walk past our apt to get to theirs). Our issue is our dog. We are going to fence in our front yard and lock the gates so no one can open the gate and thus lose the dog. We were also going to also lock their front door to avoid the dog going into their apt.  He's a lab and is quite curious and fast. Their apt has a back door which they'll use all the time. It also has windows on either side of the locked front door which they can egress out if in case of an emergency. My question is if there is any law/fire rule against locking the front door if they have another door and other paths of egress. It's essentially like their front door doesn't exist. I'm being over cautious here and believe there to be no law but want to be cert.

Thank you,

Justin

0Reply
18 views

Most Popular Reply

Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
8y
Many places allow double-lock deadbolts (key on both sides), but some locales ban them. Best is to read your city/town building code or ask the building department.
See this reply in the discussion

10 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Investor · Boston, MA · Member since 2015 · 398 posts · 147 votes
    8y

    I thought there were laws for egress, as in 2 exits from a building which you might have anyway.  Why lock the door like that though?  Just ask them to not walk through the yard with the dog unless there is a fire.

  • Sandy Hook, CT · Member since 2018 · 15 posts · 7 votes
    8y

    I could ask them not to open the door, but I can't control their kids or guests. Again, the room with the locked door does have big sliding windows if necessary plus a back door which is 20ft away.

  • Plymouth, MA · Member since 2018 · 31 posts · 6 votes
    8y
    I believe egresses are allowed to be locked as long as both have a key.
  • Plymouth, MA · Member since 2018 · 31 posts · 6 votes
    8y
    Too add on.. egress code is very specific for what can actually be counted as an egress.
  • Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8y
    Many places allow double-lock deadbolts (key on both sides), but some locales ban them. Best is to read your city/town building code or ask the building department.
  • Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2015 · 257 posts · 230 votes
    8y

    You need to call your local building department to see if this is against code, which I would hope it is. I also do not agree with your solution, the problem is the dog, not the tenants, or the front door.

  • Joe SplitrockPro Member
    Moderator
    Rental Property Investor · Sioux Falls, SD · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 18k+ votes
    8y

    @Justin Swann code in many places requires two door exits for emergencies. Usually placing double side key locks on such doors does not meet code. Regardless of code, I would not lock out one of their doors. What if there is a fire and someone is found dead laying by the front door? Aside from the immense guilt, you could face major legal problems. Asking them not to use the door unless it is an emergency is reasonable. Kids can be controlled from opening doors.

  • JD MartinBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
    8y

    Question: Why not just fence the back yard and not have your dog in the front yard at all? Then they can use both doors and you don't have to worry about it either way. I think you're going to have a tough time renting out a unit and telling them "Sorry, this door has to be locked all the time so my dog doesn't sneak into your apartment". 

    Whether you can legally keep it permanently locked is easily answered by your local codes. If you can legally remove the door and frame the opening shut, you should be able to legally keep it locked. Otherwise, you probably cannot. Most places have gone to banning the type of double-lock deadbolt that you need a key from both sides. 

    Skyline Properties
    View Page
  • Sandy Hook, CT · Member since 2018 · 15 posts · 7 votes
    8y

    Thanks for the responses. There is no backyard, that would be too simple. I'm going to get in touch with my local building department and see what they say. The rental apt. is pretty unique (3 beds, 3 baths, 2 of which are on suites) with a private rear deck in a nice residential neighborhood, so I don't think a locked door will deter tenants. 

  • Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2015 · 257 posts · 230 votes
    8y
    Originally posted by @Justin Swann:

    Thanks for the responses. There is no backyard, that would be too simple. I'm going to get in touch with my local building department and see what they say. The rental apt. is pretty unique (3 beds, 3 baths, 2 of which are on suites) with a private rear deck in a nice residential neighborhood, so I don't think a locked door will deter tenants. 

     It will. 

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.