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Under the UK fire regulations, for blocks of flats, the doors to each flat must be able to be unlocked and opened without the use of a key from the inside of the property.
Similarly, the same regulations apply to Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMO’s). In these, all bedrooms with a lock need to have a lock that can be opened without a key.
This is first and foremost due to safety reasons. If there is a fire or other emergency, a person will need to get out fast. If they have to look for a key to open the door, this could be dangerous and the delay could be potentially fatal.
Is there a Euro Cylinder lock installed in a flat or HMO (as is common)? Then they should have locks that are known as ‘thumb turn’ locks.
A key operates these locks from the outside. But from inside there is a knob that can be easily turned with your fingers.
So, if you are a tenant and your door is not able to be unlocked without a key from the inside, then you must demand the landlord or property management company change the lock to a compliant one.
You should report your landlord if they fail to install the correct locks as they will be in breach of the law.
If you are a landlord, you will be held liable in the unfortunate event of an emergency and if someone was not able to exit the property quickly enough.
The good news is, it is relatively simple and inexpensive to change the locks to compliant ones. So there is no excuse for not getting this done. It will ensure you comply with the law. And, more importantly, it may one day prevent the most serious of situations.
Want to know more about getting your locks changed so they have an internal thumb turn lock? Contact Lock Guy for more information.
I regularly help landlords by providing and installing thumb turn locks. They can be opened and closed from the inside with ease. These locks are sometimes known as turn-and-release locks. They lock and unlock doors without needing a key. These thumb turn lock cylinders provide privacy in bedrooms and bathrooms for example. When the lock is turned it throws a bolt giving the security that is needed.
I carry a range of different sizes and can respond at short notice.
Contact your Local Authority for full details on HMO Regulations including Fire Regulations and Thumb Turn Locks. You should also talk to your insurance company because they will have rules about the locks that should be fitted in the property.
Building Regulations 2010 (section 5.11) also refers to the requirements regarding fire safety.
If you believe that you are in a property that breaches the UK fire regulations and the person or organisation responsible for that property is not taking any action, then they should be reported to your Local Authority.
Lock Guy is an independent locksmith operating in Witham, Maldon and all the towns between Colchester and Chelmsford.
Got a question about a lock issue you may have? Why not have a look at the FAQ page or one of the helpful advice videos on the Media page.