Is Your Bedroom Door Lock Illegal in Arizona?
No, locks on bedroom doors are not illegal in Arizona. However, that misconception is rooted in legislation around other parts of the United States, where bedroom door locks may impede fire and emergency response and out of safety concerns. However, it’s always a smart idea to consider whether the locks in your home are the safest for you and your family, for both home protection and safety in the case of emergency.
Should I Remove My Bedroom Door Lock?
There are a few things to consider before removing the lock on your bedroom door. One of the most critical considerations concerning locks on bedroom doors involves children.
Is It Illegal to Lock My Child’s Bedroom Door?
While there aren’t any specific Arizona laws with language about a locked bedroom door, child neglect, endangerment, and abandonment acts may apply if the child is any danger due to the locked bedroom door. Before installing a lock on your child’s bedroom door, consider the following:
- Is the child old enough to safely escape in case of fire or emergency?
- Are the adults able to get into the room in case of fire or emergency?
- Does the room contain an emergency exit that needs to be accessible?
Consider purchasing a child-proof doorknob covering for your child’s bedroom door before installing a lock. That way, in case of an emergency, you are still able to access your child’s room.
How Do I Keep My Child in their Room at Night?
Understandably, many parents worry about their child’s safety if they are prone to getting up and walking around the house at night, especially if they’re young. However, there are a few other options to consider instead of installing locks.
For example, in some cases, it may be reasonable to install a screen door instead of a regular door so that it latches. This way, you can both hear and see your child, and they can listen to and see you, but you can lock the door at night so that they don’t hurt themselves in the house.
What Is the Best Bedroom Door Lock?
There are hundreds of options when it comes to bedroom door handles with a locking mechanism. In addition to varying styles and lock mechanisms, you can also install locks with keyless entry for any rooms that store valuables. For expert advice on which locks will work best for your needs, contact one of the locksmiths at Metro Lock and Safe today!
Do I Need to Remove Bedroom Locks Before Renting My House to Tenants?
For property owners looking to rent their homes, they may wonder if there’s anything they need to do about bedroom locks. In Arizona, no law or regulation states that landlords are responsible for removing bedroom locks or prohibiting them. However, in other areas in the United States, such as New York City and some areas of New Jersey, it is illegal for particular doors to have locks due to fire hazards in large apartment buildings and other multi-family buildings.
If you’re concerned about a tenant’s safety when it comes to bedroom locks, you can always have the locks removed by a professional locksmith.
Should I Change the Locks Between Tenants?
If property owners changed the locks between each tenant, they’d end up spending a lot more money than necessary. In fact, in most cases, the locks can be rekeyed. This process is much less expensive, as it doesn’t involve changing the hardware. Find out more about changing locks versus rekeying them here.
However, if a property owner notices damage to a lock between tenants, the locks should be changed instead of rekeyed for both protection of the tenant and property.
Can I Rekey My Property While Tenants Live There?
Currently, there are no rekeying laws in Arizona that prohibit landlords or property owners from changing the locks or rekeying them. Still, most lease agreements prevent landlords or property management companies from changing the locks while a tenant occupies the property.
How Can Metro Lock and Safe Help You?
If you’re looking to upgrade your bedroom door locks or need to have your rental property’s locks rekeyed, call the professional locksmiths at Metro Lock and Safe. In addition to emergency locksmith services, Metro Lock and Safe has a wide variety of home security products, including floor and gun safes, available for purchase and professional installation. Call today to get started! We have contactless options available to help curb the spread of COVID-19.