Neighbours in shared building won’t lock shared front door

Takmon

freckled24 wrote: »

I’d thought about that but at least if i sort out my own door then i’ll have more peace of mind regardless of what they do or don’t do to the main doir. Thanks : )

Like others have said you can easily get front doors that will lock when closed. But you said when the outside door closes a latch engages so it is actually locked then?.

You can improve your own flat door but that really won't help much because once they get in from the street they are out of view and will have plenty of time to break through your door without anyone walking past seeing them. So ensuring the outside door actually locks should be your highest priority.

Adereterial

Sounds like my front door - a latch engages to hold it closed but to lock it, you need a key. Otherwise it can just be opened using the handle?

That’s fine for my house when I’m in as I own the whole thing and accept the risk. It’s not suitable for a shared front door. The freeholder needs to replace that mechanism to one that can only be opened with a key from outside.

AnotherJoe

When we had our front door rep,aced I specified (and got) a lock that cannot be opened from outside via the handle after shutting the door . It's not "double locked" as you can still further lock it via a key turn but it can't be opened without a key. That sort of lock is what you need and the neighbours will soon learn to keep an extra key with them.

Smodlet

Your neighbours sound like irresponsible idiots to me, OP and, as someone else has said, will not learn until they are forced to by bitter experience... Have you thought of trying to break into their flat and leaving a conspicuous note along the lines of, "I told you so"? No, that is not a serious suggestion but I'd be so tempted...

I would certainly buy the best, most secure front door for your flat you can afford. I really, really miss having 2 locking doors between myself and the outside world (we used to have a lobby, then a hallway, both with locking doors) but having only one is the norm, I think.

I would start shopping around for one now. It is mid-November and possibly not the most lucrative time of year for double-glazing firms so there might be some good deals to be had. Just avoid Anglian, if you want my advice; worst locks I have ever met in my life, had to be replaced. Local independents are who we should have used, imho.

I wish you luck and please let us know how you get on.

[Deleted User]

freckled24 wrote: »

My neighbour who owns the flat ipstairs/rents it is happy to replace it (we pay halves on any building repairs, building insurance)

If the freeholder is a different person who split the building up, why are you paying for the building insurance? Shouldn't that be going through the person who actually owns the building?

I would have thought it was the freeholders responsibility to do these kind of upgrades and repairs?

G_M

Deleted_User wrote: »

If the freeholder is a different person who split the building up, why are you paying for the building insurance? Shouldn't that be going through the person who actually owns the building?

I would have thought it was the freeholders responsibility to do these kind of upgrades and repairs?

It would be usual for the freeholder to buy the insurane, but for the two flat owners to pay the cost 50% each. May be that's what was meant.

gwynlas

As said previously beef up security on your own door. Ask here if you need to know what can be done.
With any luck intruders would go for flat upstairs initially as they can run down if they hear front door opening.
Also look at replacing main door and locks as suggested.

Rodders53

The upvc door handle could be fitted with a 'split spindle' to make it so the outside handle won't open the door (but a key will). That doesn't fully lock it (multipoint lock) but is slightly better than you have now. It will need freeholder agreement to change, I guess.

It also depends on the exact door/handle/locking system as to whether it's possible to do so simply.

https://www.homesecureshop.co.uk/blog/upvc-door-lock-operations-single-or-split-spindle/

As an aside, is a door locked like that a potential fire safety risk (needing a key to unlock to exit)? A push-to-operate knob would, perhaps, be preferable?https://uapcorporate.com/product/kinetica-child-safe-thumb-turn-3-star-kitemarked-euro-cylinder/

diggingdude

How did you get their phone number? Did
They give it to you - fine
Landlord mate give it to you - don't expect a good response

freckled24

Thanks for everyone’s advice. I had a locksmith out to look at my flat’s front door & i’m so glad i did as turns out i don’t have. 5 lever mortice lock, just a yale drop latch so my insurance would be invalid! And on the back door, whoever converted the house thought it was a good idea to fit the french door handle with the screws on the outside, & no British standards lock. So both doors were sorted yeaterday & now at least comply with my insurance!

With the building’s front door, it does lock when you close it, and if you pushed the handle it wouldn’t open, but a hard push and it would. If it’s not locked with the key as well, the insurance is invalid. I spoke to my neighbour and he is the freeholder of my flat and i’m the freeholder of his (sorry for any confusion in my earlier posts - the freeholder/leaseholder thing is a bit confusing). We’re going to look into another main front door, to be as secure as we can regardless of whether the tenants lock the main door (and yes they gave me their number when they moved in and i gave them mine, in case of emergency or getting locked out etc).

Thanks for everyone’s advice - at least i’ve sorted my entry/exit doors and hopefully in a few months will have a new building front door too ; )