Shared entrance not being locked

Duvaljones

My mum‘s block of flats has a rear entrance that requires locking manually as it doesn’t lock when the door shuts behind you. However 3 of the 6 residents regularly leave it unlocked. She wants to know where she’d stand (contents insurance wise)  if someone broke into her flat (with its own locked door) having gained general access to the communal areas via the unlocked back door. 

Any advice on this would be gratefully received! 

Thanks

davidmcn

Duvaljones said:

My mum‘s block of flats has a rear entrance that requires locking manually as it doesn’t lock when the door shuts behind you. However 3 of the 6 residents regularly leave it unlocked. She wants to know where she’d stand (contents insurance wise)  if someone broke into her flat (with its own locked door) having gained general access to the communal areas via the unlocked back door.

I can't remember any insurers asking about security of common entrances (which often don't have locks, or even doors, anyway), it's all down to what her flat's front door is like.

eddddy

If your mother is a leaseholder, it might be worth 'complaining' to the freeholder (or their managing agent).
Or if your mother is a tenant, it might be worth complaining to her landlord - and suggesting that the landlord complains  to the freeholder (or their managing agent).

The outcome might be that the freeholder reminds all the leaseholders to lock the door, or the freeholder might have something like a self-locking latch fitted - but the cost would be passed on to the leaseholders.

MovingForwards

Pin a note to the door reminding people to lock it. That's how my old neighbour used to communicate with everyone in the block!