How is this not illegal?

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6659880/how-is-this-not-illegal

I would imagine that across the UK there are millions of houses and flats with a mortice lock and key for the front door, so for sure not illegal.

Also most patio/French doors etc. are locked with a key.

theartfullodger

Change to thumb turn on insides. Much safer, you (or anyone else) can still get out in the dark with smoke.

Not worth taking the risk otherwise.

I always did this for my rental properties. Even when tenants complained, in writing. You don't want a death/'orrible injury on your conscience

sheramber

I remove the key at night and place it on a table at the top of the stairs , near the bedroom door.

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81924686#Comment_81924686

The issue is more that people use instruments put through the letterbox to turn it.

Increasingly insurers require evidence of forceful or violent entry into the property even on single family households so if you give them an ability to get in via either a thumb turn they can reach or keys they can fish for etc then the claim is declined.

If you have a solid door with no gaps, unlikely to be a problem, have a letter box, an opening window by the door etc and it could be more of a problem.

lincroft1710

Front door of my house can be opened from inside but only from outside by key, When locked, inside needs key to open. Back door can be opened from outside but when locked, inside needs key to open. Both doors installed in 2008 and I would imagine these door types are extremely common.

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81925077#Comment_81925077

I think a door that cannot be opened from the outside is not extremely common… there are some where you must use the key from the outside even if not locked but they are still openable from the outside. Doubt many places have an exit only front door.

lincroft1710

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81925081#Comment_81925081

I mean it can only be opened from outside with a key. I will amend my post to make it clearer

artyboy

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81925042#Comment_81925042

postmen complain about how hard it is to get anything through our letterbox, and most visitors complain about how difficult it is to turn the thumb thingie. So I'm pretty sure we are good here!

itsthelittlethings

It’s a reasonably common set up. People either leave their keys in the door or have a hook by the door they hang their keys on.

Emmia

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81925141#Comment_81925141

I'd probably give the lock a lubricate if it's really stiff to open. We use a graphite powder lubricant, which is a bit messy but effective.