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Original poster

URGENT Thumb turn cylinder lock on door question

30 replies

Tobythecat · 06/02/2018 19:57

I'm moving to a new house (rented from family member) and he's put a new door in which features this type of lock; you lift the handle and turn the lock by hand to lock it from the inside, but you need a key to lock it/open it from the outside.

If I was to lock it from the inside, would somebody with a key be able to open it from the outside, even if it it locked on the inside?

Reason I ask is because this family member has poor boundaries and I made it quite clear to him that I dont want him just letting himself into my home when he feels like it. I said I would just put the key all the way through the lock so he wouldnt be able to open it from the outside, but he has gone and put this type of lock on the door and i'm wondering if he is doing this so he can let himself into my home?

OP posts:
RunningOutOfCharge · 06/02/2018 19:59

Yes they would

Do you have an extra lock or bolt?

I have the 'holiday' lock as well

MrsHathaway · 06/02/2018 20:00

We have one.

Yes you would be able to open with a key outside if someone had used the thumb turn inside. I lock the door when we get in from school; DH uses his key to open it when he gets home.

You'd want a chain, deadbolt etc as well to be sure boundaries are maintained.

ElenaBothari · 06/02/2018 20:01

Chains etc only help keep him out when you’re at home.

If you want to ensure he won’t come in without your permission then you need a different lock.

RunningOutOfCharge · 06/02/2018 20:01

I wouldn't rent from this person tho

Original poster
Tobythecat · 06/02/2018 20:05

Thanks all. I'm fucking gutted, i'll have to stay in this freezing cold flat then. I'm gutted

OP posts:
GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 06/02/2018 20:06

Just put a chain on.

Original poster
Tobythecat · 06/02/2018 20:07

he wont let me put a chain on

OP posts:
specialsubject · 06/02/2018 20:09

Change the lock on arrival . return it when you leave.

I take it this place is cheap for a reason?

UpstartCrow · 06/02/2018 20:09

He sounds dangerous.

rjay123 · 06/02/2018 20:10

Just change the lock. Costs less than a tenner

Berrygoodteeth · 06/02/2018 20:12

These types of lock are common for fire doors in flats- replacing them would cost a fortune. The only way to stop him would be to put chain on but that won’t stop the issue of him trying to enter your flat without your permission.

Autumnchill · 06/02/2018 20:14

I wouldn't be comfortable with that. Fine when you're in the house but you say they won't allow a chain? Nope, I wouldn't sleep soundly (I've got 3 locks on front door)

TheMaddHugger · 07/02/2018 04:08

If you do take the place, get some Door wedges [novelty is fun] kick them in firmly so no one can open the doors inwards. If you need to leave, just jump out the window [optional 🤗🤣]

tempuser123 · 07/02/2018 07:19

if its a euro lock then as someone has said you can just swap the cylinder relatively cheaply.

I've found the backs of our dining chairs wedge nicely under the handle which would stop anyone getting in even if they had a key. This only works when you are at home though.

sashh · 07/02/2018 07:23

If I was to lock it from the inside, would somebody with a key be able to open it from the outside, even if it it locked on the inside?

Yes if you remove the key, no if you leave the key in. I leave my key in partly for that reason but also in case of fire or other emergency, I'm not hunting for a key.

Thereshegoesagain · 07/02/2018 07:33

If I leave a key on the inside of our lock, no one unlock it from the outside.
I’m not sure it’s the same lock, but worth an experiment.
You can explain it away as fire safety ( that’s why we leave our key there).

Kitsharrington · 07/02/2018 07:38

I’m pretty sure if you leave the key in the lock no one can get the key in from the outside.

tempuser123 · 07/02/2018 07:50

sashh Thereshegoesagain Kitsharrington

Read the title - its "Thumb turn cylinder lock". You don't use a key inside.

AngeloMysterioso · 07/02/2018 07:51

If you mean this type of lock OP, unless you have a second lock or a chain etc then yes, anyone with a key can get in.

URGENT Thumb turn cylinder lock on door question
URGENT Thumb turn cylinder lock on door question
AngeloMysterioso · 07/02/2018 07:53

Try again with photos...

URGENT Thumb turn cylinder lock on door question
URGENT Thumb turn cylinder lock on door question
brownelephant · 07/02/2018 07:57

either you

  • put up with it
  • change the locks (just the cylinder, it's easy to do yourself with a youtube tutorial)
  • don't rent from the person

if you go ahead, read up on tennancy rights. they cannot just enter another person's home without permission.

I assume it will be a ast with deposit & contract?

Eltonjohnssyrup · 07/02/2018 08:03

The door wedge idea is brilliant. A few of them under one door, there's no way he'd get in.

Flomy · 07/02/2018 08:05

You dont want him snooping around when you are out either.

MrsHathaway · 07/02/2018 08:12

The wider point is that OP doesn't trust this person to afford her quiet enjoyment and couldn't keep him out (whether she was at home or not) so is probably best advised to decline his offer.

Hope you find a suitable alternative very soon Flowers

RowenasDiadem · 07/02/2018 08:14

The advice is that all new tenants change their locks upon taking a tenancy. Contrary to what many are led to believe, the landlord does not legally have a right to keep a key. In fact, a non-resident holding a key for a property can actually affect the insurance. If the landlord wants non emergency access, he's not allowed in anyway without the tenant's permission. No matter if he gives 24, 48 or a hundred hours notice or his right to enter is written in the lease and signed in blood! A lease can not override a tenant's legal rights.
Emergency access, which he does have a legal responsibility for can be gained using a locksmith. And emergency means just that. Fire, flood, gas leak etc.

If you do take the tenancy, change the barrel lock. It takes 5 minutes and YouTube will show you how.