Entry Doors with Deadbolt and Dummy Handle - Why?

Question

Been a renter for some time and finally purchased my first property. The last two apartments I lived in all had a deadbolt lock but a dummy door handle for the apartment front entry.

Putting new doors on the entry doors for my property and I'm wondering why are apartments doing this? Is this the new strategy for apartment doors?

Kim Hud · Answer

Thank you everyone! I will do this method too

Jill F. · Answer

Two reasons for me: 1) I use a kwikset master control key deadbolt that has 2 clyinders one for a tenant key and one for a master key, if I also had a locking doorknob (and they are basically worthless for security anyway) I'd defeat the purpose of my master lock which allows me access to all my apartments without having to carry around 60 keys. And 2) it eliminates tenant lock outs.I don't use a dummy handle; I use a passage knob without a lock.

Kyle J. · Answer

@Kim Hud Like Wayne said, it’s done so tenants can’t lock themselves out of their apartment. But it should be a deadbolt lock on top, with a non-locking but functional door handle (usually called a “hall/closet” knob) on the bottom.

When I first became a landlord, I used to install keyed/locking knobs on the bottom, until I had a tenant lock themselves out. Then I switched all the bottom entry knobs to the non-locking hall/closet knobs, and have never had a tenant lock themselves out since.

It’s a less expensive knob and it eliminates lockouts. So win-win. :)

Wayne Brooks · Answer

It’s so that a tenant can’t lock themselves out but I’d rather have a non locking functional door knob, in addition to the dead bolt.