Keyless deadbolt?

Question

My uncle is a landlord and is trying to meet TX HUD standards for a tenant to get rent assistance. One of the requirements is a deadbolt with NO access from the outside, a thumb bolt on the inside. The lock is replacing one with a key on the outside so there is a hole all the way through the door. He would like to use the same hole with the same size lockset.

We need a piece to patch the hole on the other side and can't find one because it seems these are for new installs where you wouldn't go all the way through the door the first time.

Is this a good solution? Is it safe? Does the piece exist?

You are correct that it seems absurd and no one else here knows the answer either. The premise is that NO one can use the deadbolt from the outside, not even the resident. SO you can lock from the inside when you are there to secure your own property, and you canNOT use the deadbolt when you are away, when it is more likely that a breakin would occur. If a criminal was watching for you to be gone, they could get in because the deadbolt is NOT in use.

Nonetheless, this is what the state requires. It looks actually, like a third lock will have to be installed. First is the doorknob, second is the existing deadbolt, and third would be the new HUD approved lock. Reason is because if the hole on the outside of the door is exposed, I'm sure the lock would be compromised, and there is no cover in these locksets to patch the hole, which is the nature of my question.

You are right though, crazy. Can you help me get my uncle up to code?

Answer 1

i worked on apts 19 years and what we did in that case was drill a new hole with a new lock...
we left old lock on so tenant had choice to lock secure, or lock with key, or both.
this was a back door to the alley.
if that's not legal enough, fill in the old hole with a wood plug and caulk and paint the door.

Answer 2

i know you probably asked this question without thinking, how am i to lock the door when i am away? what i am reading into the question is you want to give the resident, while they are at home,
the ability to lock the entrance with out the ability of a key to be used from the outside. if he has access to Hughes supply, or Wilmar, or home depot supply (all are geared to the apartment/hotel industry) their reps should be able to help him
out with the solution. it just seems to me that the TX housing authority is a little strange, not having access to an apartment
because what if there was a medical emergency? do you go and kick the door in? maybe clarify the question a Little if I'm wrong in my answer.

Answer 3

Ok, Barbou is right. I hate to say this but you need to get the requirement in writing. I would go to the closest Fire station, and get their opinion. If it doesn't make since to them, Then you got bad info. The only place that might be appropriate is a motel room.