What kind of lock can I put on my apartment door to prevent maintenance men coming in at night?

Question

I am in my early 20's, a girl, and live alone. I also live on the second floor. I have a bar on my sliding glass door and those clear sticky things that pop on on the sliding window and on the sliding door for added protection. The front door has a deadlock and a chain, but I don't feel like that is enough. Moving is not an option, I am stuck here until next year.


When I signed my lease, I signed a paper that prevents maintenance men entering my apartment without my consent or prior knowledge unless it is is an emergency. However, I have noticed really weird things that indicate they were here. One time the closet door to the air conditioner was open like someone was there to change the filter and there was no note or anything to let me know someone entered my apartment. Another time, I came home from work and took a shower. When I got home, a maintenance guy was in my kitchen changing the light in the refrigerator. I don't mind them being in here when I am gone, but it is pretty obvious I am a girl living alone and they clearly have access to my apartment. I reported all of the incidents but it doesn't change the fact that the guys still work here and have a key to my apartment. I want some kind of lock I can use just at night when I am sleeping. I know many leases don't allow that, but I wouldn't be using it in the day. Any ideas??

Answer 1

You need the managers permission to install any lock, and of course you have to give them a key. It is not legal to lock them out.



Ask if you cab put a slider, they use them in hotels, The manager pretty much can't refuse as that adds to their liability.

Answer 2

Apartment Door Lock

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

What kind of lock can I put on my apartment door to prevent maintenance men coming in at night?

I am in my early 20's, a girl, and live alone. I also live on the second floor. I have a bar on my sliding glass door and those clear sticky things that pop on on the sliding window and on the sliding door for added protection. The front door has a deadlock and a chain, but I don't feel...

Answer 4

Maintenance workers will periodically replace air filters, but you should have received notification that they would be entering your apartment to do this. I find it very unusual, however, that someone would show up to replace the light bulb in the refrigerator, unless you had put in a work order for that.

I recommend that you install a flip lock on your front door. You can find one at any hardware store. I've even seen them at Walmart. All you need to install one is a Phillips screwdriver. I have one installed about 8 inches above the deadbolt to prevent someone from coming in when I am home.

Answer 5

If someone wants to break in they kick the door in or break the glass and you can not stop them with a lock, but the noise would wake you as well as your neighbors at night, A chain will keep maintenance men out when you are home. but if you want to feel more secure you can wedge a high back under the door nob before you go to bed. This offers more protection than any lock you can install yourself since a lock is only as secure as the door frame and the screws that hold in place.

Answer 6

For added security, you can get a door alarm from any home improvement store. They cost about $20 and work like a doorbell. No wires. It sticks to your door frame and when the door opens, a chime that's plugged in to a regular outlet rings throughout the apartment. When you don't want to use it, you just unplug the chime. Also, if you have internet, motion detection cameras are easy to set up.



You shouldn't install anything that will be in violation of your lease. The door alarm does not require nails or screws, it sticks with adhesive.

Answer 7

There is a chain with a locking mechanism that you can lock JUST before closing the door all the way from the outside. When you get home,you unlock the deadbolt & open the door enough to get your arm in to unlock the chain lock.I've seen them at places like Home Depot,Lowe's etc. Also check with a local locksmith.They usually carry these OR know where to get them.

Answer 8

1

Answer 9

I would ask your apartment management, in writing, to please not allow anyone into your apartment without you being there. Can you be flexible about leaving work or whatever and going home? Also, you should have a keyed deadbolt to provide access from the outside with a key and a keyless deadbolt that you lock from the inside so that no one can get in when you are inside. Do you have both? If not, request whatever you don't have, again in writing and be sure and mention that you are in fear for your safety. Couldn't hurt to carbon copy the owner of the property or the local tenant's council.

Answer 10

Maintenance people dont come in late at night to work. Only burglars do that. You cannot keep them out.