The service door on the left side of the home has a deadbolt that needs a key to open from the inside
What we found
The service door on the left side of the home has a double-keyed deadbolt—a lock that requires a key to open from both the outside and the inside.
Why it happens here
A deadbolt is the primary security lock on a door. Most deadbolts have a thumb-turn on the inside so you can exit without a key; a double-keyed deadbolt replaces that thumb-turn with a second keyhole, so the door cannot be unlocked from inside without a key. That design changes how the door functions as a way out of the home.
What it means for you
If a key is not immediately at hand—say, during a fire or other emergency—anyone inside may not be able to open that door quickly. Building safety guidelines discourage or restrict this type of lock on doors used for exiting a home for exactly this reason.
What to do
Consult a qualified locksmith or door hardware professional about whether replacing this lock with a single-cylinder deadbolt—one with a thumb-turn on the inside—is appropriate for this door.
How common is this
Inspectors routinely check door hardware for this condition and report it when found. Swapping a double-keyed deadbolt for a single-cylinder model is a straightforward job for a locksmith.
Taking a few minutes to sort out the right lock for this door is an easy way to make sure every exit in the home works the way you need it to.
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