Question: Our front door cannot be left unlocked from inside the unit. Is this a fire or safety hazard?
We moved into a unit in a relatively new complex. We can enter and exit the unit freely but cannot leave the door unlocked from the inside. I assume the door is a fire door.
Is this a door handle issue or a fire hazard or other safety concern? I know strata has a responsibility to fix common property, but I have to go through my agent to get the work done, and they are dragging their feet. If I could prove the inability to leave the door unlocked from the inside is a fire hazard, it might prompt the agent to respond faster.
Answer: As long as the fire door closes and latches automatically (and the lock matches the fire door set), the fire guys will be good with it.
Owners and residents may choose (or not choose) to lock themselves inside or outside however they like. As long as the fire door closes and latches automatically (and the lock matches the fire door set), the fire guys will be good with it.
Everyone has a right to secure themselves in their home, so within reason, you may choose to modify the locking setup to suit your needs but, you should do so knowing that the door and lock are common property and, therefore, any modification should be with the permission of the owners corporation.
This post appears in Strata News #657.
Rob Broadhead 2020 Fire Protection E: rob.broadhead@2020fire.com.au P: 1300 340 210