How do I secure an outward swinging apartment door?

Home Security Systems Forum
1

Hi everyone,

I’m dealing with a tough situation I don’t want to share all the details of, but I could really use advice. I need to secure the door to my apartment that swings outward onto a shared staircase. It’s not the building’s main door—just the one to the apartment—but it’s a really flimsy door, and I’m concerned. It has a basic lock, but it’s not great, and the handle could work with a chain lock. Inside, there’s a small step right before the door, and the setup is pretty awkward. There are windows beside it, but they’re hard to reach because of the staircase.

I don’t have woodworking tools, and since I’m renting, I can’t make major changes. I’m also not currently able to get a concealed carry license. Any advice would be appreciated.

2

We installed security hinges on our outward swinging door, but those only work if your door isn’t too flimsy. You could ask your landlord about adding something like door armor (there are a few brands for that online) to reinforce the door. But what about the windows? Could someone break those to get in?

3

@Alice
The windows are over a very steep staircase. It’s not impossible to reach them, but it’s pretty difficult.

4

So is the door one of those thin, hollow ones? Like the kind you can punch through? If that’s the case, better locks won’t help much.

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Nathaniel said:
So is the door one of those thin, hollow ones? Like the kind you can punch through? If that’s the case, better locks won’t help much.

Yeah, it’s one of those cheap ones. I’m looking for smaller steps I can take until the landlord decides to fix it.

6

@Gabrielle
I’d push the landlord hard on this. A door like that is a big security issue.

7

If you’re in the US, you don’t need a concealed carry license to keep a firearm in your home.

8

Lucy said:
If you’re in the US, you don’t need a concealed carry license to keep a firearm in your home.

That depends on the state. Gun laws aren’t the same everywhere.

9

You could try fastening a chain or something similar to the doorknob. Attach the other end to a wooden crossbar that spans the frame, using strong steel hardware. You could include a padlock so it’s removable when you need it.

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@Mason
That sounds like a great way to trap yourself if there’s a fire or some other emergency where you need to get out quickly.

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Deepika said:
@Mason
That sounds like a great way to trap yourself if there’s a fire or some other emergency where you need to get out quickly.

We have a second way out of the apartment.

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@Gabrielle
You need two exits for safety in case one gets blocked. And remember, windows can also count as emergency exits if they’re accessible.