How can I make sure an inswing door stays closed and secure?

Seeking Help Forum
1

I need advice on keeping an inswing door closed at all times. This door separates my room from the landlord’s room, and I don’t trust them. They claim the door is always locked, but I’ve noticed my belongings have been tampered with more than once.

I’ve already installed a door lever lock on my side, but I’m worried it’s not enough. Door jammers, stoppers, or security bars won’t work because they would need to be set up on the landlord’s side of the door. Moving out or confronting the landlord isn’t an option for now.

2

Look into a security tool that notifies you if the door is opened. Some even make loud noises, which might scare off your landlord. Once you catch them in the act, you’ll have the evidence to confront them or take legal action.

3

You can use a door bar that screws into the floor or has two bars—one against the door and one against the wall. Search for ‘outswing security bar.’

4

Try a door wedge with an alarm. Some have a trip switch that triggers a siren when the door moves. Just make sure it’s on a surface that gives it grip—carpet, wood, or tile.

Alternatively, you could block the door with a heavy piece of furniture, like a trunk filled with books or something heavy.

5

Hammer four wedges tightly around the door—top, bottom, and both sides. That should make it nearly impossible to open.

You could also hang a door alarm on the knob or even set up a glitter bomb for some extra fun.

6

Put a bookcase in front of the door or lean items like brooms, sports gear, or anything bulky against it.

Another option is setting up a camera in your room pointing at the door. A Wyzecam is cheap and will send you alerts if the door is opened. It might also scare the landlord into closing the door again.

7

Install a second door on your side, like they do in hotel rooms for adjoining rooms.

8

Fintan said:
Install a second door on your side, like they do in hotel rooms for adjoining rooms.

Wouldn’t that require altering the landlord’s property?

9

Mai said:

Fintan said:
Install a second door on your side, like they do in hotel rooms for adjoining rooms.

Wouldn’t that require altering the landlord’s property?

Yes, but it’s still an option if you can get permission.

10

If the door swings into your space, look into hotel security devices like portable locks and braces.

11

Ashton said:
If the door swings into your space, look into hotel security devices like portable locks and braces.

The door actually swings into the landlord’s side.

12

Ari said:

Ashton said:
If the door swings into your space, look into hotel security devices like portable locks and braces.

The door actually swings into the landlord’s side.

In that case, it’s an outswing door. Look for locks designed for schools during safety drills—they might work for you.

13

Aqara has affordable, easy-to-install security sensors. The hub is around $50, and door sensors are about $20 each. They connect to Wi-Fi, require no subscription, and send alerts to your phone whenever the door is opened. You can even set the hub to play a small alarm. It’s not super loud but could deter someone snooping.