Fairfax County, VA Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- 5+ units, one building
- Required
- deadbolt + peephole
- Exempt
- glass-panel doors
- Also covers
- sliding doors, windows
Summary
Landlords renting five or more units in one multifamily building must fit code-compliant deadbolt locks and peepholes on every exterior swing entrance door, with glass-paneled doors exempt from the peephole part.
(a)Any landlord who rents five (5) or more dwelling units in any one (1) multifamily building shall install:(1)Deadbolt locks that meet the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, Va. Code §§ 36-97 through -119.1, as amended, for new multifamily construction and peepholes in any exterior swing entrance door to any such unit; however, any door having a glass panel shall not require a peephole.(2)Manufacturer's locks that meet the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code and removable metal pins or charlie bars in accordance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code, Va. Code §§ 36-97 through -119.1, as amended, on exterior sliding glass doors located in a building.(3)Locking devices that meet the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, Va. Code §§ 36-97 through -119.1, as amended, on all exterior windows. (25-77-12; 41-88-12; 05-25-12.)
Full Breakdown
Fairfax County's tenant-landlord chapter requires deadbolt locks meeting Uniform Statewide Building Code standards plus peepholes on exterior swing doors in any multifamily building with five or more rental units. Doors with a glass panel don't need a peephole. The same section also mandates code-compliant manufacturer's locks and removable pins or charlie bars on exterior sliding glass doors, and locking devices on all exterior windows, once a building crosses the five-unit threshold.
Violations & Fines
General County Code violations are a Class 2 misdemeanor under the default penalty section, Sec. 1-1-14, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a small rental house need a peephole?
Is a peephole required on a glass door?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
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