Portland, OR Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- every exterior dwelling door
- Lock rule
- secure outside, key-free inside
- Hardware condition
- locks, hinges, strike plates maintained
- Code section
- Portland City Code § 29.30.100
Summary
Every exterior door on a Portland dwelling must have a lock that discourages unwanted entry but still opens from inside without a key, under the city's housing maintenance code.
C. Every door to the exterior of a dwelling unit must be equipped with a lock designed to discourage unwanted entry and to permit opening from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort.
D. Every exterior door must comply with the following:
1. Every exterior door, door hinge, door lock, and strike plate must be maintained in good condition.
2. Every exterior door, when closed, must fit reasonably well within its frame and be weather-tight.
3. Every doorframe must be constructed and maintained in relation to the adjacent wall construction so as to exclude rain as completely as possible, and to substantially exclude wind from entering the dwelling.
E. Every interior door and doorframe must be maintained in a sound condition for its intended purpose with the door fitting within the doorframe.
Full Breakdown
Portland City Code § 29.30.100 sets exterior door standards for every dwelling unit. Doors leading outside must be lockable against intruders yet openable from inside without a key or special effort: no exceptions for deadbolts that trap occupants. Locks, hinges, and strike plates must be kept in good working condition, and doors must fit weather-tight in their frames. In hotels and apartment houses, common-corridor exit doors must open with one hand in a single motion.
Violations & Fines
Bureau enforcement runs through a notice of violation under § 29.60.050; if the door hardware isn't fixed within the 30-day response period, the city can charge a recurring monthly enforcement fee and record a lien against the property under § 29.70.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my exterior door lock require a key to open from inside?
What happens if an exterior door lock is broken?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Portland
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