St. Clair County, IL Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)

" Subsection (A) applies specifically to rented, leased or let units: the entry door must carry a deadbolt lock that is readily openable from the egress side without a key, special knowledge or effort, with a minimum lock throw of one inch, installed to the manufacturer's specifications and kept in good working order. The code is explicit that a sliding bolt is never an acceptable substitute for a deadbolt. Subsection (B) covers operable windows located wholly or partly within six feet of grade or a walking surface below that give access to a rented unit: these must carry a window sash locking device.

Subsection (C) extends the same security duty to basement hatchways serving a rented unit, requiring a device that secures the unit against unauthorized entry. These security duties sit alongside the general door and hardware maintenance rule in Section 29-3-32, which requires all exterior doors and locks be kept in good condition and specifically ties egress-door locks to the means-of-egress standard in Section 29-7-5. A landlord who fails to install or maintain required deadbolts, sash locks or hatchway security devices is in violation of the Property Maintenance Code and subject to a notice of violation from the code official, who may order compliance within a stated time before pursuing further enforcement.