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Tulsa, OK Building Safety: Door Locking Hardware (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
rented dwelling/rooming/housekeeping units
Lock type
deadbolt, no key needed to exit
Minimum throw
1 inch (25 mm)
Sliding bolts
not an acceptable deadbolt
Windows also covered
sash lock within 6 ft of grade

Summary

Tulsa's Property Maintenance Code requires every door into a rented dwelling, rooming or housekeeping unit to have a working deadbolt with at least a 1-inch throw that opens from inside without a key.

Doors providing access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit that is rented, leased or let shall be equipped with a deadbolt lock designed to be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without the need for keys, special knowledge or effort and shall have a minimum lock throw of 1 inch (25 mm). Such deadbolt locks shall be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and maintained in good working order. For the purpose of this section, a sliding bolt shall not be considered an acceptable deadbolt lock.

Source: Tulsa Fire MarshalView official code

Full Breakdown

Under the Tulsa Property Maintenance Code, doors giving access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit that is rented, leased or let must have a deadbolt lock that is readily openable from the egress side without keys, special knowledge or effort, with a minimum lock throw of 1 inch. The deadbolt must be installed per the manufacturer's specs and kept in good working order. A sliding bolt does not satisfy the requirement. Operable windows within 6 feet of grade on such units separately require a window sash locking device.

Violations & Fines

Code Official (City Experience Dept., Fire Marshal, Police Chief or Health Dept.) can order repair; noncompliant locks are a Property Maintenance Code violation subject to inspection order and, if unresolved, municipal court citation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a sliding bolt satisfy Tulsa's rental door lock rule?
No. Title 55 § 304.18.1 expressly says a sliding bolt is not an acceptable deadbolt lock for a rented unit's entry door.
Can a landlord install a deadbolt that needs a key to exit?
No. The deadbolt must open from the egress side without keys, special knowledge or effort, per § 304.18.1.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Tulsa

All Tulsa rules

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