Cal. Civ. Code § 55.1-1221
Landlord to provide locks and peepholes.
Operative Text
The governing body of any locality may require by ordinance that any landlord who rents five or more dwelling units in any one multifamily building shall install: 1. Dead-bolt locks that meet the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.) for new multifamily construction and peepholes in any exterior swinging 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 (§ 36-97 et seq.) and removable metal pins or charlie bars in accordance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code on exterior sliding glass doors located in a building at any level designated in the ordinance; and 3. Locking devices that meet the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code (§ 36-97 et seq.) on all exterior windows. Any ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall further provide that any landlord subject to the ordinance shall have a reasonable time as determined by the governing body in which to comply with the requirements of the ordinance.
Virginia Code § 55.1-1221 authorizes local governments to pass ordinances requiring landlords who rent five or more units in a single multifamily building to install specific security hardware. This includes dead-bolt locks and peepholes on exterior entrance doors, manufacturer-approved locks and secondary security devices on sliding glass doors, and locking devices on all exterior windows — all meeting Uniform Statewide Building Code standards. Any such local ordinance must also give covered landlords a reasonable period of time to come into compliance after the ordinance takes effect.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Va. Code § 55.1-1221, if the locality where a multifamily property is located has adopted a qualifying ordinance, operators of buildings with five or more rental units generally ensure that exterior swinging entrance doors are fitted with compliant dead-bolt locks and peepholes (unless the door has a glass panel), that sliding glass doors have approved manufacturer locks plus removable metal pins or charlie bars, and that all exterior windows have compliant locking devices. Compliant operators track the compliance deadline set by the local governing body, since the ordinance must provide a reasonable transition period. Reviewing the specific local ordinance alongside the Uniform Statewide Building Code requirements (§ 36-97 et seq.) helps clarify exactly which hardware specifications apply to a given property.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Va. Code § 55.1-1221 gives tenants in qualifying multifamily buildings a basis to expect that their landlord has installed code-compliant dead-bolt locks, peepholes, sliding-door security devices, and window locks if the local government has enacted an ordinance under this provision. Tenants who believe required security hardware is missing or non-compliant may consider contacting their local government or housing office to determine whether a local ordinance has been adopted and what it requires. Tenant-rights organizations in Virginia can help residents understand whether a specific locality has enacted such an ordinance and what general options exist for raising a concern about missing security hardware.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 22, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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