[clawlan]

Here is an interesting problem that my brother came to me with. He lives in a very old house that has been turned into an apartment. He has had issues with a roommate going into his room (caught on camera) without permission. He is also in the long painful process of suing and evicting this roommate, but until all that is settled, the roommate is still in the house.

He has been trying to work with the police but in addition to that, he needs a way to lock his room relatively securely. He cant simply swap out the knob with a key locking one because (according to him) the house is very old and the cutout won't fit modern hardware. He also doesn't want to use a simple hasp+padlock (or anything similar) because he doesn't want the roommate the ability to lock him in the room.

So what are some other options?

 

[joed]

Does the door open in or out?

this might work.

http://www.calslock.com/calslock.html

Or instead of replacing the knob set add a dead bolt. This is a separate unit that has no dependence on the handle set.

This type surface mounts and only requires a hole for key tumbler.

 

[asevereid]

Maybe replace the slab with one that accepts modern hardware?
How serious is he willing to get?

 

[joecaption]

Picture of what's there now would be a big help.
Old mortise style knob?
http://www.houseofantiquehardware.c...TY6rRWcA-D09JPjPS8Wysgea63AIPKg5UsaAncO8P8HAQ

 

[47_47]

Hasp and padlock? Would need to fill in holes.

 

[ron45]

The situation sounds very serious.
I would suggest for my brother to move soon as possible.
Maybe even live with me until he could find a place.

 

[craig11152]

. He also doesn't want to use a simple hasp+padlock (or anything similar) because he doesn't want the roommate the ability to lock him in the room.

If he just sticks the lock on when its in the open position his roommate can't lock him in.
Maybe not the best solution but its cheap and universal.

 

[IslandGuy]

Remove anything and everything from the room that the roommate would be interested in. Or put it in a lock box or locking trunk. Then just leave the door open all the time.

 

[gregzoll]

Smack the roommate upside the head and go to court to get an order to tell the idiot to move.

Why wait, when the court can solve the problem with the thief.

 

[IslandGuy]

plant some bullets under your pillow and call the police - that's enough of a threat to get him arrested and a judge will issue a court order of protection keeping him 1000' away from you at all times, meaning, he would not be allowed in the house you share.

Happens to abusive husbands all the time.