Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.1650
Dead bolt locks (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
(a) Defined. For the purpose of this article, a "dead bolt lock" is a locking bolt which, when in the locked position, can only be moved positively by turning a knob, key, sliding bolt, or by a mechanism activated by working a combination, except that a lock bolt moved by a skeleton-type key is excluded from this article. (b) Specifications. A dead bolt not less than three-eighths inch in its least dimension, which penetrates into the strike plate not less than three-eighths inch shall be deemed to meet the requirements of this section. Further dead bolt locks installed or replaced after July 1, 1982, shall have a bolt throw of at least three-quarters inch and the strike plate shall be secured with steel screws at least two and one-half (2½) inches in length or secured in a manner to provide equivalent security. (c) [ Deadlatch, bolt-type locks. ] Mortised deadlatch, bolt-type locks, properly installed and maintained, when installed prior to October 31, 1969, may be deemed to provide the security required by this article; however, latch-type locks shall not be approved for new installations. (d) [ To be openable without key. ] Except as hereinafter expressly permitted in this article, dead bolt locks, as required by this section, shall be of a type openable from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 153.020; 78-Or-244, § 58, 11-22-78; 80-Or-052 , § 1, 4-11-80; 82-Or-106 , § 35, 6-11-82; 85-Or-140 , § 1, 7-26-85)
Minneapolis Code § 244.1650 establishes technical standards for dead bolt locks in residential settings, defining what qualifies as a dead bolt, specifying minimum bolt dimensions and throw lengths, and addressing older mortised deadlatch locks. Locks installed or replaced after July 1, 1982 must have a bolt throw of at least three-quarters inch and a strike plate secured with steel screws at least two and one-half inches long. Critically, qualifying dead bolt locks must be operable from the inside without a key or any special knowledge or effort, with limited exceptions noted elsewhere in the article.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Minneapolis Code § 244.1650 generally ensure that all dead bolt locks meet the dimensional minimums—at least three-eighths inch bolt diameter penetrating the strike plate by at least three-eighths inch—and that any lock installed or replaced after July 1, 1982 has a bolt throw of at least three-quarters inch with properly secured strike plates. Compliant operators also verify that dead bolts allow egress from the inside without a key, which is a core safety requirement of this section. Routine inspections and documentation of lock hardware specifications help demonstrate ongoing compliance with these standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Minneapolis Code § 244.1650, tenants in covered rental units are entitled to dead bolt locks that meet specific size and security standards, and that can be opened from the inside without a key or special effort. If a lock appears to fall short of these requirements—for example, a bolt throw that seems undersized or a strike plate that is loosely secured—tenants may raise this as a housing maintenance concern with the City of Minneapolis's inspections or housing enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations in Minneapolis can also help residents understand what documentation to gather and what general options exist when a landlord has not maintained locks to the standard required by § 244.1650.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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