Accessible by Design: Why Locking Systems
Must Reflect Real Tenant Needs

For tenants, a front door is more than an entrance. It represents safety, independence and, increasingly, a measure of whether specification decisions genuinely reflect the needs of all residents.

During independent user testing of modern locking systems, a clear scenario emerged. Participants included both landlords and tenants living with mobility challenges, who were asked to operate doorsets under simulated misalignment conditions.

As resistance increased, all participants struggled with alternative locking systems and stopped testing once operation became difficult. In contrast, all participants were able to continue operating autoLock AV4 with ease, even as tolerances were pushed beyond acceptable limits.

For housing providers, that difference is significant rather than marginal.

When Accessibility Becomes a Compliance Issue

Under the Equality Act 2010, landlords are required to make reasonable adjustments to prevent disabled residents from being disadvantaged. Alongside this, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Building Safety Act 2022 place responsibilities on duty holders to ensure doors can be opened safely and easily from the inside.

If a tenant with limited grip strength cannot retract locking points quickly, accessibility moves beyond convenience and becomes a safety concern.

This raises an important question for specifiers and asset managers: are operational forces in entrance door locks being properly measured and evidenced, or simply assumed to be acceptable?

Independent testing of autoLock AV4 demonstrated up to 70% lower operating force compared with alternative locking solutions.

Crucially, the system continued to function under simulated thermal expansion and misalignment conditions where others failed, supporting safe entry, exit and everyday independence.

Designing for a Lifetime of Use

The discussion also aligns with the long established Lifetime Homes principle, designing homes that remain accessible as occupants age or circumstances change. While policy frameworks evolve, the underlying objective remains consistent: design once, for long term usability.

Specifying a locking solution suitable for a wide range of users removes the need for reactive adaptations later and simplifies management across large housing portfolios. For housing associations and local authorities, standardising on low force automatic multi point locking systems can deliver several advantages:

• Reduced need for tenant specific adjustments
• Fewer maintenance call outs caused by excessive operating force
• A consistent user experience across housing stock

A locking system that tolerates movement, temperature variation and heavy use helps maintain fire integrity, reduces repeat visits and improves tenant satisfaction.

In financially constrained environments, avoiding unnecessary call outs directly supports wider investment in housing provision.

Automatic Security Without Excessive Effort

autoLock AV4 engages automatically when the door closes, securing the door without requiring a heavy handle lift. For residents with reduced dexterity, removing reliance on forceful upward movement can significantly improve usability and confidence.

From a specification perspective, accessibility should therefore be treated as a measurable performance requirement. Operational force under load, tolerance to movement and compatibility within tested doorset configurations should be clearly evidenced rather than assumed.

Ease of use should be engineered, not anecdotal.

Future Proofing Through Assisted Technology

Accessibility also extends beyond mechanical performance. Motorised variants, including blueMatic EAV solutions, enable integration with access control systems, supporting reduced physical effort for residents, managed access for carers and secure controlled entry in supported housing environments.

The EAV4+ variant adds app based functionality, allowing residents to manage access digitally while maintaining secure automatic locking. For social landlords, this supports safeguarding, flexible access management, and efficient property turnover.

From Barrier to Enabler

Independent research demonstrates a simple truth: when doors become difficult to operate, tenants lose confidence and independence. When operation remains smooth and dependable, daily life improves.

For Housing Executive readers, the message is clear. Locking systems should be specified not only for security and compliance, but for dignity, accessibility, and long term performance.

In social housing, the right locking solution does more than secure a door, it removes a barrier.