I recently moved into a new apartment and I'm disappointed to find that the front door is not suitable for an exterior entrance—it's basically a closet door made of hollow plywood or particle board. I didn't realize this during my virtual tour, and my broker never mentioned it. I'm wondering if it's possible to find a new external door that fits the size I have, which is 28x80. Also, would I need to replace the door frame too? I haven't talked to my landlord about it yet since he's away until next week, but I'd like to gather some options first.
2 Answers
You might want to check if your building has specific codes regarding exterior doors. Since you access your apartment from a hallway, the hollow core door probably doesn’t meet those standards. If you’re considering replacements, ask your landlord to get something sturdy and secure. You might not need to change the frame, but that’s something to discuss with a professional.
If you’re in an apartment, you should definitely ask your landlord to handle the replacement. In many places, exterior doors need to meet specific safety codes, which means your current door might not even be compliant. It’s possible that a fire-rated, self-closing door is required for your building. I recommend discussing this with your landlord when he returns.