Communicating locks have deadlocking latchbolts, and each side is operated by key or other type of locking device. Both sides must be unlocked for the door to open. Often times, you will see these on doors that separate adjoining rooms.

A communicating door lock (also known as a "connecting room lock") is a specialized lockset found on doors that link two separate hotel rooms. Its primary feature is that it has a locking mechanism on both sides, often a deadlocking latch bolt operated by a lever. This ensures that the door can only be opened if the guests in both rooms have unlocked it from their respective sides. In 2026, these are common in "adjoining rooms" for families; the guests in Room A can lock their side to prevent Room B from entering, and vice-versa. Some modern communicating locks use RFID "smart" technology to allow hotel management to digitally "marry" the two rooms via an app for a single family booking, while still maintaining the physical security requirement that both parties must consent to the passage being open.