Laws of the Mezuza, part 3 vol.2 no.3

1. In order to determine the optimal position for the mezuza, the doorpost should be measured and the mezuza should then be placed at the beginning of the top third of the doorpost. If the doorway is unusually high, the mezuza should be placed at shoulder level even if this is significantly lower than the top third of the doorway. In the event that a mezuza has been placed higher than apropriate, it is still acceptable and need not be repositioned. If, however, it was placed within four inches of the top of the doorway, the mezuza must be repositioned in its proper location.

   Common Ashkenazi practice is to affix the mezuza in a leaning position with the top of the mezuza pointing inwards. Where circumstances won't allow for this, the mezuza should be affixed in an upright position. In all cases, the mezuza should be secured to the wall both at its top and bottom with nails or a strong glue such that it can not be easily removed.

2. If the doorpost is wide, the mezuza should be placed within the outermost "tefach ", 3.15 inches. Placement elsewhere on the doorpost, though not ideal, does not invalidate the mezuza.
3. If the mezuza can not be placed on the doorpost itself even in an upright position, (e.g. placement on the doorpost will prevent proper closure of the door), the mezuza should be placed on the wall adjacent to the doorway, within one "tefach " ,3.15 inches, of the doorway.
4. In order to require a mezuza the doorway must contain a door frame, which consists of a lintel and doorposts. They can be individual posts attached to the doorway or the actual walls of the doorway itself. The lintel must consist of an overhead structure below the ceiling itself. If a doorway consists of a continuous wall on one side and a right angle on the other it may require a mezuza. If, after determining the doorway's direction of entry, the right side forms a right angle a mezuza is required, but no brocha is recited. If, only the left side, however, forms a right angle no mezuza is required.

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