Why Multifamily Properties Should Upgrade to Access Control
In the multifamily industry, managing and controlling access to the property or community efficiently is always a top priority. Traditionally, physical keys have been the go-to solution, but they come with significant downsides — maintenance costs, security risks, and operational inefficiencies like rekeying locks and physically distributing keys. The solution is upgrading to internet-connected smart locks and pairing them with an access control system like RemoteLock. This can provide multifamily properties with many benefits to managers and residents alike.
Convenience for Residents and Managers
One of the most significant advantages of smart locks is the level of convenience they provide to both residents and managers. Managing physical keys for dozens or even hundreds of units can be a logistical nightmare. Managers have to meet with new residents to supply them with keys, retrieve those keys when residents move out, keep spares on hand in case a key is lost, and change keys or keyways every time a unit changes hands.
With smart locks, the need for physical keys is eliminated. Remote access management allows managers to remotely control entry to any unit or common area without being on-site. Additionally, when your locks are integrated with an access control platform like RemoteLock, you can simply generate a new code or mobile credential that works immediately upon their arrival. No longer will you need to schedule key exchanges or worry about residents being locked out.
Smart locks also offer convenience for residents. No more worrying about misplaced keys or getting locked out late at night. Depending on your choice of smart locks, residents can enter using digital PINs, key fobs, or even their smartphones. Plus, RemoteLock integrates seamlessly with many existing property management systems, allowing you to automatically send your residents their access credentials as soon as they sign a lease.
Implementing smart locks and access management software also allows you to offer self-guided tours, providing prospective residents with the flexibility to visit available units on their schedule. Prospects can receive time-limited access codes to tour units at their convenience, even outside regular business hours. This added flexibility is a benefit for both prospects and property managers, making the rental process smoother and more appealing.
Security Advantages of Smart Locks
Smart locks managed by RemoteLock provide substantial security enhancements compared to traditional physical keys. Physical keys can be easily lost, stolen, or copied, which presents a constant security risk for property managers. Anytime a resident loses a key or an employee resigns, rekeying is required — adding cost and inconvenience to operations.
By contrast, smart locks allow property managers to control access digitally. With RemoteLock’s cloud-based platform, you can grant or revoke access in real time, providing a level of security and control that physical keys simply cannot match. Whether you need to quickly deactivate a former resident’s credentials or provide access to maintenance staff, it can all be managed from one centralized dashboard. This reduces both risk and the cost of replacing locks or rekeying doors whenever a key goes missing.
Smart locks also help mitigate unauthorized access. Every access event is tracked, which means you always have an audit trail. In the event of an incident, this information can be crucial for determining who accessed the property and when. This level of insight and transparency enhances the overall security of multifamily buildings, giving both property managers and residents greater peace of mind.
Key Features of Access Control
The feature set of RemoteLock-controlled smart locks far surpasses that of traditional keys. Here are some standout features that make RemoteLock a superior choice for multifamily properties:
One Centralized Dashboard
RemoteLock’s intuitive and powerful software allows managers to monitor and control access to any number of units or common doors, on any property, from one central location. Access can be granted, modified, or revoked in real time, and entry logs can be reviewed whenever necessary.
Software Integrations
RemoteLock integrates with dozens of popular property management software systems, allowing you to automate processes and keep all of your property information in one place. By integrating RemoteLock, you can incorporate automated access control into the software you use for deposit management, rent collection, work orders, identity verification, self-touring, housekeeping, and more.
Multiple Access Options
With RemoteLock, there’s no need to use the same smart lock brand or model across your properties or portfolio. Any compatible smart lock from any of several popular brands can be added to your unit doors, common doors, storage closets, or any other door — and with wired locks and control panels, you can manage more unusual access points like parking garages and elevators. Managers can also mix and match PIN, fob, and mobile login credentials, as well as online and offline locks, to fit the specific needs of any property.
Scalability and Versatility
Whether you manage a few units or a massive multifamily complex, RemoteLock’s system is designed to accommodate your needs. Adding new users, locks, and locations is simple and straightforward, so RemoteLock will adapt to your growing portfolio.
Long-Term Savings
While smart locks require an upfront investment, they save money in the long run by eliminating the need for rekeying and by reducing administrative labor associated with managing physical keys. Additionally, smart locks paired with RemoteLock’s platform enhance the overall operational efficiency of the property, providing cost savings that benefit the bottom line.
Resident Satisfaction
Residents expect smart technology in modern multifamily properties. According to one study, 97% of property owners report an increase in resident satisfaction when implementing smart technology, and 93% said that implementing smart locks was worth the upfront investment.
How to Get Started with RemoteLock
Upgrading to smart locks and an access control system like RemoteLock is a straightforward way to improve the security, convenience, and efficiency of managing multifamily properties. RemoteLock’s solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing property management tools, making deployment easy.
To get started, explore RemoteLock’s subscription plans and see how our scalable platform can simplify property management for you. Whether you manage a few units or a large complex, RemoteLock provides the tools and features needed to make access control effortless.
Learn more about RemoteLock and discover how upgrading to access control can benefit your properties.
RemoteLock
Universal Access Control
We provide cloud-based, access control software that empowers those in the multifamily, vacation rental, commercial and related industries to remotely manage and control access to any space from anywhere in the world.
