How Smart Locks Improve Multifamily Security
Managing multifamily properties involves constant attention to security and convenience. For property managers relying on traditional keys or outdated systems, security risks like key copying, code reuse, ineffective common space management, and limited control over access points can hinder operations and resident satisfaction. Upgrading to smart locks not only solves these issues but also introduces advanced features like monitoring and notifications, self-guided tours, and seamless management of maintenance access — transforming your property management experience.
Getting Rid of Physical Keys
Traditional keys pose a significant security risk. Once a resident’s key is duplicated without authorization, it’s impossible to trace or control who has access. This risk becomes especially problematic when residents move out, requiring frequent rekeying to protect new occupants. Even so, as many as 30–40% of apartment buildings in the United States still rely primarily on physical keys for unit doors.
Smart locks eliminate this worry. By replacing physical keys with digital credentials, you ensure each resident’s access is secure. With features like time-bound access codes and mobile credentials, smart locks provide the flexibility to update or revoke access instantly from anywhere. This means no more rekeying or the risk of unauthorized duplicated keys.
Preventing Reuse of Access Codes
Smart locks are more secure than keyed locks, but manually managing them can lead to unintended vulnerabilities. When codes are reused — either for different residents or vendors — the risk of unauthorized access increases, leaving your property exposed.
Access control solutions like RemoteLock address this issue by automatically generating unique, time-sensitive access codes. If your property uses key fobs or cards instead, the credentials attached to those fobs and cards can be revoked on the same schedules.
Whether it’s for a resident, maintenance staff, or a delivery service, you can set precise access schedules that expire after a designated time. This ensures that no one retains access longer than needed.
For multifamily managers using integrated systems, these codes can be synced with resident leases, further simplifying operations. You can even monitor who accessed a door and when, providing a clear audit trail that enhances security and accountability.
Managing Access for Maintenance and Housekeeping
Managing access for maintenance and housekeeping staff can be time-consuming with traditional systems. Smart locks simplify this process by allowing property managers to create custom access schedules for each staff member or group of staff members.
For instance, maintenance staff can be granted access to specific units only during approved hours, while housekeeping staff can receive temporary codes for vacant units. These controls ensure that staff have access only when needed, reducing security risks and improving operational efficiency.
In addition, this feature can be combined with door groups across multiple properties. For example, maintenance staff might be able to access all supply closets and boiler rooms in all of your properties using one code for each person, without setting up a code for each door. Not only is this more convenient for your staff, but it allows you to more accurately monitor who access which areas and when.
Managing Additional Access Points
Access control isn’t limited to smart locks on unit doors. They can also secure and manage other access points like elevators, parking garages, gates, and wired doors. By integrating these access points into a centralized system, property managers can create seamless access schedules and monitor usage across the entire property.
For example, you can assign residents elevator access only to their designated floors, or grant access to floors with business centers or gyms on a reservation basis.
You might set parking garage gates or wired doors to common areas, like the leasing office or lobby, to open automatically during peak hours. You can also include these access points in door groups and user groups, allowing maintenance workers to access areas that residents can’t or on a different schedule than your staff. This comprehensive approach to access management improves both security and convenience for residents and staff.
Secure Self-Guided Tours
Self-guided tours have become a popular solution for leasing agents and prospective residents alike. By using smart locks with PIN codes, property managers can grant time-sensitive access to prospective tenants, allowing them to explore the property on their own schedule without requiring staff to be present.
With RemoteLock’s suite of software integrations, managers can also connect their RemoteLock account to software like Power Pro Leasing and Pynwheel, which can automate scheduling and identity verification so you know exactly who is touring your unit and when.
This approach not only improves the leasing experience but also frees up staff to focus on other priorities. With detailed access logs, managers can see exactly when and how long prospective residents toured the property, offering valuable insights into leasing trends.
Ensuring Common Areas are Properly Managed
Common areas like gyms, laundry rooms, and pools are key amenities that enhance the resident experience. However, managing access to these spaces can be challenging, especially if your system relies on outdated keys or static codes.
Smart locks enable dynamic access management tailored to specific residents or schedules. For example, you can assign residents access to the gym during specific hours or grant vendors entry to supply closets only during work hours. If your common areas require reservations, like a conference room or tennis court, you can assign time-sensitive codes that can only be used by the person who reserved access. This level of customization ensures that common areas remain secure and well-maintained without requiring constant oversight.
Monitoring and Notifications
Real-time monitoring and notifications are critical features of modern smart lock systems. With these capabilities, property managers can receive instant alerts for various access events, such as unauthorized attempts, doors left ajar, poor connections, or low battery levels.
These notifications provide an additional layer of security and ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly. Managers can also generate reports to analyze access trends and optimize security measures, making it easier to maintain a safe and well-managed property.
Smart Locks Are a Must-Have for Multifamily Properties
Smart locks aren’t just about eliminating security risks—they’re about streamlining operations and delivering a better experience for residents and property managers alike. Paired with RemoteLock, smart locks provide features like remote access control, integration with PMS, and real-time activity logs provide unparalleled efficiency and peace of mind.
If you’re ready to elevate your property management, discover how RemoteLock can transform your multifamily property with secure, scalable, and user-friendly access solutions. Create an account or schedule a consultation with our experts today to learn more.
Do you manage more than 30 doors or devices? Schedule time with our experts to get a custom quote.
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.
