Why Smart Devices Matter for Multifamily Properties
In multifamily housing, expectations have changed. Today’s residents want the same level of convenience and control they get from other connected parts of their lives. At the same time, property owners and operators face new pressures to reduce operating costs, improve security, and stay competitive in a crowded market.
This is where smart devices, when paired with the right software, can make a meaningful difference. I’ve spent more than a decade working closely with multifamily operators, and in my experience, the most successful teams are the ones that treat access control and smart tech not as a luxury, but as essential infrastructure.
A Better Resident Experience
It starts with the resident. Renters today expect a seamless experience — and that includes how they unlock the front door. Smart locks provide the keyless convenience residents value most, offering entry through a PIN, mobile credential, or key card. That same ease extends to shared spaces like gyms and laundry rooms. While smart locks alone still require property teams to issue or manage credentials manually, they lay the groundwork for broader automation — and when paired with the right platform, they become a powerful tool for both convenience and control.
Smart devices do more than just simplify access. Leak sensors notify both residents and staff the moment a water issue is detected. Thermostats can be adjusted remotely or automated based on occupancy. These upgrades make life more convenient, more efficient, and more secure.
Convenience leads to satisfaction. Satisfaction leads to retention. And as every multifamily manager knows, retention is one of the best ways to reduce costs and maintain steady revenue.
A Smarter Way to Operate
From an operational standpoint, smart devices are an investment in efficiency. With RemoteLock, managers can automate access for new residents, vendors, and staff — without setting foot on the property. Door groups and access schedules simplify the process even further, especially when managing common areas or multiple buildings.
This automation eliminates time-consuming tasks like rekeying locks or handing out physical credentials. It also helps prevent expensive problems. In vacant units, for instance, leak sensors and smart thermostats can flag issues early and reduce energy waste — saving money and protecting property.
And because everything is managed through a centralized platform, staff gain full visibility into who accessed what, and when. That kind of oversight is a powerful tool for both security and accountability.
Connected Systems, Not Just Devices
Of course, smart hardware is only half the equation. The real power of smart devices in multifamily comes from integration — connecting smart locks, thermostats, leak detectors, and other devices to the systems you already use. That means new residents can automatically receive access credentials, maintenance staff can be granted temporary permissions without manual coordination, and common workflows can be automated instead of repeated.
This kind of integration removes repetitive tasks, minimizes human error, and secures access across the entire portfolio. That’s why RemoteLock is built to work with more than 100 smart lock models and dozens of property management systems. When new residents are added to your software, they can automatically receive access credentials. When maintenance is scheduled, temporary access can be granted without a single phone call.
This level of integration is what turns smart devices into business solutions. It removes repetitive work, reduces the risk of human error, and ensures that access stays secure across the entire portfolio. As we expand our platform to include thermostats, leak detectors, and other connected systems, that centralization becomes even more valuable.
Future-Proofing Your Property
Smart technology is more than a trend — it’s a way to future-proof your property. Gen Z renters expect digital convenience as a baseline, and building owners want to see returns on every capital improvement. RemoteLock delivers on both fronts by reducing staff workload, cutting operational costs, and improving the resident experience.
In many ways, access control is the gateway to broader automation. Once the infrastructure is in place to manage doors remotely, it becomes far easier to layer on additional capabilities like temperature control or leak detection. That’s exactly the kind of scalable foundation we aim to provide.
Final Thoughts
At RemoteLock, we are making smart access and automation practical, flexible, and scalable. It’s not about chasing the latest gadget — it’s about solving real problems in ways that save time, money, and frustration.
Multifamily properties face unique challenges, but also incredible opportunities. With the right tools in place, you can offer a better experience for residents, operate more efficiently, and stay ahead of the curve as expectations continue to evolve.
That’s why connected devices matter. And that’s why we’re building a platform to support it — not just for today, but for whatever comes next.
Nolan Mondrow
CEO
With more than 25-plus years of experience in software, telecommunications, e-commerce and international trade sectors, Nolan Mondrow is RemoteLock’s CEO. He’s held executive and leadership positions in both startups and Fortune 50 companies throughout his career. After Nolan had a hand in pioneering the industry’s first Wi-Fi connected locks, he’s been leading the charge at RemoteLock, the industry leader in access-centered property operations.
