Hello World! Welcome Friends! Although it might sound odd, keys are becoming a thing of the past. A connected smart lock ensures security while providing flexibility and leaving traditional deadbolts behind. Plus, the boosted safety experience for property managers and tenants is more accessible than ever before.
Let’s take an in-depth look at this new technology and see how installing a key fob entry system would benefit your resident community.
What is a Smart Door Lock?
Home security systems bring about numerous benefits for tenants and landlords operating the property. Apart from the peace of mind, they promote the community appeal and even lead to some savings.
Click here if you want to learn more about what real estate professionals have to say about the importance of security for property managers. If you’re already convinced, let’s focus on smart locks and the fundamentals of such systems.
These devices allow residents to come and go as they please while monitoring who enters the apartment complex. Different models provide various benefits, such as unlocking through voice control, granting access to friends, and making the job easier for maintenance staff.
Either way, users can leave their house keys behind and enjoy the instant functionalities and remote control tools. The unprecedented convenience comes from:
- WiFi connectivity. As long as you’re on the network, you can view the comings and goings in real-time.
- Bluetooth connectivity. Your smart lock connects with your phone when you get near enough, automatically unlocking the door.
- App support. Most smart locks have dedicated Android and iOS apps, letting each user make the most of the functionalities.
Ideally, the model you choose will feature both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. That way, you don’t have to worry about placing your smart hub too far from any relevant doors.
Benefits of Smart Locks for Property Managers
The system benefits the residential community, but let’s see how it can help you as a property manager.
No More Resident Lockouts
The multiple keyless entry options eliminate middle of the night calls from residents who got locked out of their homes. The fewer issues your tenants face, the less friction you have to tackle.
Moreover, many systems let you generate entry codes for guests, services, and family members. Introducing property rules and having everybody stick to them becomes a breeze.
Better Overall Security
You can set access limitations for entry codes and have the doors lock automatically if a tenant forgets to do so. The smart locks can synchronize with video doorbells in your building too.
Plus, if somebody tries to tamper with the lock, you’ll receive an alert on your smartphone. Most apps let you automatically notify a home security service or police in this case.
Use in Marketing Vacant Units
An apartment complex with a smart system is much more appealing than one that only features manual security and convenience devices. Smart locks can be a significant asset on your vacancy listings, especially if you integrate them with other parts of the connected home.
How Much do Smart Door Locks Cost for Multifamily Properties?
Gauging the exact costs of introducing a smart lock system in your residential community is challenging. Numerous brands produce these devices. Manufacturers use different protocols that determine their functionality and price.
The national average cost is between $150 and $400 for an installed lock with all related accessories. As a property manager, you’ll have to consider how many devices you need to cover your multifamily property.
Either way, these tend to be worth the investment. They boost apartment prices, enhance tenant satisfaction, and help you avoid costly issues such as burglary.
Can a Smart Lock be Retrofitted to Your Apartments?
Smart building retrofitting is a new approach to modernizing older properties through technological renovation. In short, it means you’re replacing your existing devices with intelligent alternatives.
The process is possible for buildings of all ages that want to increase rent prices while boosting convenience and flexibility for their communities. There are endless smart solutions on the market nowadays, meaning you’ll find something for every building, even if its design doesn’t seamlessly integrate with new systems.
So, even if you run an old apartment complex, retrofitting your locks for a smarter solution is barely an inconvenience.
6 Best Smart Locks for Residential Communities in 2021
Ready to hop on the bandwagon and install a smart security system into your community? Choosing the best brand is the crucial next step. Let’s briefly examine our six top picks.
1. Kwikset
Kwikset is among the best budget-friendly solutions for those who feel that smart locks prices outweigh the benefits. While it lacks some advanced connectivity features, this manufacturer’s product still adds intelligent protection to your home. It works with:
- Traditional keys
- Smart keys
- Keycodes through Bluetooth connectivity
These deadbolts are easy to install into any standard door. If you’re looking to boost your property price and safety quickly, Kwikset might be your best bet.
2. August Home
August’s Alexa-compatibility helps you avoid sky-high price tags, complicated setups, and functionality limits depending on the system. These smart locks offer numerous features to boost functionality and protection. Notable functionalities include:
- Operation through Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant
- Dedicated app for access control
- Voice-controlled unlocking
- 24/7 lock activity tracking
August’s product remains small and slick despite the number of features. It fits over any existing deadbolt, making the installation and setup quick and easy.
3. Schlage
Schlage blends affordability with versatility. Its product combines the best of the old and new systems in a single, straightforward unit.
The device features a touchscreen keypad, a built-in alarm, and Alexa-compatibility that supports various IoT services. You can access the lock through:
- Keys
- Keycodes
- Wireless in-app connection
The manufacturer produces these locks in three styles and seven different colors for stylistic purposes.
4. Latch
Latch refused the approach many of its competitors were taking. Instead of replacing locks with new ones, it looked at existing analog systems, creating solutions to work with each.
You can manage this company’s products from an app or the Cloud through a central hub. When it comes to unlocking, the following options are available:
- NFC cards
- Door codes
- Mechanical keys
- Application access
The system integrates with other intelligent devices in your building, such as speakers, thermostats, and light switches from a single Latch app.
5. Lockitron
Lockitron produced a smart lock whose most significant power lies in the dedicated app. It allows property managers to add or remove authorized members, view usage history, and control the doors remotely. Round-the-clock lock status monitoring is also straightforward.
The app and lock are easy to use. This product lets you unlock doors using:
- Physical keys
- Access code entry
- In-app remote access
- Bluetooth or WiFi connection
The device is also easy to install, although it requires you to remove the old deadbolt first.
6. Yale Locks & Hardware
Finally, the Yale lock is the epitome of a slick modern design. Its slim touchscreen replaces the keypad competitors use for truly minimalist aesthetics. Yale connects users via WiFi, providing various unlocking and extra oversight functions, such as:
- An electronic access code
- Key tags
- Control through a dedicated app
Plus, this one integrates with Z-Wave products, ensuring full-blown smart home compatibility if you decide to include other devices in the picture.
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Toodles,
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