Best Practices for Updating Apartment Intercom Systems

These days, it pays to be safe. Tenants prioritize security and prefer property managers that invest in upgrades like smart intercoms. Outdated security measures can lower your reputation and turn away potential tenants. Whether you're the property owner of a multifamily dwelling or you help manage an entire apartment complex, the need for stronger security is paramount.

This starts with your front door and every other door entry in the building. Many buildings rely on outdated intercoms that often come packaged with bulky in-unit hardware. Instead of this approach, here are a few best practices for investing in intercom security.

Your intercom system should benefit the building community.

 

An updated intercom system should do more than two-way communication. It also shouldn't strictly benefit the residents. In fact, it should benefit every single end-user, from the developers to the property managers and installers. Installers only have to worry about three points of connection to the internet, the door strike, and a power source. Developers can reduce the cost of building wiring and send expenses elsewhere like the elevator controls.

For property managers, it's so much easier to review property logs and also issue virtual keys. Instead of dealing with various keycards and fobs for entry, property access is streamlined for maximum effect. You can accept deliveries, allow house cleaners and dog walkers to enter, and be a more effective landlord.

Beyond the landlord, this transforms the living experience. A smart intercom regularly connects to a mobile application. That means tenants can use a mobile app to enter the building, accept package deliveries, and have a better building entry experience. Your property access system makes the rest of the building safer, which empowers tenants and boosts operational efficiency.

Updating the intercom means updating the features.

Do you have a solid package room solution? Do you use traditional video intercoms or intuitive touchscreen hardware? A quality intercom integration should take advantage of the technology emerging from new markets. This includes a rich set of features like video calls, property access protocols, and a package room solution. Of course, this depends on the service providers. If you're a prospective investor and you don't want a property access system that's a hassle, you should consider the living experience boost provided by brands like ButterflyMX. ButterflyMX offers a mobile app, property technology, and notifications that reduce the hassle of monitoring building operations.

If you're still using outdated features, it doesn't necessarily mean that your security is ineffective. However, it does mean that other landlords can offer a stronger living experience for their tenants. As such, these units and buildings are more likely to stay at capacity instead of dealing with long-term vacancies.

Find the right provider.

 

When installing a new building-wide communications and security system, it's important to strike a balance between costs and features. Otherwise, you won't get the ideal value for the installation. You want a system that's easy to install and maintain, or else you'll have to spend more on upkeep.

When you choose the right provider, it's that much easier to get the features you need. Whether this is automatic tenant verification, frequent directory updates, video intercoms, smart locks, and other property management features, you want the entire suite of perks and capabilities.

Installing a smart intercom might be one of the best things you do for your real estate. It makes the property manager's job that much easier and benefits everyone that walks through the community gates. As long as you choose the right system, you know that you're working to improve your tenants' and your employees' lives.