Keyless Entry and Video Surveillance for Student Housing and Multi-Family Rentals

As technology advances, so do the expectations for safety and convenience in multi-family rentals (MFR) and student housing. And according to recent research, residents are willing to pay more for the enhanced security provided by technology solutions like smart doorbells, video surveillance and mobile access control.

When it comes to student housing and residential safety, smart access control is no longer the next big thing—it has arrived, and renters and students alike have grown to expect the benefits it can offer. Smart access control systems typically feature two key components that work together to deliver these benefits: keyless entry and video surveillance.

Keyless Entry

Today, keyless entry in student and multi-family housing goes beyond hotel-style key cards. While some operators use them as a temporary solution, most are moving toward mobile access control. This technology lets residents lock and unlock doors with their phones and grant access to visitors remotely. Here’s what you need to know.

• It's an in-demand amenity. A recent survey found that residents' willingness to pay for mobile access has increased by 82%, and 59% of respondents reported a preference for properties that offer it.
• It makes life more convenient for residents. No more carrying (or losing) keys, forgetting a card at home or running downstairs or outside to let visitors in.
• It offers cost and time savings for operators. No more managing and tracking keys or cards and replacing them. It also simplifies this step during tenant turns and makes updating access for new tenants a breeze because no new locks or keys are needed.
• It delivers improved security. All entries to the property (as well as all attempts) are captured, building an audit trail that can be reviewed if a security concern does arise. And if a phone is lost, operators can suspend access immediately to prevent a security breach.

RELATED: Six Tips for Expedited & Efficient Tenant Turns

Video Surveillance

Video surveillance offers multiple benefits—from granting or denying visitor access in real time to enabling quick responses to security breaches and deterring unauthorized entry. Video surveillance also delivers:

• Remote access. Residents don’t need to be in their home to enable visitor access. They can grant it from wherever they are at the time via video confirmation on their phone.
• Cost savings. With 24-7 video monitoring, operators always have eyes on their properties and can uphold their security standards without hiring additional security personnel.
• Simplified deliveries for residents. Americans shop online now more than ever—even for groceries. Video surveillance capabilities enable convenient and secure deliveries via an access PIN code.
• Enhanced oversight for operators. Having constant visibility into their properties (along with an audit trail) means operators can respond quickly and easily to any security concerns.
• Peace of mind—for residents and operators. When residents know they’re protected at every turn, they feel safer and more comfortable, making it easier to retain them as tenants. And the reliability and visibility of video surveillance helps operators be confident that their properties are secure and well-protected.

MFR and student housing operators are charged with keeping their properties and residents secure, making life more convenient for everyone and minimizing the related costs involved. That's why adding smart access controls is worth consideration, to increase efficiency, retain students and tenants and keep security expenses in check.

Looking for a Partner to Help Secure Your Properties?

MCS can work with you to implement smart access control systems based on your specific needs, helping make your properties safer and more desirable. MCS also has decades of experience in everything from preventive maintenance and renovations to tenant turns and beyond. Contact Jason Myers or Houston Holloway at MCS today to learn how we can partner with you to meet your student housing and MFR security and maintenance goals.