Guide to apartment building and multi-family residential security solutions

Home security is a multi-billion dollar industry that continues to grow year over year. Even if you’re not a homeowner, security as a renter is an important living necessity that many tenants seek out and expect. Similar to home and commercial building security, security systems for apartment buildings protect the people, valuable property, and sensitive information that is kept inside. Apartments, however, present even more extensive and complex security challenges. With a larger number of people living and working on-site, along with the presence of guests, delivery drivers, maintenance workers, and third-party vendors, apartment buildings are at increased risk for security breaches. 

Comprehensive security systems for apartment buildings with multiple pieces of technology working together are essential for any residential living space. This may include security cameras at apartment complexes (along with multi-family residential real-time surveillance), alarm systems for condominiums, apartment building wireless alarm systems, and other top security systems that building managers are seeking out. Keep reading to learn more about the most vulnerable spots in apartment complexes, recommended apartment security features and technology, and installation and post-management considerations.

What is an apartment building security system?

An apartment building security system typically combines several levels of security technology to keep the property (or properties) secure and ensure only authorized users can access the right building. Security systems can feature one, a few, or all pieces of hardware necessary for your sites. No matter if you manage a small multi-unit building or a large apartment complex, an apartment complex security system at some level is necessary. As a building manager or landlord, you may be required by law to have and maintain certain security and safety measures for anyone that lives or works on your property. Having plenty of layers of apartment building security is key to keeping the people and property safe.

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Why invest in apartment building security?

Security challenges can be more complex in an apartment building in comparison to other living situations. With multiple points of entry to the building (or buildings), several common spaces shared by residents and employees, and storage for residents' cars, there’s plenty to keep tabs on and protect at all hours of the day. Break-ins, robberies, and other property crimes can threaten multi-tenant buildings—but there are other living hazards to address such as fires, carbon monoxide leaks, or flooding. 

Additionally, while basic security is necessary, an apartment complex security system with many layers of security is a highly sought-after benefit that potential renters look for. With this in mind, security systems for apartment buildings are a key investment for meeting current residents’ and future tenants' security needs.

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What are the components of apartment building security?

Building managers should consider their building’s unique and specific needs before investing in security features. For example, security systems for small apartment buildings versus large apartment complexes will look different. In addition, security systems for multi-family housing—which may be referred to as duplexes, triplexes, or quadruplexes—may need specific solutions in comparison to a security system for apartment complexes or condominiums.

Here are the top apartment building security components to review: security cameras, access control solution, alarm and sensor system, parking garage and lot gates, package and delivery management, security management system, audio and video intercom systems, and forced entry resistant security doors.

Apartment building security camera systems

Multi-family residential security camera solutions are one of the most powerful tools you can use to keep your building(s) safe. Security cameras for apartment complexes can help managers monitor past and current video footage of their sites, keeping tenants and properties safe from a potential breach and maintaining a level of accountability amongst renters.

Video management systems can provide apartment building managers with valuable insights into a building’s security and potential threats. Avigilon’s Control Center software, for example, uses powerful machine learning that can detect unusual motion and help security teams learn what areas of the building need the most attention. Security camera software can also provide additional helpful features like license plate recognition and appearance search to better understand the activities occurring on the premises. Multi-family residential live security monitoring can also be made possible through the use of a cloud-based management system, allowing for a real-time view of what’s going on in your property. 

The best commercial security camera system for apartment buildings should be scalable, easy to install and manage, and—most of all—protective of your complex’s people and property. See below the options for apartment and multi-family residential video security to better understand what system may work for your buildings. 

Video security hardware considerations

Choosing the right apartment building security cameras is dependent on your building’s needs and existing systems. Hardware considerations include installation process, maintenance needs, and technology preferences. 

Wireless security camera: Wireless security cameras for apartment buildings carry out transmission wirelessly through a Wi-Fi connection, storing video information and analytics to the cloud server. This is a flexible, scalable solution for complexes that may want to add more security cameras in the future. Apartment building security camera systems require a strong internet signal and enough bandwidth to enable high-resolution video transmission throughout the property.

Wired security camera: Unlike a wireless security camera system for an apartment complex, wired security cameras for apartment buildings require a physical wire connection to a central hub to feed and receive information, along with a separate connection to a power outlet. Information is stored in this hub and can be sent to users to replay video or watch multi-family residential real-time video surveillance. 

Internet protocol (IP) camera: IP cameras provide multi-family residential real-time video surveillance functions by sending and receiving data through an Internet Protocol (IP) network. Despite what the name may suggest, these apartment complex security cameras only require a localized, private network connection. IP cameras can be wireless or battery-powered, and may allow for PoE installation, making it easy to set up and integrate with existing cameras and other apartment building security devices. 

Analog video camera: The analog video camera is a traditional security camera system—CCTV cameras, for example, use an analog video signal. You may find that legacy apartment buildings have analog video cameras wired into the building, which is why they are still a prominent choice. 

Video smart reader: For apartment building security technology that can provide real-time live feeds, send alerts based on access events, and authorize entry all in one place, consider installing video smart readers in your building. A smart video reader can further extend your security measures while also making guest and delivery management simple and convenient. Openpath offers two video smart reader options, including the Video Reader Pro and the Video Intercom Reader Pro, which both allow administrators to operate and monitor video and reader usage on the cloud from anywhere in the world.

Video security software considerations

The software solutions you use in accordance can ensure a more secure and convenient video managing experience. When combined with residential access control, a video management system makes for a smarter, more secure approach to multi-unit residential security. See what software solutions may be the right fit for your apartment building’s security devices. 

On-premise video management software: This traditional type of video management features on-site servers that connect to a local network. On-premise solutions are great for legacy enterprises that want full control and customization, as everything is managed from these edge computer devices. However, management and maintenance of this system will require a team of technicians or IT professionals, which may prove to be costly for a multi-family residence building.

Cloud-based video surveillance software: With cloud-based software, video recording and system data are stored off-site in a third-party server accessible via the cloud. IP cameras or wireless cameras and network connectivity equipment are necessary to virtually send information to the cloud. With cloud-based software, multi-family residential remote video surveillance is possible, allowing for control of your video management system anywhere in the world with your laptop or smartphone. Remote camera security for apartment buildings is a top feature for managers to have, as you can monitor footage and customize surveillance configurations while you’re away from your property.

Cloud-managed security camera software: This cloud-managed system uses third-party hosted and managed servers, but video recording and storage are stored on your building’s premises through the use of a local hosting device such as a digital video recorder (DVR) versus a network video recorder (NVR). DVR is used for analog cameras, while NVR is used with IP camera systems.

Alarm systems for apartment complexes 

Alarm systems for condominiums are crucial to have on your property. Every property should have an apartment building smoke and fire alarm system, along with an apartment building burglar alarm system, to keep tenants and property safe. Building managers are often responsible for installing, repairing, testing, and maintaining smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. When you’re operating dozens—if not hundreds—of smoke detectors and alarms, an apartment fire detection system can help to manage these devices, as well as connect and operate them with a control panel, pull stations, water flow switches, strobes, or other audible alarm devices. Each state's laws vary in terms of alarm type, placement, interconnection with other alarms, and general maintenance, so be sure your building follows your state’s code.

Wired versus wireless alarm systems

For an apartment complex alarm system, you should consider whether wired or wireless security technology is right for your property. Apartment building wired alarm systems, as expected, function with a physical wire to communicate to a central station. Wired systems are reliable, being able to withstand power outages or electrical interference. Apartment building wireless alarm systems offer more convenience and scalability, allowing building managers to quickly and easily install the alarm systems. They use built-in batteries for power and send and receive signals via an internet connection. 

Wireless systems, while convenient and affordable to install, can present some cons such as having to change out batteries or being prone to an internet hack. Backup power sources are recommended for wireless apartment building alarm systems in a power outage or failure. Wired systems aren’t necessarily completely protected from sabotage, though: a single cut to the wired cord can destroy all signals. One option isn’t necessarily better than the other—building managers should consider the scale of their property, upkeep preferences, and potential vulnerabilities for their multi-family residential security solution.

Apartment building access control

Condo building security systems should include secure entry points that allow authorized users a convenient experience and keep unauthorized entries at bay. Implementing residential building access control to key entry points of your apartment or residential building can enhance your security. This security solution refers to the methods and tools used to protect the people, property, and information from potential intruders—this can include hardware devices as well as the software systems that help you manage and organize access in your complex.

The best access control equipment supports keyless door entry, which is an optimal amenity for building managers and tenants. Building managers can choose from many access products for residents to use in conjunction with smart readers that can be installed right at any door, such as RFID cards, key fobs, mobile apps, or even hands-free entry with the presence of a smartphone nearby. With this technology, building managers can easily add or revoke access as tenants move in and out. This is a cost-effective investment that will instantly boost your property's security—as past tenants move out of the property, building managers can revoke access control from their digital keycard, fob, or mobile app. There’s no more need for buying and installing new locks onto residents’ doors, saving you precious time, resources, and money in the long run. Some smart readers feature additional security measures like a built-in camera for visual monitoring and intercom technology to better guide guests and deliveries. A flexible yet secure apartment building security system for amenity areas should include access control, as it allows for managers to remotely supervise and edit entry permissions at any point in time.

The right software allows building managers to manage, edit, and customize all of the integrated hardware across multiple properties with complete ease. Cloud-based software like Openpath’s allows for 100% remote access and management of your property with a unified control center. If there is an emergency lockdown or need to authorize access to a vendor, managers can instantly authorize or revoke access for one person or everyone on-site, allowing for complete control of your properties at all times. This software can also give managers a thorough understanding of how their technology is performing. Openpath’s cloud-based software, for example, provides activity log reports and real-time occupancy tracking to give you a closer look into how your tenants and employees are utilizing the building and if there are any security vulnerabilities to address.

Apartment visitor and delivery management

No security system for a multi-unit building is complete without a visitor or delivery management plan. Visitors, including guests of tenants, potential renters, or third-party vendors of the building, must be taken into consideration when planning an apartment building security system. Visitor access should be granted and maintained carefully, but it should also be convenient and simple for all involved.

Openpath’s residential and apartment building door entry systems can make authorized guest access easy. Residents and property managers can create and send mobile guest passes to download and use on a mobile phone—no app installation necessary. Building managers can monitor and record visitor access events as well, giving them the ability to see all guest activity on their properties.

Deliveries to apartment buildings have become more popular over the years, especially in the era of COVID-19. From general product delivery to food and grocery delivery, apartment delivery management must be top of mind for landlords. Packages can quickly present challenges if not maintained properly, including the potential for package theft or loss. There are several potential solutions for package management. One may be package lockers that utilize a RFID locking system, where delivered packages are collected by a receptionist or front desk manager and stored in a secure room or specific locker. This ensures that packages are kept safely in a temperature-controlled environment for the rightful tenant until they collect—but this may be a burdensome and time-consuming job for property staff. There are also delivery management solutions like Amazon Key for Business that can access apartment lobbies during a specific, short time period to securely drop off packages without building managers needing to buzz them in. However, this solution doesn’t provide additional essential security functions, such as auditable activity logs and connected video systems to monitor delivery events, that can help managers and landlords track entries into their buildings.

Access control solutions like video readers and intercoms for apartments can help building managers and residents take control of their package needs. With Openpath’s Video Reader Pro, property managers can see if a delivery has arrived at a secured entry point and verify their identity through Openpath’s app. Openpath’s Video Intercom Reader Pro also allows for real-time, two-way video and audio calling to communicate with the guest or delivery service. This allows users to authorize access in a much safer, more convenient way.

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Apartment complex security system installation considerations

Security systems for condominiums and apartment complexes are large investments, so it’s important to choose your technology and professional security integrator wisely. Before committing to a specific system, consider the installation process and post-installation management first.

An apartment security system will vary in cost depending on many factors, including:

• The number of properties you own

• The number of units on each property 

• How many common spaces exist on your property

• The size and number of spaces in your parking lot or garage

• Neighborhood and location of the property

• Resident turnover 

When it comes to hardware, many smart door readers have a straightforward installation process that is easily scalable across a property compared to legacy access systems. In addition, wireless security camera systems for apartment complexes prove to be an easier installation in comparison to their wired counterparts.

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Where is apartment building security necessary?

Implementing apartment complex or multi-family residential security solutions depends on the specific layout and square footage of your complex. Regardless of the unique features of your premises, a security system for multi-unit buildings should be comprehensive at its core. All access points, shared spaces, and private tenant units should be secured and protected.

Security measures should be in place across any common space, such as lobbies, hallways, stairwells, laundry rooms, any amenity centers, and mailrooms. An apartment building security system for courtyards, although outside of your building, is also important for monitoring resident or intruder activity. In addition, an apartment building leasing office security system is another necessity for complexes, as these offices are often public-facing buildings that require additional security to protect the employees who work there. If the leasing office is used by residents to collect mail or packages, or simply used when residents have questions for staff employees, an apartment building management office security camera is a great tool for monitoring office space usage and reviewing any potential incidents or security alerts.

Security systems for luxury apartments may involve enhanced measures, including access control and comprehensive video monitoring in co-working or entertainment spaces, outdoor kitchens, dining spaces, basketball or tennis courts, and other common spaces that need additional limitation. Security systems for large apartment complexes may also require more extensive security measures including additional cameras, alarms, keyless entry systems, and other security technology.  

With this in mind, multi-family residential real-time video surveillance is essential for recording and monitoring on-site activity. Monitoring can also provide video analytics and gain key insights, allowing you to build a detailed picture of how your apartment building is being used and ways to improve operations. Measures like cameras should exist in common spaces like lobbies or courtyards, but should also be used in hard-to-monitor areas like hallways, corridors, and staircases. An apartment building management office security system can also benefit from real-time video monitoring to keep track of guest usage and employee activities. 

Additionally, access control systems are a crucial component of building security as it ensures that only authorized users (such as tenants, building managers, and on-site workers) can gain access to the property. An apartment building access control solution not only helps to keep your space secure but can also help make building maintenance and amenity limiting easy. For example, an apartment building security system for a gym can easily be managed with just a click of a button—if gym maintenance or cleaning is needed, managers can instantly restrict access, making specific smart readers inoperable for residents.

Apartment building garage security 

No matter if your residential site is a gated community, offers a dedicated parking garage, or features a closed-off parking lot, apartment building garage security should remain top of mind. Garages and lots are easily accessible to those who do not live or work on the premises, making them vulnerable spots where crime and unauthorized access can occur. Investing in an apartment building garage security system is an important part of a holistic security plan, helping to protect against parking garage theft, car hijacking, and other crimes.

Parking lot and garage security cameras: Security cameras for apartment garages are one of the most powerful tools you can have to monitor, record, or trace any sort of crime or prohibited behavior, as well as deter potential crime from occurring. Apartment complex garages can have cameras at points of interest, such as entrance and exit gates, entry doors connected to the building, and any attached staircases or elevators. Outdoor cameras for apartment buildings also prove to be useful for monitoring activity outside of a parking garage, attached to a pathway or courtyard, or near a gated entrance.

Access point parking lot gates: Another security measure to consider are parking lot gates, which offer a physical barrier to potential threats. Ranging from gates to grilles to insulated doors, this multi-family residential security guard alternative can defend your parking garages and lots from intruders, inclement weather, or other outside danger. Apartment gate access control systems also allow building manager’s to allow or deny tenants access to specific zones based on the user’s permission. For example, if your complex had multiple buildings and joint parking lots, users that do not live in that particular building can be denied access to the connected parking lot for additional internal safety.

Parking garage or gate intercom entry systems: A traditional intercom system can be useful for vetting guests and granting them access to the building, but parking lot access control hardware like the Openpath Video Intercom Reader Pro gives sites an entirely new layer of flexibility and security. Registered residents can easily have their mobile phone nearby or scan a key fob or key card for entry into the garage or lot—those without the proper authentication won’t be able to pass the gate. Guests can use the Video Intercom Reader Pro doorbell to initiate a video call and two-way audio call with building staff or residents, allowing for communication before allowing entry.

Proper parking garage and lot lighting: Apartment parking garage security systems can be enhanced with simple additional physical security measures. Managers should ensure parking garages and lots are equipped with the proper lighting. Not only does this provide better visibility for tenants and on-site workers, but enhanced lighting can also help improve security footage quality. While security cameras for apartment garages are typically rated for low and high levels of light, they may be limited by contrast ranges—this is where lighting can assist. 

Apartment complex garage security systems: A complete apartment building parking garage security system can help to connect all of your video security hardware, allowing for convenient, all-in-one monitoring of your property. One specific way a security system can be useful is by providing beneficial video analytics to help keep your garages running efficiently. License plate recognition, for example, can be used through video surveillance to identify authorized residents (as well as unauthorized entries) and keep track of all vehicles entering your lot or garage. A license plate recognition system can track real-time parking activity and collect valuable information to create a collection of incident reports or suspicious activities for managers to review.

Apartment building security for common areas 

Similar to a parking garage or parking lot, apartment buildings feature several other common spaces. These shared spaces should have a special layer of protection to only allow residents, property managers, custodial staff, and other authorized users entry. Apartment building security systems for pools, gyms, amenity areas, courtyards, lobbies, laundry rooms, and mailrooms are just a few examples of shared spaces that will need proper monitoring and security to track tenant use and keep unauthorized individuals out. A security system for a multi-tenant building should include a comprehensive approach with common spaces in mind to protect the people and property of these spaces.

Access control for common spaces: Apartment building security for common areas should include an access control solution, which allows entry from authorized users during specified time periods into common areas of your property. Apartment building security for amenity areas can benefit from this solution, as it allows building managers to limit the usage of these common spaces to specific times or days, for safety or upkeep reasons, or to limit occupancy in smaller rooms.

Security camera for apartment complexes: Apartment building security for shared spaces should include video monitoring as a security measure. As one of the first entry points for many tenants and guests, an apartment building security system for a lobby is crucial for any size complex. Lobby cameras for apartment buildings are a great use case for common space video monitoring, as building managers can gain insight into who is entering the building and at what time. Building managers can better understand lobby insights including tracking peak hours for visitors or triggering specific reports on incidents, such as an unsuccessful entry to the lobby. 

Emergency sensors and alarms: Apartment building intrusion detection is a key tool that building managers should use to alert all occupants of the building that a potential intruder is on the site. Alarm systems for apartment complexes can be especially helpful for alerting authorities right as an incident is occurring, allowing emergency services to be dispatched to the building at a moment’s notice. Emergency detectors and alarms are also equally important for apartment security and local regulatory compliance.

Apartment building elevator security systems

Another key entry point is a building’s elevators. Elevators have unique vulnerabilities that should be considered, including non-residents that may follow residents into an elevator or follow them to a floor that can only be accessed through the use of a keypad code or card reader. If you’re looking to implement an apartment building elevator security system, elevator access control can help to keep this high-traffic area of your building secure. 

There are many different options when it comes to choosing the right elevator technology. Elevator security keypads and PIN readers are a common layer of security as they’re cost-effective for building managers. One downside, though, is that an access code or PIN can easily be shared and passed around to those that don’t live in the building. This option is best for smaller multi-family buildings or for adding an extra layer of security to an amenity room or certain floor. 

For the strongest apartment elevator security system, consider integrating your building’s hardware with a cloud-based access provider like Openpath. This will allow you to administer, organize, and manage access with just a couple of clicks, and get detailed insights on elevator usage through an all-in-one cloud-based dashboard.  

Individual apartment unit security

Security systems for apartment complexes should address individual unit security as well as common spaces for a well-rounded property. The use of future-forward security technology can increase property value and entice potential tenants with enhanced security for their own apartments. 

Most often used for businesses or communal areas, access control technology like keyless door entry systems can also be used for secured individual apartment entry access. This upgraded version to a traditional lock and key is much safer and makes tenant move-outs that much more secure and easy. With a simple lock and key system, copies can easily be made without authorization, which makes tracking and revoking these keys extremely difficult. Smart reader technology can instantly authorize or revoke access with a touch of a button in a software’s control center.

Allegion’s Schlage wireless locks are great options for this additional security benefit. Plus, Openpath integrates seamlessly with these wireless locks, allowing for cloud-based control, flexibility, and customizability of any of these wireless locks. Through this integration, building managers can create detailed reporting of all entry points and events, create automated alerts when certain locks are accessed, easily deploy additional security without the need for additional installation or hardware, and much more.

Future-proof solutions like keyless entry are great features for apartment buildings. But, there are a few other simple ways landlords can boost security. Apartment building security doors can be installed for tenants’ front doors, as well as doors that connect to your property’s hallways, stairwells, parking garages, or courtyards. Security doors should be much stronger and sturdier than a typical door you’d see in a residential building—these doors should be resistant against forced entry. For additional safety, fire-resistant doors can keep tenants safe from fire or smoke coming in from their floor. For another simple layer of protection, multi-family residential surveillance security can help to keep individual apartments safe. Installing security cameras in hallways and stairwells can keep individual units safer, as you can monitor who is accessing these units and when.

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Apartment building security system management

The way you manage your security technology is just as important as the gear itself. Whether you prefer a traditional approach to security management or are interested in a future-forward solution, a security system can provide the necessary control and valuable insights for your apartment building. 

On-premise vs. cloud-based management systems:

Before choosing a security system solution to properly manage all of your technology, weigh the pros and cons of cloud-based versus on-premise security platforms. 

A cloud-based platform stores and sends information on an online remote server, meaning you will not hold the responsibility of maintaining and updating a server on your property. This kind of system offers a flexible, scalable solution for buildings, allowing for totally remote monitoring and management of your security. If you wanted to establish additional security measures on a new property, new parking area, or new amenity room, cloud-based management can allow managers to easily expand their security measures with just a few clicks on the control center. Additionally, when cloud-based systems need an update, there is no need to have an IT professional come out to the property—the cloud-based software updates with no additional installation or cumbersome in-person tinkering. 

On-premise physical security is a traditional option for legacy companies and properties, especially among enterprises that have strict security requirements. With this system, hardware and software are installed and updated on your property, allowing companies to locally store all data and host control over their security. This solution may be optimal if you already have an existing legacy security system, or if your building or company requires specific compliance for hosting servers on-site. While managers may appreciate this total on-property control, it has its drawbacks. You’ll need a dedicated technical team for proper upkeep of the servers, which is potentially costly and cumbersome for managers. On-premise management also isn’t flexible nor scalable for managers looking to adjust, grow, or shrink their security measures across multiple property locations. Every time a new property is established, for example, you’ll need a completely new license, server system, and IT team for management. And, although on-premise is secured on the property, it isn’t necessarily immune to its security vulnerabilities—as a traditional system, hackers may have an easier time gaining access to your system’s valuable information.

Integrations and getting the most out of your security

Apartment building security systems can also allow for seamless integration with other systems and software for unified control all in one place. This means you can pair your security system with other key technology solutions like video management, visitor and delivery management, safety and wellness systems, tenant amenity services, analytics services, and more. Openpath’s open platform allows for integration with over 40 different top technology providers. A few to name include Sugar, which provides unified mobile software for easy and secure unlocking across properties, and Cisco Meraki, a line-up of smart cameras for detailed access events and audit trails for every entry in one organized interface. 

For example, you can connect your building’s alarms and safety sensors, access control, electromagnetic door locks, and video security with a security management system to streamline emergency protocols and provide authorities with key connected details regarding emergency incidents. In addition, in the event of an emergency, building managers can set up certain action triggers. For instance, if an intruder attempts to break into an area, the system can automatically set off emergency alarms, lock all building doors, and send local authorities a live video stream to assist in the appropriate response.

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Apartment building security checklist

Follow this checklist to successfully plan a well-rounded security system for an apartment building:

Determine your complex’s unique security needs by listing out: 

• Size of the complex

• Number of doors

• Number of residents

• Any additional locations or properties

• The square footage of each building

Identify your key access points and vulnerable spaces: 

• Lobby and exterior doors 

• Elevators 

• Mail or package areas

• Amenity spaces

• Parking garages 

Evaluate if on-premise or cloud-based systems are a better fit:

• Have existing systems that need to be replaced or updated?

• Have any existing tools or systems to integrate with?

• Need remote security access for staff?

• Want the ability to unlock doors or view real-time video on mobile devices?

• Prefer an all-in-one security solution, or want best-of-breed providers that work as an integrated system?

Check what types of hardware you need at the property and get a quote from a certified installer: 

• Apartment building security doors

• Keyless entry locks

• Smart readers

• Alarm sensors and detectors

• Apartment video cameras

• Apartment parking garage gates

• Wired or wireless alarm systems

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