Touchless access control is usually presented as an upgrade in multifamily apartment buildings. The idea is to replace physical keys with mobile or contactless entry for better security and resident experience. However, builders and property managers are realizing that the results depend on the building type, staffing and long-term maintenance planning. What started as a simple upgrade may lead to operational challenges after occupancy.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s New Residential Construction monthly data, housing activity continues to highlight monthly changes in starts and permits. These fluctuations matter because they impact how quickly new technology is specified, installed and supported in real environments. A system that works properly in a high-capital urban building may act differently in a mid-market or workforce property with limited resources.
Overall, builders need to consider long-term operations and potential challenges before even considering touchless systems as a default upgrade.
Keyless entry systems for apartments are not the baseline anymore
Most modern apartments already use some form of keyless entry, such as mobile apps, PIN codes and fobs. Basically, they are an extension of technology that already exists.
As a builder, committing to touchless access control in apartments means more than just installing door hardware. You will be relying on network stability, software platforms and vendor support, which increases maintenance tasks.
You also need to learn what your specific keyless system may require throughout its life span. Integration with door hardware, parking access, elevators and package rooms can lead to issues that do not always show up in early plans.
Reducing lockout incidents in apartments: what actually changes
One of the biggest selling points for touchless access control is reducing lockout incidents in apartments. For example, residents who use mobile entry have their credentials on their phone, so lockouts should not happen often. However, the risk of lockouts changes rather than disappearing altogether.
With mobile entry, residents may face problems like low phone batteries, app errors, problems syncing credentials and network outages. Property managers are now dealing with technical access issues.
Fortunately, ease of access for residents can still improve. When systems work correctly, residents can enter their homes faster. Builders and operators just need to ensure the systems work consistently throughout the building.
During product selection for multifamily projects, builders are looking at system reliability and long-term maintenance. This means the focus is on how multifamily security upgrades work after installation.
Are touchless access systems worth it for multifamily apartments?
Whether touchless access systems are worth it for multifamily apartments is not a straightforward decision. It is usually expected in higher-end urban developments with luxurious features and amenities. In mid-income apartments, it depends on whether the property can realistically support the system.
Touchless access can make a good impression on both current and future residents, but property managers need to ensure it feels more like an upgrade than an added expense. This is why it is recommended to learn about the ongoing responsibilities of touchless access before agreeing to the upgrade. For instance, the property’s team needs strong IT support for system reliability, managing credentials and protecting sensitive data.
Whether touchless access systems are worth it depends on whether the building is prepared for such an upgrade.
Builder considerations beyond the feature list
Builders and developers should treat touchless access control apartments with the same importance as HVAC systems and envelope design. It should be considered more of an infrastructure decision than a feature upgrade.
Before selecting a keyless entry system, teams should consider:
- Who maintains the system after turnover
- How access works during network or power outages
- How credentials are managed across residents and staff
- Whether on-site staff can handle issues without vendor dependency
While real-life system problems can appear after occupancy, these factors help builders prepare for them. This makes it easier to choose long-term service and support.
The real upgrade is operational alignment
While touchless access control in apartments can be seen as a step forward, it must be treated as part of the building’s overall operations. When the system aligns with a property’s operational demands, keyless entry can enhance convenience and efficiency rather than create recurring problems, especially when long-term maintenance and system support are considered during planning.
Source:
1. U.S. Census Bureau – New Residential Construction Monthly Data https://www.census.gov/construction/nrc/pdf/newresconst.pdf
