Surefire steps to solidify multifamily security

Scott Blakeman, Vice President, Client Success & Security Solutions for Elite Interactive Solutions explores the security challenges and optimal solutions for multifamily residences.

Smart residential

Multifamily residential housing communities face many security challenges that threaten resident safety, property integrity and overall quality of life.

Property managers and security providers must navigate an evolving landscape where traditional security measures are no longer sufficient on their own.

With the rise of smart technology, urban population growth and increasing crimes such as package theft and vandalism, multifamily housing security requires a strategic blend of time-tested solutions and innovative advancements.

This article explores key security challenges facing multifamily properties and examines both traditional and technology solutions that can help enhance safety, protect assets and improve resident satisfaction.

Four key multifamily security challenges

1. Access control and unauthorized entry

Managing access to multifamily properties is one of the biggest security concerns.

Unlike single-family homes, apartments and condominiums have multiple entry points, shared spaces and frequent visitor traffic.

Unauthorized access can lead to trespassing, theft and even violent crime.

Challenges include:

• Tailgating, where unauthorized individuals follow residents into secure areas
• Poorly maintained or outdated access control systems
• Unauthorized guests or short-term renters bypassing security protocols
• Difficulty managing credentials when residents move out

2. Package theft and mailroom security

The explosion of ecommerce has led to an increase in package deliveries, making multifamily communities a target for “porch pirates” and opportunistic thieves.

Issues include:

• Unsecured package delivery areas
• Limited storage space in mailrooms
• Lack of tracking systems to ensure proper package retrieval
• Non-residents exploiting unsecured drop-off points

3. Vandalism and property damage

Acts of vandalism, including graffiti, broken fixtures and damaged vehicles, not only lead to financial losses but also affect residents’ perceptions of safety and community quality.

Common challenges include:

• Insufficient lighting in parking areas and hallways
• Lack of real-time monitoring, leading to delayed response times
• Poor community engagement, resulting in lower accountability for property damage

4. Resident safety and crime prevention

Ensuring resident safety extends beyond just preventing unauthorized access.

Multifamily properties must also address issues like car break-ins, violent altercations and even domestic disturbances that can put other tenants at risk.

Concerns include:

• Insufficient security personnel or slow emergency response times
• Lack of coordination between property management and local law enforcement
• Limited awareness among residents regarding security best practices

Six effective multifamily security solutions

1. Upgrading access control systems

Modern access control solutions significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized entry while providing convenience to residents.

Solutions include:

• Keyless entry systems using mobile credentials, key fobs or biometric authentication
• Smart intercom and visitor management platforms that enable remote access approval
• AI-powered surveillance integrated with access control for real-time threat detection
• Cloud-based systems that allow for easy credential management and instant access revocation

2. Enhancing package security

To combat package theft, property managers must implement secure and efficient delivery solutions.

Best practices include:

• Installing package lockers that require unique access codes for retrieval
• Designating secure, access-controlled mailrooms with camera surveillance
• Implementing package management software to track deliveries and notify recipients

3. Improving surveillance and monitoring

Advanced surveillance technology provides real-time oversight and deterrence for criminal activity within multifamily communities.

Innovative approaches include:

• AI-enhanced security cameras that detect loitering, vandalism or suspicious behavior
• Remote video monitoring with proactive alerts and intervention capabilities
• License plate recognition technology to track vehicles entering and exiting the premises
• Smart lighting systems integrated with motion sensors to enhance visibility in dark areas

4. Remote guarding and hybrid security approaches

Remote guarding has revolutionized multifamily security by combining AI-powered surveillance, live monitoring and real-time intervention.

This hybrid approach blends technology with human oversight, ensuring that threats are detected and addressed immediately.

Key benefits of remote guarding include:

• Proactive crime prevention – AI-driven cameras detect suspicious activity before incidents escalate. They can differentiate between true threats and non-malicious activity
• Immediate intervention – Security professionals can issue live audio warnings (talkdowns) and/or dispatch law enforcement in real-time
• Cost efficiency – Remote monitoring reduces the need for full-time, onsite security personnel while maintaining effective oversight
• Enhanced access control – Remote guards can verify guests, monitor entry points and restrict unauthorized access. They can even open gates and doors remotely

5. Engaging community for proactive security

Community involvement is a critical aspect of effective security.

When residents are actively engaged, they become an extra layer of defense against crime.

Strategies to boost engagement include:

• Implementing neighborhood watch programs or security committees
• Hosting regular security workshops and safety awareness events
• Encouraging residents to report suspicious activity through dedicated mobile apps
• Establishing transparent communication channels between residents, security teams and property managers

6. Leveraging security personnel and emergency response

While technology plays a significant role, trained security personnel remain essential in deterring crime and responding to incidents.

Enhancements include:

• Deploying mobile patrols for larger communities
• Utilizing security concierge services that combine hospitality with security functions
• Coordinating with local law enforcement for joint crime prevention initiatives
• Training staff to handle security incidents efficiently and de-escalate conflicts

Future of multifamily security

As security threats evolve, multifamily housing communities must stay ahead of potential risks by adopting a proactive, layered security approach.

The integration of smart technology, data-driven analytics and community engagement will be crucial in building safer, more resilient residential environments.

Property managers and security providers must work collaboratively to implement solutions that not only address current security gaps but also anticipate future challenges.

By balancing traditional security measures with modern advancements like AI-powered surveillance and remote guarding, multifamily properties can foster a secure and thriving community for all residents.

Remote guarding for multifamily residences

With its proven effectiveness and efficiency preventing crime on multifamily properties, remote guarding is a compelling solution.

Furthermore, by integrating remote guarding with traditional security measures, multifamily sites can achieve a layered security approach that enhances safety without significantly increasing costs.

“Rather than having the guards walk around aimlessly not really knowing what they’re looking for, you can have the guards standing by, say in a command center or a command post room,” said Allen Azran, Senior Vice President of Security for Canyon Partners.

“When the system detects an intruder or something that needs to be looked at, the remote command center can initiate a voice-down and then contact onsite security before law enforcement.”

In addition to those advantages, it has been shown that when remote guarding is deployed and command center operators escalate criminal activity to law enforcement, police are likely to respond quicker knowing the dispatch is based on live views of the site.

“We also partner with law enforcement and the various communities where we have these properties. It has been an excellent way to have these multifamily apartment complexes become a part of the community,” added Azran.

“There’s a lot of reputational benefit as well, there’s insurance benefits, and the residents who live there, the tenants, really appreciate having the technology.”

This article was originally published in the May edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.