Access control is one of the most important — and most frequently misunderstood — investments a multifamily property can make. The right system improves resident experience, reduces administrative burden, and creates an audit trail that matters when incidents occur.
This guide walks through the key decisions property managers face when selecting an access control system.
What Access Control Actually Does
At its core, access control manages who can enter specific areas and when. But modern systems go far beyond a card reader at the front door:
- Assign different access levels to residents, staff, contractors, and visitors
- Log every entry event with credential ID, time, and door location
- Alert management when a door is propped open or forced
- Instantly revoke credentials when a resident moves out or an employee leaves
- Integrate with intercom systems for visitor management
Types of Access Credentials
Key cards and fobs are the most common credential type for multifamily buildings. They’re reliable, inexpensive to replace, and residents are familiar with them. The downside is that lost cards require replacement and temporary replacements add administrative work.
Mobile credentials use a resident’s smartphone as the key. No physical cards to lose, no replacements to issue, and access can be granted or revoked instantly from a management dashboard. Mobile credentials are increasingly the default for newer installations.
PIN codes work as a backup or primary credential for low-security areas. They’re convenient but less secure — codes can be shared and there’s no audit trail tied to individuals.
Biometrics (fingerprint, facial recognition) offer the highest security but come with higher cost and ongoing privacy considerations. Most appropriate for commercial or high-security residential applications.
Which Doors Need Access Control?
A common mistake is focusing only on the main building entrance. A comprehensive access plan typically covers:
- Main building entrance(s)
- Parking garage entry
- Package room or mail area
- Amenity spaces (gym, rooftop, pool)
- Utility and mechanical rooms
- Stairwells in high-security properties
The goal is controlling access at every point where unauthorized entry creates risk — whether from theft, liability, or resident safety concerns.
Integration with Your Intercom System
Access control and intercom systems are most powerful when they work together. A visitor arrives at the front door, calls the resident via intercom, and the resident grants access — all logged in the same system.
ButterflyMX, for example, combines video intercom and access control in one system. A property that installs ButterflyMX at the front entrance and key card readers at secondary doors gets a unified credential and entry log.
What to Ask a Prospective Installer
Before hiring a contractor for an access control project, ask:
- Are you licensed for low-voltage work in my state?
- What’s your warranty on hardware and labor?
- What software platform does the system run on, and who owns the data?
- How are software updates and security patches handled?
- What happens if the internet goes down — do doors fail open or fail secure?
- Who handles support calls: you or a third party?
Getting Started
The most useful first step is a site walkthrough with a licensed access control contractor. A good assessment will map your current entry points, identify gaps, and give you a realistic picture of scope and cost before you commit.
We offer free site assessments for multifamily and commercial properties across Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Schedule yours here →