Smartphones are no longer a luxury; they’re today’s primary communication tool. A 2017 Pew Research Center survey found 77 percent of Americans own a smartphone. And we use them for much more than calls and texts – they’re all-purpose portals digitally connecting people, accounts and even objects to make our lives easier. The ability to control the environment around you at the tap of a finger is a huge opportunity for the security industry to employ new tech applications that increase renter convenience – and in many ways, to help protect against security concerns stemming from traditional building security methods.

The real estate industry is embracing mobile technology to entice potential residents with increased convenience and flexibility. Today, security software for smartphones allow renters to unlock doors using their phone, eliminating the need to keep track of physical keys. This techy upgrade is attractive to renters who are accustomed to using their phones for everything from ordering groceries to scheduling door-to-door transportation.

Importantly, mobile credentials can also increase building security. Residents are more likely to immediately notice if their phone is missing compared to a physical key. As soon as a resident reports their smartphone missing or stolen, the property manager can easily revoke access to that device as needed from a computer or smart device – meaning a decreased time window for unauthorized access. 

Additionally, the digitization of access management makes for a less involved rekeying approach. A recent survey of key multi-family housing and mixed-use property decision makers found more than half rekey or replace keys up to five times per month, and 53 percent reported rekeying or replacing multiple keys on the same day. This extensive and never-ending process costs property managers time and money and can be eliminated or greatly reduced with mobile access methods.

Certain smart locks allow the use of mobile credentials via the resident’s smartphone.  By selecting one of Allegion’s Software Alliance Members, property managers can seamlessly integrate mobile credentials on their site.

Overall, investing in an electronic access control system that is compatible with smartphones is a long-term investment opportunity for property managers to make their buildings attractive for current and future residents.