You probably expect an article about preventing unauthorized access to your building with talking about door locks and security cameras. Those things are important, but do you know the biggest reason the wrong people get into multi-tenant buildings? 

Your tenants.

That’s right: The people who have the most to lose from unwanted thieves or vandals are also the most likely to let those people in. 

And it’s not because they’re irresponsible or lazy — far from it! It’s because they think they’re being nice when they let someone in who says they lost their key or are visiting a friend.

Of course, as the property manager, you can’t control your tenants. But that’s exactly why it’s so important to take steps to control what you can.  We here at Anderson Lock can help you with each step of the way.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of multi-unit building security.

Security Challenges and Risks for Multi-Tenant Buildings

We always stress the importance of taking a multi-layered approach to building security. This is because there are often many points of vulnerability, and redundancies can aid in prevention and investigation.

Multi-unit buildings typically share several security challenges and risks:

  • Social barriers  It can be difficult for tenants to get to know one another due to building design, the number of units, or turnover.
  • Personal and cultural norms  Each tenant comes with their own set of habits and assumptions about living in a multi-unit building.
  • Physical keys  Physical keys can be lost, duplicated, or stolen. If you need to change the locks, the building will be vulnerable until the installation date.
  • Tailgating  Thieves will try to slip into the building behind a tenant before the door closes fully.
  • Social engineering  Thieves can manipulate people’s desire to be helpful to get buzzed in or let in.
  • Cleanliness and lighting  If you do not maintain your building and keep it well lit, it sends a signal to would-be thieves that it may be an easy target.
  • Physical state of the building  Especially with older buildings, you must ensure that all entry doors and gates close and latch properly.

Steps to Improve Multi-Tenant Security

Preventing unwanted access comes down to addressing each of the above vulnerabilities. Fortunately, there are many tactics that will address more than one weak point. And if you use a properly multi-layered approach, some tactics will overlap with one another for increased effectiveness.

Comprehensive Security Audit

We never get tired of talking about conducting a proper comprehensive security audit. Without a thorough audit, you cannot make the most effective choices for your circumstances — and you risk wasting time and money and losing the trust of your tenants and/or board.

A security expert can assist with your audit to ensure the most accuracy and effectiveness.

Physical Security Upgrades

For most multi-tenant situations, prevention begins with physical security. Physical security encompasses both the state of your building and your security hardware. Good optics tells would-be thieves someone cares about the property. Good hardware ensures they couldn’t get in even if they tried.

  • Keep your building clean and landscaped  The first and easiest thing to do is to properly maintain your building. Repair broken doorways and windows. Repaint your exteriors when they need it. Keep the grass mowed and the bushes trimmed. Repair potholes in any parking spaces.
  • Adequate lighting and visibility  Make sure your tenants can see in the parking lot, entranceways, stairwells, and hallways. When possible, avoid having obstacles to clear lines of sight in public spaces.
  • Reinforce entry points  This is where we can come in. Properly hang (or rehang) your doors. Maintain and replace locks when they need it. Install properly functioning closers and panic bars where required.

Electronic Access Control Systems

Take physical keys out of the equation with electronic access controls. These systems ensure only authorized people gain access by requiring:

  • A passcode 
  • A phone app
  • A fingerprint

From the point of view of property management, electronic access control systems are incredibly convenient:

  • Manage them from your phone
  • Assign and revoke credentials in no time at all
  • Set credentials to only work during certain times of day — especially useful for delivery people
  • Get a real-time log of who is using what entries and at what time

Security Cameras

Security cameras add a final protective layer that can both deter unauthorized visitors and aid in investigation. Cameras can be larger and more prominent for deterrence or small and discrete for quiet monitoring.

Visitor Management & Screening

Larger buildings need proper visitor management protocols. Establish a clear process that requires visitors to present an ID and explain the reason for their visit. Record and track these visits using digital tools. Train your staff on all your protocols.

A Got-Your-Back Culture

The more units you have, the easier it is for tenants to feel anonymous and like their behavior doesn’t matter. Of course, the reverse is true: When people share a space, they can keep one another safe by following simple security protocols.

As the property manager, you can set the tone for the community of your building.

  • Set expectations  Provide simple instructions to new tenants on how to keep the building secure.
  • Remind your tenants  Send periodic reminders to residents to establish baseline expectations for security.
  • Educate tenants Counter tailgating and social engineering by educating your tenants about what they are and what to do when they encounter someone unfamiliar trying to access the building.
  • Inform your tenants  Keep your tenants in the loop when you discover a security incident such as an unauthorized person getting into the building or a door being left propped open. Factually explain what happened, remind them of the protocols, and emphasize the importance of everyone taking responsibility. People will do their part more when they know you are paying attention, too.

Keep things positive. Encourage residents to have a “got-your-back attitude” of looking out for one another.

Regular Audits and Updates

The last step is to conduct security audits as a regular part of your maintenance procedures. Security is not a “set and forget” thing. You don’t need to obsess about it night and day, but you should conduct quick check ups at least once a year, and encourage residents to report issues like poorly shutting doors or dead light bulbs.

Securing your multi-tenant building against unauthorized access involves establishing a thoughtful multi-layered security approach that includes both proper hardware and technology and communication with your tenants. 

Our security experts are on hand to conduct security audits, help you select the right hardware and technology, and plan and execute a successful installation. Call us today to learn what you can do to protect your property.