How PropTech Is Transforming Trust and Safety in Multifamily Housing

Residents want to feel that their home is not only comfortable, but also secure. At the same time, property owners and managers face rising costs, tighter margins, and increasing pressure from renters who expect smart amenities. Enter PropTech: smart locks, integrated surveillance systems, sensors, remote monitoring, and analytics that are reshaping how multifamily communities are managed and experienced.

Tools to Raise Safety in Multifamily Living

Here are the main PropTech components making a real difference:

Smart/Keyless Access & Smart Locks

One of the most visible and impactful elements: replacing or enhancing traditional mechanical locks and keys with digital, cloud-connected, mobile-credential or app-based access. According to the beginner’s guide to multifamily PropTech: “smart locks … now finding their way into apartment homes” alongside thermostats, sensors, and other smart devices.

Smart locks not only improve convenience (no more lost keys, re-keying, or physical key tracking) but also enhance security. You can see and control who has access, when, revoke permissions, generate codes for visitors, etc.

For example:

• A recent multifamily executive article cites that cloud-based smart access control (e.g., the Schlage XE360 integrated with Zentra) enables configuration via smart devices and elevates security and convenience.

• A report found that smart door locks were the top desired tech product by property managers and renters. In one survey, 45% of current residents and 46% of prospective residents rated smart door locks as a must-have.

Surveillance, Analytics & Access Control Integration

Beyond the unit door, security is increasingly about controlling common areas, perimeters, service entrances, deliveries, guest access, and more. PropTech is enabling:

• Video surveillance + analytics, including motion detection, license plate recognition, and behavior anomaly detection.

• Integration of access control systems with property management software: move-ins/outs that trigger credentialing automatically, access logs that create audit trails, and remote access management becomes possible.

• Visitor management and package delivery control, including smart lockers, video-intercom, and QR-code-based entry to reduce theft, unauthorized access, and resident complaints.

Smart Sensors & IoT Monitoring

Safety also means proactively detecting hazards, monitoring conditions, and responding before things go wrong. Key technologies include:

• Leak detection sensors (under sinks/appliances) that alert maintenance or residents early and reduce damage/flood risk.

• Occupancy sensors for amenity spaces to ensure they aren’t overcrowded, or to detect unusual use that may point to security issues.

• Smoke/heat/fire sensors connected to mobile apps or the building management system, enabling faster detection and response.

• Data analytics and IoT platforms that can detect anomalous behavior or equipment failure before it becomes a risk.

Communication, Resident Engagement & Transparency

An often-under-emphasized but critical piece is making residents feel informed, connected, and empowered. When PropTech includes resident-facing apps or portals, it can:

• Notify residents of package deliveries, guest access, and security alerts

• Enable residents to grant temporary access to guests or service personnel

• Provide transparency (audit logs: “who entered when”), which builds trust

• Enable remote monitoring/control: e.g., residents can lock/unlock doors, view access history, or see camera snapshots from their phone

Why This Investment Matters: Building Trust, Reducing Risk & Boosting Retention

Building Trust & Safety

• For many renters, feeling safe in their home is non-negotiable. As Parks Associates found, about half of apartment residents express worry about community safety, or say it’s a top priority when choosing a rental.  

• When a property invests visibly in access/surveillance/sensor tech, it sends a strong message that “we take your safety seriously," which builds trust.

• Trust and a sense of control (e.g., “I can monitor who enters my building/unit”, “I know when my door was unlocked”, “I received a code for a visitor”) reduce anxiety and increase resident satisfaction.

Operational Risk Reduction & Cost Savings

• Traditional key/fob systems carry heavy costs: re-keying, lost keys, lockouts, master-key liabilities, and maintenance overhead. Smart access systems slash these.

• Sensors and analytics help pre-empt issues: water leaks, HVAC failures, occupancy hazards, reducing expensive emergencies and damage.

• Improved security: fewer incidents of theft, unauthorized access, or liability claims, which can lower insurance premiums or at least reduce operational disruption.

Competitive Differentiation & Resident Retention

• As resident expectations rise, smart access/security features are increasingly part of the decision matrix. In one survey, 39% of residents said property-provided smart devices were a decisive factor in choosing their next home.

• The PointCentral report found that smart door locks are the top tech feature residents seek, and communities failing to adopt may lose out.

• Higher satisfaction = higher retention. Reducing turnover reduces costly vacancy, cleaning/repair, and move-in costs.

• Smart tech becomes a feature that supports higher rents, premium positioning, and stronger asset value.

Key Considerations for Successful Implementation

• Resident Onboarding & Education: Technology is only as useful as adoption. Older residents or less tech-savvy residents may resist if not supported. Property managers may want to include orientation sessions for those who are concerned about new technology.

• Cybersecurity & Data Protection: As access systems become digital, credentials and access logs become data. Properties must ensure robust encryption, vendor vetting, and secure integration.

• Phased Deployment & Infrastructure Planning: Retrofits are more challenging than new builds. Leaders and managers must consider network infrastructure, battery management, and integration with existing systems.

• Transparency and Communication: Let residents know how systems work, what data is collected, and their control rights. Being open and honest is the only way to build trust and get buy-in from residents.

• ROI Planning: While benefits are clear, upfront costs do exist. Tracking metrics such as lockout reduction, maintenance time saved, resident satisfaction, and incident frequency can help you resport on ROI and validate investment.

PropTech = Today's Baseline

PropTech is not just a “nice package” for luxury communities anymore. It’s reshaping the baseline expectation for safety, security and resident experiences in multifamily living. For property owners and operators, the message is clear: investing in these technologies can pay dividends in multiple ways. Residents feel safer and more confident, turnover drops, operational burdens ease, and your property stands out in a competitive market.