Multifamily property management
This article contains the important components and best practices for Alarm.com's property management platform when used in a Multifamily setting. This information may also be applied to a wide range of property management opportunities.
Important considerations
Z-Wave Plus (500 Series)
Multifamily buildings typically have a greater density and volume of Z-Wave devices than are found in detached single-family homes. If not managed properly, the Z-Wave environment in multifamily buildings can lead to decreased performance and diminished battery life for some devices. It is recommended to only use Z-Wave Plus security panels and automation devices containing a 500 series Z-Wave radio. Look for the following packaging logo to verify Z-Wave plus certification:
If there is an existing customer using older Z-Wave technology and there are any concerns, please reach out to an Alarm.com representative for more information.
Yale Z-Wave Locks
It is recommended to use Yale locks in multifamily buildings. Yale locks store user schedules locally on the device. This dramatically reduces the number of commands needed to maintain scheduled user codes and significantly improves the reliability of this platform in multifamily properties.
Prevent local arming on automation systems
Security panels using the REA service package may still be armed locally. If not addressed, this could lead to a situation where the resident arms the security system (intentionally or accidentally) and is unable to disarm it because they do not have mobile, web, or PIN code access to the panel. The property manager will also be unable to disarm the panel remotely, so an employee must be dispatched to the apartment to disarm the panel using the master code.
It is recommended to require a code to arm an automation system and the name of this feature varies by panel. For example:
- Qolsys – Secure Arming (enable)
- 2GIG – Quick Arming (disable)
If automation systems are subsequently upgraded to security systems, this feature can be removed so residents are not inconvenienced by an added step in the arming process.
Note: Requiring codes to arm a panel can be useful for security systems, particularly in vacant units. It can help property managers track the entries and exits of employees and vendors during unit turnover.
Master codes and primary logins
Residents are only temporary users of the security or automation system for the duration of the lease. It is recommend to restrict the use of master codes and primary logins to the property manager.
Master codes and primary logins are used differently with property management customers than home or business owners. Master codes can be treated like an installer code for the dealer and do not need to be distributed to residents or even property managers. Primary logins are typically not used by either residents or property managers.
Improve security
The master code allows individuals to view all PIN codes stored in the panel. If the maintenance supervisor has an active PIN code on multiple units, residents could discover it if allowed to use the master code. A malicious resident could attempt to use the discovered code to enter another resident's apartment. Preventing master codes from being visible to residents through the Alarm.com customer website is covered in the next section.
Regulate PIN code and login creation
The master code and primary login allow individuals to create and edit PIN codes. The primary login also retains the ability to create additional logins. Property managers want to tightly regulate the creation of both PIN codes and logins so they know exactly who has access to the technology in the units and around the property. If residents need additional PIN codes or logins, they should be required to contact the property manager with details and a justification for the request.
Prevent Unwanted System Changes
The master code and primary login allow individuals to access and change certain panel and account settings. Many of these settings are nuanced and should not be modified by residents. The resident experience is simplified and better regulated if residents cannot configure these settings.
Permissions for resident logins
Property managers should use custom logins to grant residents access to their units. Custom logins allow property managers to select the exact permissions they want to give their residents. Most importantly, property managers can allow residents to control Z-wave locks while restricting the ability to manage PIN codes. This helps achieve a secure living environment.
To create a custom login:
- Log in to the Alarm.com customer website.
- Select a location.
- Click Users.
- Click Manage Logins.
- Click Add a Login.
- Enter the information for the new login and click Save.
- In Permission, select the desired permissions for the user, then click Save.
Note: Permissions for a user can be updated at a later time. For more information, see Manage login permissions for secondary logins.
It is recommended to select the Custom. The custom login permissions vary based on the devices included with the automation or security systems. To achieve the most secure living environment, It is recommended that property managers use the following configuration for the Lock Control and User Code Management permissions:
- Lock Control - Select Full Control using the Lock Control dropdown menu.
- User Code Management - Leave User Code Management unselected.
When a resident's lease expires, access to the unit is revoked by deleting the associated login and PIN code.