Multifamily Manager Methodologies

Know which factors to focus on and how remote guarding can maximize technology, people and budget

• By Scott Goldfine
• Jul 18, 2024

Property managers have their hands full, especially when it comes to establishing successful security systems on their properties. There are many pieces to the puzzle that come together for a property to protect itself properly.

Tenant safety is top of mind for owners and managers of apartment, condominium and other multi-unit residential complexes. Crimes such as violence and theft — everything from vehicles to personal belongings to mail and beyond — reduce residents’ sense of security. A building that is ultimately seen as unsafe negatively impacts a community’s reputation score, which in turn adversely affects the tenant retention and occupancy rates that keep these assets profitable.

Moreover, a lack of oversight leaves properties vulnerable to damaging claims and liability judgments. Without the ability to prevent crime and settle disputes, communities experience a negative reputation from which it is difficult to recover.

What are the crucial elements property managers should examine when building a great security system? Before jumping in, there is no substitution for finding a qualified and preferably recommended security consultant or integrator with specific expertise in this market. Look for a proven, trustworthy prospective partner offering a free consultation that highlights your property’s unique vulnerabilities and solutions to address these concerns.

The exciting news is that today, as we will see, technology and tactics have advanced to the point where it is finally possible to deploy proactive rather than reactive security solutions. Monitored by skilled agents, these perimeter-focused, video-based systems are forensically deployed onsite and leverage advanced AI and analytics to stop virtually all criminal activities on a given site. This solution is commonly referred to as remote guarding.

This article speaks to the end user, but the points outlined also serve as a guideline for integrators to approach this market or to step through the process with their clients. With that, the following offers five strategies property managers can implement when it comes time to secure their buildings properly.

Determine Your Property’s Security Needs
Every property is different and, therefore, requires different security solutions. Typically, these systems are a combination of different types of security methods and tools, such as cameras, human security guards and access control.

It is important to consider who the tenants are and where they are when weighing diverse options to meet their needs. Do the building’s tenants expect an elevated level of security in place? What are their general expectations?

For example, luxury buildings in a busy downtown area may have multiple high-security methods in place such as desk guards, secured access points and cameras. On the other hand, a building in more rural areas may not need to have such extensive security solutions integrated on site to be successful.

Considering the geographical location of a property is an essential step for property managers when deciding on the best solution.

Secure All Bases
It is crucial to build a security system that protects the property in multiple ways, instead of focusing on just one issue. Additionally, the system should use different methods and not rely too much on one component or tool to solve all the property’s security issues.

A building will normally need to protect against various threats and require a strategic approach to create a holistic solution. For example, while it is important to vet visitors to the property and avoid potential theft or violence, internal theft can also be a concern at offices or retail outlets. On the other hand, residents and tenants of the property should not feel like they are living under military rule and be able to live comfortably within the space.

To accomplish this, property managers can use different types of security solutions such as remote guarding systems (e.g., Elite Interactive Solutions, a leader in the field), access control tools and human security professionals on site to make important decisions about the system’s functionality.

Plan for the Unknown
Property managers need to remain aware that, by today’s standards of what advanced technologies and tactics have made possible, many legacy “solutions” are intrinsically limited. The harsh reality is that traditional means of securing multi-dwelling residential communities often just do not work.

Security guards are not only expensive but are inherently limited in their coverage and effectiveness. And while access control systems can control parking and building access, such systems are easily thwarted by tailgating. Even video surveillance cameras are no longer as effective these days with criminals realizing they are purely reactive solutions that are often not actively monitored or even recorded.

After a security system has been chosen and installed, it is important to plan for any unexpected issues that may come up. Ideally, your security providers will do a thorough consultation and risk assessment, customized to the unique needs of your facility. This step can ensure the new system will integrate well into the rest of the building’s systems.

Security technology is changing constantly, and there is a high likelihood that property managers or even onsite security managers may be unfamiliar with some innovations. Make sure building staff are trained properly and feel comfortable using the new security system once it is ready to go.

Understand Your Total Security Costs
A property’s security system should protect against various kinds of criminal activity that lead to costs for property managers. Theft, vandalism and violence are just a few ways costs can add up when security is not doing its job. Property managers also need to balance their needs for quality with security systems that make financial sense to install.

For example, it does not make sense to spend money on hundreds of surveillance cameras when only a handful will do the job just as well. If properly configured and optimized, as a proven remote guarding solution should be, where it comes to equipment often less can be more.

Contact a skilled security company that can help design an effective and efficient solution for property managers looking for additional design expertise. Make sure to use a consultant that is not incentivized to sell you a bunch of equipment. Their focus should be on creating the most effective and efficient system possible based on your property’s unique needs and vulnerabilities.

Understand the pros and cons of different options, such as the fact that human guards can cost about $6,500 a month whereas a more effective and efficient remote guarding alternative (which can augment as a force multiplier or serve as a replacement) is typically less than half that expense.

Make a Smart Investment
A great security system will also double as a smart investment in the long run. Innovative security technology and solutions can increase the marketability of a building and become the deciding factor for potential tenants considering other options. Tools such as access control can even connect with other building systems to use utilities such as air conditioning more efficiently, helping save money on utility costs.

However, it is critical to never sacrifice a security system’s effectiveness to improve ROI. Providing the safest environment possible should be the top priority for all property and building managers.

Remote video guarding combines advanced AI-driven video technologies with highly trained security workforce to reduce your security spend while dramatically improving tenant safety. This solution can not only eliminate the need for onsite security guards but can also help prevent unbudgeted expenses that can be attributed to lack of security, such as broken windows, damaged gates/doors, and vandalized property.

When vetting remote guarding providers, realize that not all providers are the same. Look for those that offer real-time, live voice-downs to sites (as opposed to prerecorded messages), are known to have eliminated false alarms (via sophisticated noise reduction techniques) and have developed priority response relationships with law enforcement. Seek those with track records demonstrating their experienced design and monitoring capabilities evidenced by successful deployments and satisfied customers.

This article originally appeared in the July / August 2024 issue of Security Today.