Access Control
Access control defines who can enter property spaces, when, and how—supporting security, vendor access, tours, and daily operations.
Definition
Access control is the set of rules, workflows, and technology that determines who can enter specific spaces, when they can enter, and how access is granted or removed. In multifamily properties, it can cover buildings, units, amenities, package rooms, garages, gates, elevators, staff areas, and vendor access. It often uses electronic locks, codes, fobs, cards, mobile credentials, visitor passes, and audit logs instead of relying only on physical keys.
Example
A property team gives a maintenance vendor a temporary access code for a unit and service entrance from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the day of a repair. After the window closes, the code expires, and the team can review an access record if there is a question about entry.
Why It Matters?
Access control matters because it affects security, resident experience, staff workload, and operational risk. Poor access processes can create manual work during move-ins, move-outs, vendor visits, lockouts, after-hours incidents, and self-guided tours. A clear access control process helps teams grant the right access at the right time and revoke it when it is no longer needed.

