Nowadays, more and more young people choose to live in apartments. Because bright and clean apartment houses are popular among young people, the apartment industry is also developing rapidly. So, living in an apartment how to ensure the safety of the apartment? The most important thing is to choose the right electronic door lock. In today’s guide, we’ll explore how to choose electronic door locks for apartments. If you’re thinking about it, read on to learn more.
1. How does the apartment electronic lock work
In fact, apartment electronic locks are just like any other electronic lock. It has built-in various systems through smart technology to set access codes for door locks. The user can only unlock the door by entering the correct access code, which can be input by password, fingerprint, key card, voice, face, etc. The use of electronic locks in apartments is also effective in preventing unauthorized persons from entering the apartment. Electronic locks do not require mechanical keys to unlock like traditional door locks. Additionally, users get a complete access control system with comprehensive smart locks.
Electronic locks bring great convenience to apartment dwellers and homeowners. At present, electronic locks have become standard equipment for apartment door locks. If you are a landlord, using an electronic lock for your apartment provides greater flexibility in monitoring the security and access of your residential property. is a good choice.
2. Types of apartment electronic locks
There are various types of apartment electronic locks on the market, depending on the way of entry, Today we have summarized the following types.
1) Push-button electronic lock
Push-button electronic locks use a keypad or touch screen to enter a unique access code to gain access. This is the simplest and most widely used electronic apartment lock. Because you only need to remember a few numbers. You can increase the security of your home by changing your passwords regularly. If you are a landlord, you can assign each tenant a specific access code. This not only keeps track of who enters and exits the building but also prevents strangers from entering the building.
2) Key card
Key cards are divided into magnetic stripe cards and proximity cards, which are used to gain access by using the card reader on the door lock. The difference between the magnetic stripe card and the proximity card is that the magnetic stripe card needs to insert the card into the groove of the card reader, while the proximity card only needs to put the card close to the sensor. Originally, this type of door lock was commonly used in hotels and businesses, but it is now being used in apartments as well.
The benefit of using an electronic key card is that the key card can be programmed to grant access to specific residents. Don’t worry if your key card is lost, you can immediately stop losing key card access and start over with a new key card.
3) Keychain
Key fobs and key cards are roughly the same thing, but they don’t have the same physical dimensions. The key fob can be easily hung on the key chain, and the user only needs to put it on the keypad to unlock it, not on the card reader. Key fobs are also convenient and can be programmed to grant access to specific residents.
4) Biometric electronic lock
Biometric electronic locks are programmed using the physiological characteristics of the human body and then entered as a password. The unlocking is identified by the central control system, which is the most intelligent electronic door lock. In addition to being easy to use, it is also very safe. No need to use anything, just one finger to open the lock. And only your fingerprint can open it because fingerprints are unique.
3. How to choose an apartment electronic lock
If you are trying to choose an electronic door lock for your apartment, there are so many types of electronic locks that you can get tired. So how can you quickly and accurately find the electronic door lock you want? Based on the experience of many buyers, we have summarized the following precautions for you.
1) Are electronic door locks compatible with your current door lock system?
Installing an electronic door lock involves not only the door lock itself, but also your door frame structure and door locking system. If the current door frame is not compatible with the door lock system, installing an electronic door lock is very troublesome. In order to install the electronic door lock smoothly, the door frame and the door lock system need to be modified. This increases installation costs.
In addition, you should also consider which of your doors need electronic door locks, elevators, front doors, or public space doors. It is recommended that you preferably install each door on the same system so that you do not need to manage multiple access codes at the same time.
2) The balance between safety and specific installation location
Electronic locks need to be secure wherever you install them, including apartments. Of course, you can make specific choices based on where you install. For example, if you want to install an electronic door lock on the front door of your apartment, you can choose the most secure electronic door lock. Because the front door is a public area, many people come and go.
Installing the highest level of security electronic locks prevents strangers from entering the apartment, allowing only tenants who have access. If you want to install an electronic lock in a safe channel, then you need to choose the most convenient electronic lock. Because the safety passage needs to be opened immediately in the event of an emergency, it is not possible to install door locks that are complex to operate.
3) Choose from multiple, customizable user permission levels
If you are a landlord and you manage a multi-family home, you need a rental property electronic door lock with multiple flexible permission levels to reach its full potential and help you manage your entire building. Different management levels use different user rights. The landlord’s authority needs to manage the entire apartment door lock system, so your access code has the highest authority. The tenant only needs to use the access code to open the door lock and does not need to manage other affairs, so the access code authority of the tenant is the lowest.
In order to prevent management confusion, it is necessary to choose door locks with customizable user authority levels when choosing apartment electronic locks.
4) Easy to operate
There is always nothing wrong with making sure the selected electronic door lock is easy to install and easy to operate. Check that the materials needed for installation are included in the package or can be easily found in the market. This way, even if your door lock fails, you can check and fix it yourself.
5) Battery
Since electronic locks use electricity, they require batteries to operate. Each electronic lock model will specify the battery type and range of battery life expectancy. Some locks need to be replaced four times a year, so be sure to consider the battery life expectancy of the lock model you’re considering, and be prepared to add battery checks to your routine maintenance activities.
6) Standardize fire protection requirements
Every building needs to meet local fire protection requirements, and apartments are no exception. Electronic locks must meet the same fire safety requirements as other building materials. Construction materials used in residential construction, including walls, doors, and locks, must have fire ratings from objective research groups such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The fire resistance rating refers to how long a material can survive direct fire. Most interior walls in California have a fire-resistance rating of one or two hours. Door assemblies (including locks) on these walls must take 60-90 minutes. So, before considering purchasing an electronic lock, please understand the fire protection requirements in your country or region.
4. Recommended electronic locks for apartments
In order to allow you to choose a suitable electronic door lock for the apartment faster, iLockey has compiled several electronic door locks suitable for apartment installation for you.
1）SALTO KS XS4
Since 2001, SALTO has been developing access control systems designed with efficiency and user experience in mind. SALTO KS XS4 can allow you to assign other access codes to different persons. Includes tenants, service providers, and property staff. No hard wiring is required to install the SALTO KS XS4, so it can be installed on almost any door. In addition, it is available in a wide range of models: the original model, the keypad model, and the XS4 mini for cylindrical latches.
2)Â Schlage Control Mobile Smart Lock
Schlage has been manufacturing locks for 90 years. Smart control locks are designed specifically for multi-family homes, giving residents and property managers the control they need. Schlage is already working with dozens of access control companies, as well as smart apartment management platforms like Homebase, to give property managers more options. Properties can mix and match Schlage locks as needed to suit their needs.
3）Nest X Yale Lock and Nest Connect
With the Nest X Yale Lock with Nest Connect door lock, 20 codes can be created for tenants so house cleaners, dog walkers, and other service providers can enter the unit when no one is home. Nest X can be easily installed with just a screwdriver, and the operation is also very simple. There is a speaker at the bottom of it, which is used to remind you to replace the battery in time when the door lock battery is exhausted.
5. Frequently asked questions about electronic door locks for apartments
We know that you must have many questions about apartment electronic door locks, here are some frequently asked questions we have compiled for you.
1)Â Can I change the lock on the apartment?
In most cases, you as a tenant can change the security lock on the apartment door, especially if the contract you signed does not prohibit you from doing so. However, it is best to contact your landlord and be ready to give him the key or use the apartment’s new portable door lock system before replacing the door lock.
2) The benefits of using electronic door locks in apartments
- Don’t worry about not being able to enter the house without the key.
- Easily change passwords to maintain security.
- Better audit trail access to your apartment.
- Reduces the need to replace locks or rekey, reducing costs.
- Contactless input options such as facial recognition can be used.
- Landlords can easily grant and revoke access to specific areas of the building, which provides more control and flexibility over who has access to the building and when.
3) Why install electronic door locks in apartments?
Apartment amenities are used to attract and retain tenants. However, many property managers are unsure which amenities will be profitable enough to keep residents happy. Today’s renters of all ages expect technology-enabled modern conveniences such as smart video intercoms, smart door locks, and more. This proves that your tenants value easy access to their property. Nowadays, more and more young people prefer a convenient and intelligent lifestyle. The use of electronic door locks in apartments is not only profitable for landlords but also increases resident retention and reduces turnover.
4) How much does it cost to change the locks of the apartment?
The type of lock affects the cost. Electronic locks require more time, labor, and money, while simple knob locks are easier in every way. Buying a new lock requires a locksmith service fee of $30 to $300.
6. Conclusion
It is an inevitable trend to use electronic door locks in apartments. If you are also considering changing an electronic door lock for your apartment, please refer to this article. Hope these suggestions help you find the electronic door lock you’re happy with. Please contact iLockey with additional questions.
