How Video Intercoms and Access Control Work Together in Multifamily Buildings
Multifamily buildings have more entry points — and more people coming and going — than almost any other type of property. Residents, guests, delivery drivers, vendors, and staff all need access, but not all at the same time or to the same places.
In 2026, modern video intercom systems integrated with access control are helping apartment buildings, condos, and multi-tenant properties across Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, and Southeast Michigan improve security, simplify management, and enhance the resident experience.
Why Standalone Intercoms Are No Longer Enough
Traditional intercom systems only allow residents to buzz someone in — with no visual verification and no record of what happened. In busy multifamily environments, this leads to:
Unauthorized entry
Tailgating
Package theft
Resident complaints
No accountability for access events
Video intercoms solve this by letting residents and property staff see and verify visitors before granting access.
Integration Turns Intercoms into a Security System
When a video intercom is integrated with access control, the system becomes much more than a door buzzer. Integration allows:
Residents to unlock doors from their phone
Access events to be logged and time-stamped
Video clips tied to door unlocks
Remote management for staff
Temporary access for guests and vendors
This creates a complete entry management system instead of a single device at the door.
Learn more about commercial access control systems.
Better Control Over Deliveries and Visitors
Package theft is one of the biggest complaints in multifamily buildings. Video intercom integration allows:
Delivery drivers to request access
Staff to remotely verify and unlock doors
Access to be limited by time or role
Clear records of when access was granted
This dramatically reduces disputes and improves resident satisfaction.
Integration Reduces Lockouts and Key Management
Residents can use mobile credentials, key fobs, or PINs to access the building, while guests can be granted temporary access through the intercom system. This reduces:
Rekeying costs
Emergency lockouts
After-hours service calls
Lost or copied keys
Video Intercoms Improve Resident Safety
Seeing who is at the door before unlocking it provides peace of mind for residents, especially in:
Secure apartment buildings
Student housing
Senior living
Mixed-use developments
When intercoms are paired with security cameras, property managers gain full visibility of entry points and common areas.
Network Design Still Matters for Performance
Video intercoms and access control systems rely on stable connectivity. Poor cabling or undersized switches can cause delayed video, failed unlocks, or unreliable notifications.
That’s why multifamily systems should always be designed alongside business WiFi and networking to ensure reliable performance for residents and staff.
Local Design Makes the Difference in Multifamily Buildings
Multifamily buildings in Southeast Michigan often include older construction, mixed-use layouts, and shared entry points that require custom planning. Local integrators understand how to design systems that work in real buildings — not just new developments.
Local expertise ensures:
Clean installs
Fewer service issues
Better resident experience
Easier long-term management
Final Thought
In 2026, video intercoms integrated with access control are no longer just convenience features — they are essential tools for security, accountability, and resident satisfaction in multifamily buildings.
Tier One Technologies designs video intercom and access control systems for multifamily properties across Southeast Michigan, built for real buildings and real operations.