Introduction: Security Isn’t a Cost Center—It’s a Profit Protector

In the world of property management, budgets are tight, margins matter, and every dollar needs to justify itself. So where does that leave access control?

For many multifamily operators, it gets lumped into the “security expense” column—often begrudgingly. But here’s the truth: a well-designed access control system isn’t just a security upgrade. It’s a bottom-line asset.

This post will break down the hidden ROI of smart locks and mobile access control, from reducing staff workload to improving resident retention—and why it’s time to start seeing access control as a strategic investment, not just a necessary cost.

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1. 🔑 Rekeying Costs Add Up—Fast

Let’s start with the obvious: every time a resident moves out or a key goes missing, you’re stuck with rekeying.

Average rekeying cost per unit: $75–$150
Annual turnover for a 100-unit property: 45–55%
Estimated rekeying spend: $3,375–$8,250/year

Multiply that across a portfolio, and you’ve got a five-figure line item you could eliminate with digital locks and mobile credentials.

💡 Smart ROI: Mobile access credentials can be instantly deactivated and reassigned—no hardware swap, no vendor call, no delay.

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2. ⏳ Time is Money: Cut Staff Labor with Remote Access

Your team’s time is valuable, especially when they’re dealing with:

  • Lockouts at 9 p.m.

  • Letting in vendors or realtors

  • Waiting around for package deliveries

  • Manually handing out keys or codes

With smart access systems:

  • Staff can unlock doors remotely via app

  • Temporary vendor codes can be pre-scheduled

  • Self-guided tours become possible

  • Fewer calls, fewer interruptions, less stress

Even saving 15 minutes per lockout or key handoff adds up to hundreds of labor hours per year—and potentially thousands in payroll savings.

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3. 🧰 Maintenance Efficiency = Faster Turns, Lower Vacancy

Here’s a scenario you know too well:
A unit sits empty for days because maintenance couldn’t get in, or leasing didn’t know the locks were changed, or keys were missing.

With access control:

  • Maintenance gets immediate, time-stamped access

  • Leasing can monitor when units are entered

  • No more delays due to missing or mismatched keys

Faster turns = fewer vacant days = more revenue.

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4. 🏢 Centralized Oversight Reduces Liability and Risk

Every property manager dreads the question,

“Who had access to this unit on Tuesday at 3 p.m.?”

With physical keys, there’s often no audit trail.
With smart access control, you get:

  • Time-stamped logs for every entry

  • Credential-level access permissions

  • Detailed reporting in the case of disputes or incidents

That can make a huge difference in:

  • Insurance claims

  • Legal defense

  • Internal accountability

✅ Peace of mind isn’t just for residents. It protects your business too.

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5. 🤝 Better Experience = Higher Resident Retention

Modern renters expect convenience—and they notice when they don’t get it. Lost keys, frustrating buzzers, or broken intercoms can all sour their impression of the property.

With intuitive, app-based access control, you’re offering:

  • Mobile credentials

  • Visitor access management

  • Seamless move-ins and no lockout stress

  • Support for delivery and pet services

Happy residents stay longer. Longer stays = fewer turnovers = lower marketing and leasing costs.

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6. 📈 The Data Advantage: Turn Entry Logs into Insight

Smart access systems provide rich data that can help you make smarter decisions. Examples include:

  • When amenities are used most often (staffing insights)

  • Which doors get the most traffic (wear-and-tear planning)

  • Unit tour volume (conversion tracking)

  • Unusual patterns or anomalies (security flags)

This is the kind of data you can only get with a modern, cloud-connected system—and it’s gold for operators who want to run lean and smart.

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Conclusion: Look Again at That Line Item

If you're still seeing access control as a “cost,” you're missing the bigger picture.
The right system:

  • Saves you thousands on rekeying

  • Boosts staff efficiency

  • Improves resident satisfaction

  • Protects you from liability

  • And unlocks insights that drive better decisions

Access control isn’t overhead—it’s leverage.

👋 Ready to See the ROI for Yourself?

SSP helps multifamily properties deploy smart, scalable access control systems that pay for themselves—fast. From mobile entry to video intercoms, we build security solutions that work for your team, your residents, and your budget.