Multifamily properties come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s no one best solution. A 40-year-old duplex has little in common with a massive condominium tower, vacation rental or sprawling apartment complex. Yet, every one of these residences needs secure locks and most are looking to install or upgrade to smart locks.
According to Parks Associates research, 90% of U.S. multi-dwelling unit owners and operators in the U.S. are planning to deploy, upgrade, or replace a smart building solution in the next 12 months. Locksmiths have the skills to perform these security upgrades and profit from this growing market.
Following are some of the latest products for your multifamily customers.
Mul-T-Lock SMARTair i-Reader
Mul-T-Lock introduces the latest addition to its line of advanced access control solutions: the SMARTair i-Reader. SMARTair´s intuitive access control software and wireless door entry system provide a detailed security overview of the building. Designed for residential, commercial, and multifamily properties, it combines durability, adaptability, and cutting-edge technology.
SMARTair i-reader key features include:
- Rugged Design: Weather resistant for outdoor use and IK09 shock resistance for demanding environments.
- Versatile Installation: Compatible with narrow profiles, electrical boxes, or rim-mounted setups.
- Enhanced User Experience: Fast credential reading via RFID or mobile devices with customizable LED lighting and sound volume.
- Parking Mode: Opens gates and barriers from up to 16.5 feet away using the Openow mobile app, improving convenience and safety.
- Energy Efficiency: Consumes up to 70% less energy than earlier models, supporting sustainability goals.
- Secure Communication: Encrypted relay board ensures safe and reliable access control, even offline.
- Firmware Upgradability: Easily adapts to evolving security needs with the latest updates.
- Openow Mobile App: Replaces physical credentials with smartphone access for added convenience.
Ideal for monitoring entrances, managing parking barriers, or automating access in multifamily or commercial properties, the SMARTair i-reader offers a scalable and reliable solution.
For locksmiths and property managers, SMARTair provides future-ready technology that delivers robust security, flexibility, and eco-friendly performance—an essential tool for modern access control systems.
For more information, visit www.mul-t-lock.com/us/en/digital-access-solutions/smartair/smartair-products
ACCENTRA Multi-Family Access Management Platform
The ASSA ABLOY ACCENTRA Multi-Family Access Management platform combines a comprehensive range of high-performance door hardware with integrated digital access control solutions to help property managers free up time to provide an even better resident experience.
Its intuitive cloud-based software makes it easy to manage resident, staff, and guest access. The solution’s smart locks and free mobile app give tenants a seamless, secure way to enter their living spaces and access building amenities.
DoorBird IP-based video intercoms add yet another innovative layer of visitor management that’s now integrated into ASSA ABLOY ACCENTRA. Once a tenant recognizes an expected guest, delivery person, or contractor via the video feed, they can be buzzed in with the in-unit intercom station or remotely with the DoorBird mobile app.
Access control extends to the resident’s vehicles in the parking garage with the Control iD long-range iDUHF readers that authenticate passive parking tags and integrate with existing ASSA ABLOY ACCENTRA controllers.
In addition to access control, Luxer One lockers provide a heavy-duty, high-quality intelligent system that secures and simplifies package delivery and retrieval for residents.
These solutions provide locksmiths with a robust toolkit for improving security, operational efficiency, and resident experience in multi-family properties.
For more information, visit www.accentra-assaabloy.com
dormakaba Saffire EVO-LZ-M
The dormakaba Saffire EVO-LZ-M is a heavier duty Wi-Fi mortise lock that connects to the dormakaba Lyazon cloud and seamlessly integrates to Lyazon partner platforms for real-time events and user notifications. Future plans call for the introduction of an LZ-C cylindrical lock model and LZ-P exit device-compatible model.
“The dormakaba Saffire EVO-LZ-M cloud-connected smart locks allow easy access management of residences, amenities, common areas and perimeters, all through a single integrated platform,” said Derek Coats, national systems integration specialist for multifamily housing, dormakaba. “With the addition of LZ-M and soon LZ-L and LZ-P, we will offer a complete smart lock solution for almost any type of door. And when paired with third-party aggregators, the possibilities are limitless.”
Saffire EVO-LZ-M applications include:
- Smart locks for new construction or retrofits
- Real-time notifications, including events and access anormalities
- Access rights management to allow or revoke access of residents or visitors in real time
- Easily send digital keys or PIN codes from a mobile device
- Credentials can include smartphones, RFID or PIN codes
- One-time or recurring time access for service and maintenance personnel
For more information, visit www.dormakaba.us
Marks USA ArchiTech Series
Marks USA specializes in custom locksets and has provided unique knobs, levers, turnpieces and escutcheons to some of the largest, most prestigious condominium towers. Projects have included the Trump Tower in Chicago, the Lucinda in New York and the Georgica in New York.
ArchiTech Series Networx Locks are an ideal access control solution, blending advanced wireless access control convenience within any décor, in an attractive, infinitely customizable designer locking form factor. More than 300 architectural finishes, cylindrical and mortise locks, levers and trims are offered.
Ideal for multi-dwelling residential settings, these stylish, durable locks, leveraging proven Networx access control technology, offer a choice of ID credential technology.
Features include:
- Cylindrical and mortise models for wood and metal doors, for new and existing applications, with wireless surface mount or mortised-in electronics and batteries.
- Durable ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 hardware in over 300 locks, levers, roses and finishes
- Wireless Installation
- dvanced Power-Saver circuit for prolonged battery life
More info: www.napcosecurity.com
Kwikset Unite
Launched in late 2024, the Kwikset Unite multifamily access control platform combines electronic locks, cloud-based web and mobile software, smart credentials and smart reader controllers to deliver a user-friendly and easy-to-install solution for property owners, managers and tenants.
This new system is initially targeted at the front door. Smartphones, fobs or cards can be used as credentials, and access is granted or revoked through cloud-based web and mobile software. The electronic locks come in standard or interconnected lock models. Later phases will include common areas and integration with third-party property management software and possibly smart home features.
These dual-credential locks have the ability to integrate with existing property management software, explained Eric Harnischfeger, senior product manager at Kwikset. He noted that Kwikset is prioritizing security and ease of use, with full audit trails available to both residents and property management.
UNITE is particularly suited to Class B garden-style suburban properties, though there are also opportunities in Class A high-rise urban developments. Both new construction and retrofit markets present substantial opportunities for the new smart lock unit, which is sold both direct and through distributors. As older properties update their purely mechanical keyed locks, opportunities are there for locksmiths.
The locks were designed to be “incredibly easy to install.” That was a priority, Harnischfeger said. As an example, handing on the interconnected locks can be changed by moving a simple lever, and batteries are easy to replace without removing the lock.
For more information, visit https://www.kwikset.com/unite.
Schlage XE360 Series
The Schlage XE360 Series is the next-generation wireless lock, built specifically for multifamily. Designed with the entire property in mind, XE360 offers multiple finishes and levers that suite with additional Schlage products to provide options for every style of opening.
A new FleX Module that allows for technology upgrades without the need to replace the lock. Improve efficiency without sacrificing style with XE360.
More info: https://commercial.schlage.com
Traka LT Electronic Key Cabinet
The Traka LT electronic key cabinet solution for residential properties provides a cost-effective solution with smart lock and mobile interaction designed for convenience and efficiency in accessing the physical keys property managers require each day.
“With the rapid rise in multi-family residential construction, there’s a parallel demand for cost-effective key management solutions so managers can efficiently keep track of who has access to what building,” said Traka’s Director of Residential Solutions, Larry Green. “Traka is committed to providing these innovative solutions to ensure safety and security within new and growing communities.”
The cabinet is programmable to restrict access to certain keys, which protects against unauthorized access to certain parts of the property. The system also eliminates the need for an employee to manually check out physical keys. Additionally, the cabinet helps keep property groups managers compliant with industry security policies and saves managers money from having to re-key units and recover from lost production time looking for lost keys.
Managers can monitor keys removed from their Traka LT cabinet remotely with the Traka GO mobile app. The Traka software allows them to see who signed out which key and when, and receive notifications when a key is missing or hasn’t been returned on time. This audit trail is vital for providing reports that some states require to be accessed on-demand during unannounced inspections.
For more information, visit www.traka.com.
VIZpin Entegrity Smart Video Intercom Panel
VIZpin has expanded its Entegrity Smart visitor management and access control solutions with the addition of a Video Intercom Panel. The Video Intercom Panel’s self-learning design requires no programming; just plug it in and it automatically detects the nearest Bluetooth door/gate controller and populates the directory.
The Entegrity Smart Video Intercom Panel ensures seamless experience for guests and residents, with no training needed. Visitors simply search for a resident by name, place a video call and residents can unlock the door remotely right from their smartphones.
Paul Bodell, president and CEO of VIZpin, stated, “At VIZpin, we are committed to providing innovative, affordable, cutting-edge products that are very easy to use. Entegrity Smart Video Intercom Panel is the only product on the market that doesn’t need to be programmed and doesn’t require a separate database. We also don’t charge a per-unit service fee, making it much more affordable than comparable video intercom solutions.”
The Video Intercom Panel is Power over Ethernet (PoE) and installs in minutes, ideal for retrofitting older intercom systems. It’s weather- and vandal resistant design makes it the easiest, most affordable way for residents to let their visitors, contractors and delivery people into gates, buildings, package rooms and more.
For more information, visit https://entegritysmart.com.
DoorKing 1837 – 90 Series Entry System
DoorKing’s Model 1837 is an ideal Telephone Entry and Access Control System suited for medium to large apartment and gated community applications. Each 1830 Series unit allows for a Voice and Data connection over Cellular, VoIP, Internet or a POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) connection.
A unique “One Touch” CALL button makes this system one of the easiest to use on the market today. The built-in electronic directory, easy-to-use Remote Account Manager programming software, card reader interface, and expandability options make this unit an ideal choice for those applications with a large number of system users and entry locations. Additionally, DoorKing’s elevator control module restricts which floors a guest or system users have access to, making it an ideal system for high-rise buildings. For additional security, the 1837 allows real-time monitoring.
The 1837 90 Series stores up to 3,000 phone numbers and 8,000 device codes and can be expanded to control up to 48 wired access points with optional Tracker Expansion boards (up to 24 wirelessly).
The 90 Series housing offers a streamlined look, has enhanced locking and weather sealing and provides easy internal installation of optional components such as a card reader, LCD heater and TCP/IP adapter for a direct internet connection.
For more information, visit www.doorking.com.
Emily Pike | Managing Editor
Emily Pike is managing editor of Locksmith Ledger International.
