Gotcha Security blog

Multifamily Access Control Problems & Solutions | Gotcha Security

jay@gotchasecurity.net (Jay Hobdy) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:59:59 GMT

A practical guide for Atlanta multifamily property managers to close the access control gaps that create liability — before they become incidents.

What are the most common access control problems in multifamily properties? After years of working with apartment communities across the Atlanta market, Gotcha Security sees the same issues repeatedly: ghost credentials that were never deactivated, vehicle gate failures caused by damaged detection loops, and intercoms that frustrate residents long before management finds out. Access control failures don’t just create security vulnerabilities — they generate negative Google reviews, increase liability exposure, and surface during insurance audits. Here’s a practical checklist to get ahead of all three.

1. Audit Your Active Access Credentials Regularly

Ghost credentials are one of the most widespread and underappreciated security vulnerabilities in multifamily housing. These are active fobs, keycards, or PIN codes that remain enabled in the system after the person they were issued to — a former resident, ex-employee, or expired vendor — no longer has authorized access. Older systems like DoorKing are especially prone to this problem because they require entirely manual deactivation with no connection to leasing data. In communities that haven’t audited recently, we regularly find a significant share of active credentials belonging to people who should have been removed months ago.

It’s also important to understand that physically collecting a key fob or access card is not a reliable method of removing access. Most credentials used in multifamily housing can be cloned at retail locations like Home Depot, meaning a copy may already exist even if the original is returned. The only reliable way to remove access is deactivation in the system.

How to audit your multifamily access credentials:

Pull a full list of active credentials from your access control software — most platforms make this straightforward.
Cross-reference the list against your current resident roster, active vendor contracts, and current staff.
Deactivate any credential that can’t be matched to an authorized person — immediately. Do not rely on key or fob collection alone.
Set a calendar reminder to repeat this audit at every lease renewal cycle, or at minimum quarterly.

Why it matters: Every unauthorized credential — whether still active or cloned — is an open door. If an incident occurs and your audit trail shows active access for someone who should have been deactivated, that’s a liability exposure that’s very difficult to explain.

If your system is installed by Gotcha Security, platforms like Swiftlane, LiftMaster, and Accentra Multifamily integrate directly with your property management software — residents are automatically removed when their lease expires, eliminating ghost credentials at the source. Learn more in our Swiftlane access control guide:

2. Inspect Your Vehicle Gate Detection Loops Regularly

Vehicle gates are the most visible security feature on a multifamily property — and when they fail, residents notice immediately and post about it. The most common gate failure we see isn’t a motor breakdown; it’s a failed vehicle detection loop. These are sensors embedded under the pavement at entry and exit points that tell the gate a vehicle is present. When a loop fails, the gate loses the ability to detect a vehicle in its path and can close directly on a car. The most common cause isn’t pavement damage — it’s asphalt aging and cracking over time, which gradually damages the insulation on the loop wires. The dangerous part is that this failure is nearly impossible to detect visually while vehicles are passing through normally. By the time anyone knows the loop has failed, a gate has often already closed on a car.

How to stay ahead of vehicle gate failures:

Have your vehicle detection loops tested with a megohmmeter — this is the only reliable method to identify insulation breakdown before a failure occurs. Visual inspection alone cannot detect a deteriorating loop wire.
Test pedestrian access doors: the door strike should release within one second of a valid credential being presented.
Inspect gate tracks and rollers for debris — especially after storms or heavy landscaping activity.
Consider a quarterly preventive maintenance program — Gotcha Security offers quarterly gate PM and inspections to identify loop failures, mechanical wear, and safety device issues before they result in a vehicle strike or emergency service call.

Why it matters: A gate that closes on a vehicle is a liability claim and a story your residents will share on Google and social media before you even know about it. Preventive maintenance and loop inspections cost a fraction of a single emergency repair — and far less than the cost of a vehicle strike and the negative attention that follows.

3. Make Sure Your Intercoms Are Resident-Ready

Your entry intercom is often the first point of contact between a visitor and your community — and the last line of defense before unauthorized access occurs. Residents notice intercom problems long before management does, and muffled audio, outdated directories, blurry cameras, and app connectivity issues are exactly the kind of persistent frustrations that generate one-star Google reviews and lease non-renewals.

Monthly intercom maintenance checklist:

Call through your entry intercom and confirm audio is clear on both ends — test both the unit speaker and the phone or app connection.
If your intercom connects to a smartphone app, verify the app is updated and the unit directory reflects your current resident roster.
Test the door release from both the intercom unit and the app to confirm both methods work independently.
Check the intercom camera image — a blurry or obstructed view undermines resident confidence and reduces its value as a security tool.

Why it matters: A non-functioning intercom is a security gap and a reputation risk. Residents who can’t get guests in, or who deal with a system that crackles and drops calls, will post about it on Google and social media before they knock on the office door. Keeping your intercom functional and current is a direct investment in both safety and resident satisfaction.

4. Manager Transitions: Who Has Access to What — and Who Should Not Anymore

Manager turnover is a reality in multifamily operations — and it is one of the most common triggers for a security access gap. When a property manager leaves, their system credentials rarely get updated in the first few days. The incoming manager or covering regional manager then discovers they cannot log in to pull camera footage, cannot access the access control platform, or cannot reach the monitoring company to cancel a false alarm — because they do not have the account number or verbal password. We get these calls regularly. It is one of the most preventable problems we see.

System access every property should have documented and current:

Camera management software login — the current manager should be able to pull up live and recorded footage from their phone or laptop right now.

Access control platform credentials — the login used to issue and deactivate fobs, cards, and PINs. Without current access, nobody can remove a former resident’s credentials or issue new ones.
Alarm monitoring account number and verbal cancellation password — the on-call manager must have both. Without the verbal password, a false alarm cannot be cancelled and a dispatch cannot be stopped.
Central monitoring station direct phone number — not just the alarm dealer’s number. The central station is who actually receives and dispatches alarms. Know the difference and have both numbers on file.
Intercom management app access — confirm the current manager is set up in the app and that the outgoing manager’s access has been revoked.

One step that costs nothing: save your central station’s number in your phone. The central station will call the on-call manager when an alarm triggers. If that number is not saved, the call reads as unknown and gets missed. Make sure every manager and on-call contact has the central station numbers saved before they need them. If your property is monitored by Gotcha Security: Primary: 800-836-0142 | Backup: 800-633-2677.

A practical fix: The right fix is not a shared password document — sharing credentials across multiple people eliminates the audit trail that makes your security systems valuable in the first place. The right fix is making Gotcha Security part of your onboarding and offboarding process. When a manager joins or leaves, a quick call to us gets the right people set up with their own credentials and the outgoing manager removed. Every access event stays tied to the right individual, your systems stay current, and you are never relying on a shared login that undermines your own documentation.

Small Habits, Big Liability Protection

The four habits above — auditing credentials, inspecting detection loops, verifying intercom functionality, and keeping system access current through manager transitions — take less than an hour combined each month and address the access control failures we see most frequently in Atlanta multifamily communities. A simple checklist on your monthly property walkthrough is usually all it takes to stay ahead of them.

If you’d like a second set of eyes on your current access control setup — whether it’s a credential audit, a gate system due for inspection, or an intercom that needs an upgrade — Gotcha Security is here to help. We work with community and regional managers across the Atlanta market.

We’ve also put these habits into a branded, printable checklist you can keep on file and share with your team — covering access control, gates, burglar alarms, cameras, fire alarms, and more.

Gotcha Security provides:

Fire Alarm Monitoring
Security Cameras & Video Surveillance
Access Control Systems (Swiftlane, LiftMaster, Accentra Multifamily) & Vehicle Gates
Burglar Alarm Systems & Monitoring
Full Life Safety Inspections — fire sprinklers, extinguishers, emergency lighting, hydrants, backflow preventers & BDA/ERCES

Frequently Asked Questions

What are ghost credentials in multifamily access control?

Ghost credentials are active key fobs, access cards, or PIN codes that remain enabled in an access control system after the person they were issued to — a former resident, employee, or vendor — no longer has authorized access. They are especially common in older systems like DoorKing that require manual deactivation.

Is collecting a key fob enough to remove access in a multifamily community?

No. Most multifamily access credentials can be cloned at retail locations like Home Depot, meaning a copy may exist even after the original fob or card is returned. The only reliable method of removing access is deactivating the credential in the access control system software.

What causes vehicle gates to close on cars in apartment communities?

The most common cause is a failed vehicle detection loop — a sensor embedded under the pavement that tells the gate a vehicle is present. Loop failures are typically caused by asphalt aging and cracking over time, which damages the insulation on the loop wires. This failure is nearly impossible to detect visually. The only reliable way to identify a deteriorating loop before it causes a gate strike is to test it with a megohmmeter.

How does access control software integrate with property management software?

Modern access control platforms like Swiftlane, LiftMaster, and Accentra Multifamily can integrate directly with property management software. When a lease expires, the resident’s credentials are automatically deactivated — eliminating ghost credentials without any manual action required.

See how other Atlanta communities have upgraded their access control. Call us at 678-430-3116 or visit www.gotchasecurity.net/projects to see recent projects.

How Security Technology Protects NOI in Multifamily | Gotcha Security

jay@gotchasecurity.net (Jay Hobdy) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:00:01 GMT

Security infrastructure used to be treated as a cost center. The most sophisticated multifamily owners and asset managers are now treating it as an NOI protection tool — and the numbers support the shift.

How does security technology affect NOI in multifamily properties? More directly than most owners realize. The right systems reduce recurring operational costs, limit liability exposure, and increasingly influence insurance outcomes. The wrong systems — or no systems — create financial exposure that shows up in operating statements, insurance renewals, and due diligence reviews. Here is a practical look at where the financial impact is real and what asset managers and owners should be evaluating.

1. Cloud-Managed Access Control: Turning a Recurring Cost into a One-Time Investment

Traditional lock-and-key communities carry a recurring cost that rarely appears as its own line item but adds up quickly: rekeying. Every time a resident moves out without returning a key, a key is lost, or a staff member turns over, the property faces a choice between a security risk and a locksmith bill. Across a portfolio, that cost can be significant — and it compounds with every turnover cycle.

Cloud-managed access control systems eliminate that cycle. Fob and mobile credential systems allow instant deactivation from any device, anywhere — no locksmith required, no lag time between a resident moving out and their access being terminated. For owners managing multiple properties, the ability to manage credentials across the portfolio from a single platform is an operational efficiency that also reduces liability.

What asset managers should evaluate:

Calculate your current annual rekeying and locksmith spend across the portfolio. When we walk through rekeying and locksmith costs with owners, the annual total often surprises them — it adds up faster than most expect when you account for every turnover cycle — costs that largely disappear with a cloud-managed system.
Cloud access control systems generate a timestamped audit trail of every entry event. In lease disputes, incident investigations, and insurance claims, that documentation has direct financial value.
In many cases, the hardware cost pays for itself through rekeying savings alone — without factoring in the liability and insurance benefits
Systems that integrate with property management software can automate credential deactivation at lease expiration, removing a step that is easy to miss during high-turnover periods.
License plate recognition (LPR) at vehicle entry points creates an automated log of every vehicle accessing the property — useful in incident investigations and trespassing enforcement.
Video analytics can detect loitering in real time and send alerts to on-site staff before a situation escalates, reducing the frequency of incidents rather than just documenting them after the fact.
Package theft detection and real-time alerts protect a resident amenity that has become a meaningful factor in lease renewal decisions.
Modern camera systems integrate directly with access control platforms, giving asset managers and on-site teams a unified view of security events across the property.
Scheduled quarterly or semi-annual reviews of security systems across the portfolio — cameras, access control, gates, and alarms — catch issues before they become emergencies.
A single service provider relationship across the portfolio reduces cost, improves response time, and simplifies documentation — which has value during refinancing and disposition.
Service reports documenting system health over time create a paper trail that supports asset value narratives and due diligence responses.
Annual security budgets that are forecast and approved in advance eliminate surprise capital requests that disrupt operating projections.
Fire Alarm Monitoring
Security Cameras & Video Surveillance
Access Control Systems & Vehicle Gates
Burglar Alarm Systems & Monitoring
Full Life Safety Inspections — fire sprinklers, extinguishers, emergency lighting, hydrants, backflow preventers & BDA/ERCES

Why it matters for NOI: Rekeying costs are controllable and largely eliminable. Cloud-managed access control converts an unpredictable recurring expense into a planned capital investment with a measurable payback period — the kind of improvement that supports a refinancing narrative and improves operating efficiency at exit.

2. AI-Enabled Cameras: Documentation That Changes Liability Outcomes

Video surveillance has been standard at multifamily properties for years. What has changed is the quality of the footage and the intelligence built into modern systems — and those changes have a direct impact on how liability claims are resolved.

Low-resolution analog cameras from five or ten years ago produce footage that is often too degraded to be useful in an insurance claim or legal proceeding. Modern IP camera systems produce high-resolution footage that clearly documents what happened, when, and where. That documentation is increasingly the deciding factor in slip-and-fall claims, vandalism disputes, and assault cases. The difference between clear footage and unusable footage is often the deciding factor in how a liability claim resolves — and the financial difference between those two outcomes can be significant

Beyond documentation, AI-enabled systems add proactive capability:

A note on camera storage: Camera systems without offsite or cloud backup storage create a single point of failure. A hard drive failure — which can happen at any time — eliminates the entire recorded history and leaves the property without documentation precisely when it is most needed. Cloud-connected or redundant storage is no longer optional for properties with meaningful liability exposure.

Why it matters for NOI: Liability claims are one of the most unpredictable and expensive line items in multifamily operations. High-resolution recorded footage with adequate retention and redundant storage is a direct risk mitigation tool. Properties with strong camera documentation are better positioned in claims, better positioned with insurers, and better positioned in due diligence reviews.

3. Proactive Maintenance Programs: Eliminating the Surprise Capital Call

One of the most consistent patterns we see across multifamily portfolios is deferred security system maintenance creating unexpected capital expenses at the worst possible times — during a refinance, ahead of a disposition, or in the middle of an incident. Vehicle gate failures, camera system outages, and burglar alarm issues rarely announce themselves in advance. They surface as emergencies.

The financial math on preventive maintenance is straightforward. A proactive maintenance program for vehicle gates, for example, typically costs a fraction of a single emergency repair call — and a fraction of the cost of a vehicle strike claim that results from a gate malfunction. Gate loop detectors, the sensors embedded in pavement that tell the gate when a vehicle is present, are a common failure point and are not visually detectable. Only a proper mechanical inspection identifies loop degradation before it causes a gate strike.

What a proactive maintenance program looks like:

Why it matters for NOI: Deferred maintenance creates unpredictable capital calls and liability exposure. A planned maintenance program converts security from a reactive expense to a managed operating cost — predictable, documentable, and defensible to investors, lenders, and insurers.

Security Infrastructure as an Asset Management Tool

The three areas above — cloud-managed access control, modern camera infrastructure, and proactive maintenance programs — share a common thread: they convert unpredictable, reactive expenses into planned, manageable investments with measurable returns. For asset managers and owners in a competitive Atlanta multifamily market, that shift is both a financial discipline and a competitive differentiator.

Gotcha Security works with owners and asset managers across the Atlanta market to design, install, and maintain security infrastructure that protects properties, reduces liability, and supports NOI. Our services include security cameras and video surveillance, access control systems and vehicle gates, burglar alarm systems and monitoring, fire alarm monitoring, and full life safety inspections.

We’ve compiled a full Multifamily Security & Life Safety Inspection Checklist your property teams can use to stay on top of every system across your portfolio.

Gotcha Security provides:

Fire Alarm Monitoring
Security Cameras & Video Surveillance
Access Control Systems & Vehicle Gates
Burglar Alarm Systems & Monitoring
Full Life Safety Inspections — fire sprinklers, extinguishers, emergency lighting, hydrants, backflow preventers & BDA/ERCES

Frequently Asked Questions

How does cloud-managed access control reduce operating costs in multifamily?

Cloud-managed access control eliminates rekeying costs by allowing instant credential deactivation from any device. It also generates a timestamped audit trail of every entry event, which has direct value in lease disputes, incident investigations, and insurance claims. Many owners recover hardware costs within 12–18 months through rekeying savings alone.

What is the difference between analog cameras and modern IP camera systems for multifamily?

Modern IP camera systems produce significantly higher resolution footage than legacy analog systems. That resolution is often the deciding factor in how liability claims — slip-and-fall, vandalism, assault — are resolved. AI-enabled IP systems also add proactive capabilities such as license plate recognition, loitering detection, and package theft alerts that analog systems cannot support.

Why is camera storage redundancy important for multifamily properties?

A camera system that stores footage only on a local hard drive has a single point of failure. If that drive fails, the entire recorded history is lost. Cloud-connected or redundant storage ensures footage is available when it is most needed — during an incident investigation or insurance claim. Properties with meaningful liability exposure should treat redundant storage as a requirement, not an option.

What is the financial case for proactive security system maintenance in multifamily?

Preventive maintenance for security systems — cameras, access control, vehicle gates, and alarms — typically costs a fraction of emergency repair calls and a fraction of the liability exposure created by system failures. Proactive programs also convert unpredictable capital calls into forecast operating expenses, which supports cleaner operating statements and more straightforward due diligence.

How does security infrastructure affect multifamily due diligence and refinancing?

Buyers, lenders, and insurers increasingly review security infrastructure as part of due diligence. Outdated camera systems, lapsed inspection records, deferred gate maintenance, and unmanaged monitoring contracts are common findings that create negotiating leverage for buyers and friction with insurers. Well-documented, current security infrastructure supports asset value and simplifies refinancing conversations.

Ready to talk about your portfolio’s security infrastructure? Call us at 678-430-3116 or visit gotchasecurity.net to learn more.

Swiftlane vs ButterflyMX: Video Intercom Comparison | Gotcha Security

jay@gotchasecurity.net (Jay Hobdy) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:48:17 GMT

Property managers, building staff, and residents all interact with access control systems differently, but they share one expectation: the system should work reliably, every time. At Gotcha Security, that expectation is what guides our recommendations. After installing and servicing video intercom systems across hundreds of multifamily, commercial, and mixed-use properties, we've developed a clear perspective on which platforms deliver and which ones fall short.

Two of the most common systems our clients ask us to compare are Swiftlane and ButterflyMX. Both are solid, modern video intercom platforms, but they're built differently under the hood, and those differences affect security, daily operations, and long-term cost.

Here's how we evaluate them.

Video Intercom Features: A Direct Comparison

Both platforms cover the basics: video calling, mobile app unlock, visitor management, and cloud-based dashboards. The differences show up in access flexibility, security depth, and system architecture.

Feature	Swiftlane	ButterflyMX
Video intercom with mobile app	✅	✅
Remote door unlock	✅	✅
Visitor management	✅	✅
Mobile credentials	✅	✅
PIN code access	✅	✅
Elevator and parking integration	✅	✅
Over-the-air feature updates	✅	✅
Package delivery integration	✅	✅
Facial recognition entry	✅	❌
Cellular internet backup	✅	✅
Loitering detection and alerting	✅	❌
PIN sharing violation detection	✅	❌
IK10-rated hardware durability	✅	❌
Secured OS (non-Windows based)	✅	❌
No subscription fee option	✅	❌
Single point of contact for install & deployment	✅	❌
24/7 support	✅	Limited
Property management integrations	✅	Basic
Brivo integration	✅	❌
Eagle eye integration	✅	❌

ButterflyMX has built strong brand recognition in the multifamily space and has a large installed base across apartment communities. But when we compare the two systems feature by feature, Swiftlane consistently pulls ahead in credential variety, security intelligence, and system resilience.

Credential Flexibility

How people enter the building every day depends heavily on the types of access credentials the system supports.

Swiftlane’s Multi-Credential Approach

One of Swiftlane's biggest differentiators is its multi-credential access model. Instead of relying on a single entry method, the platform supports a wide range of credential types, so there's something for everyone, and no one is locked into using just one method.

Common options include:

Facial recognition (optional)
Mobile app access
PIN codes (one-time or recurring, as needed)
Key cards or fobs
Siri-based voice access
Vehicle access
Apple wallet

This gives residents, staff, and vendors the freedom to enter the building in whatever way is most convenient for them. Some residents prefer opening doors from their phone, while others may rely on a quick PIN entry or a fob when their hands are full.

These credentials aren't limited to the front door. Swiftlane supports access across a building's full footprint, including elevators, package rooms, amenity spaces, gyms, parking garages, and common areas. Each access point can be configured with its own credential requirements, so a gym might use mobile unlock while a package room requires a one-time PIN.

This flexibility also reduces operational friction for property teams, though adopting every credential type isn't required. Communities can enable only the methods that make sense for their building and residents.

ButterflyMX’s Credential Model

ButterflyMX offers several access tools built around its mobile-first platform. Residents can unlock doors using the mobile app, receive video intercom calls, and issue virtual keys or visitor passes for guests. The platform also supports Apple Wallet credentials for convenient mobile-based entry.

The platform also supports vehicle access through windshield tag scanners, elevator access and resident controls, and package room management for deliveries, all managed remotely through its dashboard.

While ButterflyMX provides multiple digital access features, the system primarily centers on mobile-based and virtual credentials as the main way users enter the building.

Advanced Security Differentiators

This is where the gap between the two systems is most visible.

Swiftlane's facial recognition, processed directly on the intercom hardware rather than in the cloud, verifies that the person at the door is the authorized user. That does three things at once:

Eliminates credential sharing: unlike PINs or virtual keys, a face can't be forwarded
Strengthens identity verification at the door: the system confirms who is entering, not just what credential was used
Keeps biometric data private: on-device processing means facial data isn't stored in a centralized cloud database, and the platform is SOC 2 certified

Beyond facial recognition, Swiftlane adds several proactive security layers that ButterflyMX doesn't offer:

Loitering detection and alerting: the system identifies individuals lingering near entry points and can trigger real-time alerts to property staff
PIN sharing violation detection: if a PIN code is being used in unusual patterns, such as multiple entries in quick succession, the system flags it automatically
Offline access during network outages: Swiftlane continues to authenticate residents even when the internet goes down, with a built-in cellular backup as a secondary failsafe

ButterflyMX grants access effectively, but it can't verify the identity of the person walking through after a PIN or mobile unlock is used. For properties where security accountability matters, that's a meaningful gap.

Resident Experience and Satisfaction

Day to day, the biggest difference residents notice is hands-free entry. With Swiftlane, you walk up, and the door unlocks: no phone, no code, no fumbling with bags in the rain. It's the feature we hear the most positive feedback about from tenants after installation.

Based on Capterra’s Swiftlane reviews, the brand received largely positive sentiment about its feature set.

One Swiftlane user shared:

"The facial recognition capabilities of Swiftlane enable easy and contactless entry, which is especially useful if one has groceries or other objects in their hands."

Another resident put it simply:

"It's a game changer — no keys, being able to remotely let people in the door, having control of it from my phone."

Swiftlane also delivers consistent post-deployment support and over-the-air updates, so the system improves over time rather than degrading.

ButterflyMX's users on Capterra noted that the mobile app is clean and well-liked by residents.

"I am impressed by the amazing capabilities of ButterflyMX. ButterflyMX is easy to use." P.

"Great experience in 4 years! Around here where I live it's the most modern system! So we feel safe and it's practical to use."

That said, some property managers and installers have reported challenges with long-term reliability and post-sale support. In one Reddit thread on r/accesscontrol, users cited hardware durability issues and cold-weather performance, though others pointed out that many problems trace back to on-site power or networking rather than the devices themselves.

It's also worth noting that ButterflyMX relies primarily on smartphone-based entry, which can be a limitation when a phone is dead or forgotten.

For any access control system, long-term reliability ties directly to building security, so these are factors worth weighing carefully.

Benefits for Property Owners and Managers

Beyond resident convenience, modern intercom systems also affect operational efficiency, security management, and long-term property value.

Operational Cost Reduction

Digital access systems can significantly reduce operational overhead.

Replacing traditional keys and physical fobs with mobile credentials, biometrics, or PIN-based access can reduce the need to manage physical inventory and avoid costly rekeying when tenants move out.

Remote access management also allows property teams to instantly grant, revoke, or update access permissions, reducing the workload on front desk staff and minimizing the need for manual access control processes.

NOI and Property Value Impact

For property owners, access systems can influence Net Operating Income (NOI) and long-term property value.

Modern building technology and smart amenities increasingly influence leasing decisions. Studies show that 65% of renters are willing to pay more for properties with smart features, and these upgrades can lead to rent increases of about $25 to $100 per unit per month, depending on the market.

Over time, the combination of higher perceived building quality and lower operating friction can support stronger tenant demand and help properties maintain competitive lease rates, ultimately contributing to improved NOI and overall property value.

Swiftlane vs ButterflyMX: Which Might Be Right for You?

Every property is different, and the right system depends on your building's size, security priorities, and budget. Both platforms are legitimate options, but they serve slightly different needs.

ButterflyMX is a good fit if your property has straightforward access needs centered around a main entry point, your residents are comfortable with a mobile-first workflow, and you're looking for a well-known brand with a large multifamily footprint. The app is polished, residents find it intuitive, and it handles core video intercom functions well.

Swiftlane is the better fit if your property needs multiple credential types, biometric identity verification, and hardware that withstands harsh conditions. Its IK10-rated durability, facial recognition, and proactive security features, such as loitering detection and PIN-sharing alerts, give it a clear edge in buildings where security accountability extends beyond granting access. Get a Swiftlane quote.

A Note on Cost

This is where the comparison gets especially interesting. ButterflyMX operates on a subscription model with ongoing per-unit fees that compound over time. Swiftlane offers a no-subscription-fee option that can meaningfully lower the total cost of ownership, particularly across larger properties or portfolios. When you're getting more features, more durable hardware, and facial recognition for less long-term spend, the value equation speaks for itself.

Both systems will get residents through the door. Swiftlane also tells you who walked through and handles edge cases, dead phones, network outages, and credential sharing, all at a lower cost over time.

How a Professional Integrator Helps You Make the Right Decision

The best system on paper still underperforms if it's not designed and installed for your specific building. Wiring, door hardware, network infrastructure, and entry point layout all affect real-world performance.

That's what our team at Gotcha Security handles. We work with you from site assessment through installation and long-term support to ensure the system delivers as intended. If you're comparing intercom platforms for your property, reach out to us for a consultation. We'll help you find the right fit.

Final Thoughts

For buildings that want multi-credential flexibility, biometric identity verification, and a system built for long-term scalability, Swiftlane is the stronger platform. ButterflyMX is a capable mobile-first intercom that works well for properties with straightforward access needs.

That's what we've seen across our deployments, and it's what we recommend to clients who ask us to compare the two.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Swiftlane and ButterflyMX for multifamily properties? Both are cloud-based video intercom platforms, but they differ in security depth and credential flexibility. Swiftlane supports facial recognition, loitering detection, PIN sharing violation alerts, and offline access during network outages — features ButterflyMX does not offer. ButterflyMX is a capable mobile-first system well suited for properties with straightforward access needs. Swiftlane is the stronger fit for properties where security accountability and credential variety are priorities.

Does Swiftlane require a subscription fee? Swiftlane offers a no-subscription-fee option, which can significantly reduce total cost of ownership compared to ButterflyMX's per-unit subscription model — particularly across larger properties or portfolios.

How does Swiftlane facial recognition work? Swiftlane processes facial recognition directly on the intercom hardware rather than in the cloud. This means biometric data is not stored in a centralized database. The platform is SOC 2 certified. Facial recognition eliminates credential sharing because a face cannot be forwarded the way a PIN or virtual key can.

What happens if the internet goes down — will Swiftlane still work? Yes. Swiftlane continues to authenticate residents during network outages and includes a built-in cellular backup as a secondary failsafe. ButterflyMX relies primarily on internet connectivity for mobile-based entry.

Is Swiftlane compatible with property management software? Yes. Swiftlane integrates directly with property management software to automate credential management — residents are automatically added at move-in and removed at lease expiration, eliminating ghost credentials without manual action.

What does IK10-rated hardware mean for a video intercom system? IK10 is the highest rating for impact resistance under international standards. Swiftlane's IK10-rated hardware is built to withstand vandalism and harsh environmental conditions. ButterflyMX hardware does not carry an IK10 rating.

How does Gotcha Security help with video intercom selection and installation? Gotcha Security works with multifamily property managers and owners across Atlanta from site assessment through installation and long-term support. We evaluate your building's wiring, door hardware, network infrastructure, and entry point layout to ensure the system performs as intended. Contact us at 678-430-3116 or visit gotchasecurity.net to discuss your property's needs.

Gotcha Security provides:

Access Control Systems (Swiftlane, LiftMaster, Accentra Multifamily) & Vehicle Gates
Security Cameras & Video Surveillance
Burglar Alarm Systems & Monitoring
Fire Alarm Monitoring
Full Life Safety Inspections — fire sprinklers, extinguishers, emergency lighting, hydrants, backflow preventers & BDA/ERCES

Download: Multifamily Security & Life Safety Inspection Checklist

Download: Gotcha Security Property System Record — document every security and life safety system on your property, including platform names, who has access, and central monitoring details. Fill it out yourself, or contact us and we will complete it for you.

Gotcha Security | Atlanta, GA | Serving the Multifamily Market

Multifamily Security Habits: Alarm & Camera Checks | Gotcha Security

jay@gotchasecurity.net (Jay Hobdy) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 21:05:46 GMT

Small, consistent actions protect your residents, reduce liability, and keep your systems working when it matters most.

What are the most important daily security habits for multifamily property managers? Managing an apartment community means balancing dozens of competing priorities — and security system maintenance is easy to defer until something goes wrong. The problem is that alarm failures, camera gaps, and outdated emergency contacts don’t announce thSmall, consistent actions protect your residents, reduce liability, and keep your systems working when it matters most.emselves. They surface during incidents, insurance audits, and liability claims. Three habits — monthly alarm testing, keeping emergency contacts current, and quarterly camera walkthroughs — take less than an hour combined each month and meaningfully reduce your risk exposure. Here’s exactly how to do each one.

1. Test Your Burglar Alarm Every Month

How often should a multifamily burglar alarm be tested? Most security professionals recommend monthly testing at minimum. Alarm systems can develop faults silently — a sensor goes offline, a battery weakens, or a zone stops registering — and you won’t know until you need the system to perform. Monthly testing catches these issues before they become real problems.

How to test your multifamily burglar alarm:

Call your monitoring station before you begin so they don’t dispatch emergency services. The number is usually listed on your alarm keypad or panel.
Walk every zone on your property and trigger each door/window sensor and motion detector. Confirm that the control panel registers each one.
Check your backup battery indicator. Most panels display a “BATT” or “TRBL” light when the battery is low.
Log the test date and result in your maintenance records. This documentation matters if you ever face an insurance claim or liability question.
If your system is monitored by Gotcha Security, you can put your system on test and manage user contacts directly from the mobile app — no phone call required.

Why it matters: A failed burglar alarm during an actual break-in can result in delayed police response, tenant safety incidents, and significant liability exposure for the property owner. A 10-minute monthly test is the cheapest insurance available.

2. Keep Emergency Contacts Current on Your Alarm Account

One of the most common — and entirely preventable — security failures in multifamily properties is an alarm that triggers after hours and can’t reach anyone because the contact list is outdated. Property management sees constant staff turnover, and alarm monitoring accounts rarely get updated when it happens. When monitoring companies can’t reach a valid contact, response delays increase, false-dispatch costs rise, and your liability exposure grows.

How to audit your alarm emergency contacts:

Verify your alarm company has your current on-call number — not a former employee who left six months ago.
Confirm the call-order priority: who is called first, second, and third when an alarm triggers after hours.
Update contacts immediately after any staff change. It only takes a quick call to your monitoring company.
Ask if your system supports email or text backup notifications in addition to phone calls.

Why it matters: Outdated emergency contacts are invisible until they’re critical. Auditing your contact list takes five minutes and is one of the highest-impact, zero-cost security actions a property manager can take.

One more practical step: save your central station’s number in your phone. When an alarm triggers after hours, the central station will call you. If the number is not in your contacts, that call looks like an unknown number — and it is easy to miss or dismiss. Saving it means you recognize the call and can respond immediately. If your property is monitored by Gotcha Security, save both numbers: Primary: 800-836-0142 | Backup: 800-633-2677.

One more thing: system access matters as much as contact lists. When a property manager transitions out, their login credentials for the camera system, access control platform, and intercom app rarely get updated right away. The next person responsible for the property may not be able to access the systems they need during an incident. Make sure system logins, alarm account numbers, and verbal passwords are documented, current, and transferred as part of every manager handoff — not discovered to be missing after something happens.

3. Walk Your Camera Coverage Zones Every Quarter

Security cameras are only valuable when they’re actually recording what you think they’re recording. Cameras can go offline, housings accumulate dust and spider webs, and recording issues can develop — all without triggering visible alerts. The good news is that most of these problems can be caught quickly from your camera management software without ever leaving the office. A quarterly check takes less than 30 minutes and prevents gaps in your recorded history.

Quarterly security camera checklist for apartment communities:

Log into your camera management software and verify all cameras show a live feed. Offline cameras are easy to miss in large systems.
Check that camera housings are clean. Dust and spider webs can significantly degrade image quality — and blocked or obstructed lenses are easy to spot from the live view in your software.
Check that camera housings are clean. Dust and spider webs can significantly degrade image quality.
Confirm all cameras are actively recording and that your retention period is being met. Most recording systems use a first-in, first-out overwrite process, so the drive is always full — the question is whether you’re retaining footage for the required period (typically 30 to 45 days for multifamily communities).

Why it matters: In the event of a theft, vandalism, slip-and-fall, or assault claim, recorded footage is often the most critical piece of evidence available. A camera system with gaps in its history — or footage that simply doesn’t exist — significantly increases your liability exposure and weakens your position in any legal or insurance proceeding.

Building These Habits Into Your Routine

The three habits above — monthly alarm testing, keeping contacts current, and quarterly camera walkthroughs — are free to implement and take under an hour of your time each month. The hardest part is building the routine. Adding these to your standard property walkthrough checklist is usually all it takes.

We’ve also put these habits into a branded, printable checklist you can keep on file and share with your team. It covers burglar alarms, cameras, access control, fire alarms, and more — everything in one place.

If you’d like a second set of eyes on your current security systems — whether it’s an alarm that hasn’t been tested in months, a camera with a dead zone, or an access control list that needs auditing — Gotcha Security is here to help. We work with community and regional managers across the Atlanta multifamily market.

Gotcha Security provides:

Fire Alarm Monitoring
Security Cameras & Video Surveillance
Access Control Systems & Vehicle Gates
Burglar Alarm Systems & Monitoring
Full Life Safety Inspections — fire sprinklers, extinguishers, emergency lighting, hydrants, backflow preventers & BDA/ERCES

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a multifamily burglar alarm be tested?

Monthly testing is the recommended standard. Testing should include walking all sensor zones, checking the backup battery, and confirming your monitoring company has current emergency contacts.

How often should apartment security cameras be inspected?

A quarterly check of your camera management software is recommended. This includes verifying all cameras show a live feed, checking for obstructions or image quality issues from the live view, cleaning housings as needed, and confirming all cameras are recording with the required retention period met (typically 30 to 45 days). Most systems use a first-in, first-out overwrite process, so the focus should be on retention time, not whether the drive is full.

What happens if a property manager’s alarm has outdated emergency contacts?

If a monitoring company cannot reach anyone on a triggered alarm, response delays increase, false-dispatch costs rise, and the property’s liability exposure grows. Keeping contacts current is a simple, zero-cost fix with real consequences if ignored.

Questions about your current system? Call us at 678-430-3116 or visit www.gotchasecurity.net/projects to see recent projects across the Atlanta multifamily market.

Related Reading:

Is Your Access Control Working for You — or Against You?

Download: Multifamily Security & Life Safety Inspection Checklist

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Gotcha Security | Atlanta, GA | Serving the Multifamily Market