Security and convenience are expectations in today’s apartment buildings. As technology evolves, so do the ways we manage entry and communication, which is where the video intercom system comes in.
Unlike traditional audio-only intercoms, video systems give residents and property staff the ability to see, speak with, and grant access to visitors directly from their smartphones or in-unit devices. Whether it’s managing package deliveries, letting in guests, or preventing unauthorized entry, a video intercom system transforms building access into a smarter, more seamless experience.
In this post, we’ll explore how video intercom systems work, who benefits most from them, and the key features to look for, including highlighting why they’ve become an essential tool for modern apartment living.
What is a video intercom system?
A video intercom system is a building entry solution that lets tenants and property staff see and speak with visitors before granting them access. Unlike traditional audio-only intercoms, video intercoms include a camera, microphone, speaker, and a connected interface, which is usually either a screen inside the unit or a mobile app.
This added layer of visual verification improves building security and tenant peace of mind. Instead of answering a buzzing door blindly, residents can view a live video feed of the person at the entrance and decide whether to unlock the door. These systems are especially valuable in multifamily properties, where managing access to shared spaces is critical for both safety and convenience.
How a video intercom system works
At its core, a video intercom system simplifies and secures how people enter a building.
Here’s how the process typically works:
- A visitor arrives at the building and uses the intercom to call a specific resident or the front desk.
- The intercom’s built-in camera streams a live video feed to the resident’s mobile phone or in-unit device.
- The resident can speak directly to the visitor using two-way audio and decide whether to unlock the door remotely.
Modern systems take this a step further by offering cloud-based management, mobile app integration, and door release functionality from anywhere. These features streamline access control for both residents and property staff while improving the overall experience for guests and delivery drivers.
Key benefits of a video intercom system for apartments
Installing a video intercom system transforms how residents, guests, and delivery personnel access your property.
- Stronger security. Visual verification lets residents confirm a visitor’s identity before granting access, helping prevent unauthorized entry and tailgating.
- Remote access control. Whether at home or away, residents can see who’s at the door and unlock it from their smartphone.
- Access logs for accountability. Many systems store time-stamped photos or videos of every entry event, giving property managers and residents a digital trail for added peace of mind.
- Smarter package management. Delivery drivers can use the intercom to access lobbies or package rooms, minimizing missed deliveries and theft.
- Seamless building-wide integration. The best systems connect with doors, gates, elevators, and garages to provide one unified access experience across the property.
Who benefits most from installing a video intercom system
A video intercom system creates value for every stakeholder in a multifamily property. Property managers gain a powerful tool to streamline operations. Instead of manually handling lockouts, fobs, or guest access, they can manage everything remotely. Cloud-based systems allow quick updates to the building directory and simplify onboarding and offboarding tenants.
Residents enjoy peace of mind and convenience. Whether they’re receiving a guest, a grocery delivery, or a package, they can see who’s at the door and open it from their phone.
Developers and owners boost the appeal and long-term value of their properties. A modern access system is a standout amenity for renters and prospective buyers, signaling both safety and smart building technology.
Video intercom system features to look for
Not all video intercom systems are created equal.
To get the most value from your investment, look for systems that offer:
- Mobile app compatibility. Choose a system that works with iOS and Android, so residents can grant access from anywhere using their smartphone.
- Cloud-based directory management. Make it easy to update tenants, manage permissions, and maintain access logs.
- Remote door and elevator controls. Let residents and staff unlock doors or call the elevator for visitors directly from the app, creating a seamless entry experience.
- Temporary access for guests. Look for systems that support features like visitor passes, allowing tenants to grant time-limited access to friends, family, or service providers.
- Smart home and access control integrations. Integration with keyless locks, gates, garage doors, and elevators creates one unified, property-wide system.
- Durable, weather-resistant hardware. Intercom panels should be designed to withstand outdoor conditions and resist tampering or vandalism.
Best use cases for video intercom systems
Video intercom systems are especially valuable in multifamily apartment buildings, but their versatility makes them a smart fit for many other property types as well. Gated communities, for example, benefit from the ability to manage guest access remotely, reducing the need for staffed gatehouses while maintaining high security. In mixed-use developments, a unified intercom system can handle both residential and commercial access, streamlining entry for tenants, employees, and visitors alike.
Student housing and co-living spaces also see significant advantages, as video intercoms provide greater visibility and control over who enters shared living areas. Affordable housing properties can enhance resident safety and improve building operations without incurring the high costs of traditional access systems, especially when opting for cloud-based solutions that eliminate the need for in-unit hardware. Even retrofitted older buildings can benefit, since many modern video intercoms are designed to install easily without complex wiring or extensive infrastructure upgrades.
By offering a flexible, scalable solution for a variety of entry points and property layouts, video intercom systems make secure, convenient access possible across a wide range of building types.
Final thoughts
Installing a video intercom system is a shift toward safer, more efficient property access. By combining visual verification, remote entry, and centralized management, these systems offer meaningful benefits to residents, property managers, and owners alike.
Whether you manage a small apartment building or a large mixed-use community, choosing the right video intercom solution can enhance security, streamline operations, and create a better experience for everyone on site.
