Glossary
What Are Multifamily Smart Locks?
Multifamily smart locks are connected unit door locks that residents open with a phone, PIN or fob, managed by the property team for every unit in a building.
Multifamily smart locks replace the metal key on unit doors
Multifamily smart locks are electronic locks on apartment unit doors that connect to software the property team controls. On ElevateOS, residents open their unit with a mobile key over Bluetooth or the network, and a one-tap Unlock Door widget sits on the phone's home screen. Visitor PINs work where the lock supports them, and staff can issue physical fobs from the Staff App or the management portal.
Keys follow the lease instead of a key cabinet
With metal keys, every turnover means collecting keys or changing cores. With multifamily smart locks on ElevateOS, the unit credential is provisioned from the property management system when a resident is created and stops working the same minute the lease ends. Keys can be revoked instantly, and an audit trail records door activity. Each credential lives on one phone, which limits key sharing between residents.
ElevateOS works with the smart locks already on the doors
Many properties already have smart locks installed, often from more than one maker. ElevateOS connects to the locks on the doors today, so nothing is reprogrammed and no resident re-enrolls. Core keyless access works with no signal and no server. On supported locks, staff get a master key and can see battery status. Guest and staff keys are issued from the same platform as resident keys.
See how smart locks fit the rest of the building
The Unit Locks integrations page covers the lock systems that connect to the resident app. Keyless access explains mobile keys that work with no signal. Mobile keys for apartments defines the phone as a key. The Connect page shows how locks join intercoms, thermostats and building access in one app. Each page covers one part of keyless living in an apartment building.
FAQ
Glossary questions
How do residents open a multifamily smart lock?
Residents open the unit with a mobile key in the building's own ElevateOS app, over Bluetooth or the network. Visitor PINs and fobs work where the lock supports them.
Do multifamily smart locks work without a phone signal?
Yes, core ElevateOS keyless access works with no signal and no server. The resident can still open the unit door in the app.
Does a property have to replace its smart locks to use ElevateOS?
No, ElevateOS works with the locks already on the doors. Nothing is reprogrammed and no resident re-enrolls.
What happens to the unit key at move-out?
ElevateOS revokes the credential the same minute the lease ends in the property management system. The next resident gets a new credential at move-in.
Can maintenance staff enter units with smart locks?
Yes, staff keys are issued from the same platform as resident keys, and supported locks offer a staff master key. The audit trail records door activity.
How does the property team know when a lock battery is low?
On supported locks, ElevateOS shows battery status to the property team. Staff can plan battery changes before a lock stops working.
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