With the advancement of technology. Having the best smart video intercom systems brings rental property owners a security system to the entrance of your rental property. Even without going to the entrance, you will have the ability to see and not just hear who the person is trying to enter your property.
Smart video intercom systems provide easy-flowing access for entry of tenants and guests. It can also be helpful for property managers to have a hassle-free management solution.
If you manage rental property in Brooklyn, New York. Being more competent with the other rental property, you need to make your property and amenities exceptional. It is not just about being pet-friendly. Having an indoor washer and dryer, or having gym equipment and classes. One way that attracts tenants is about the latest technology like the best smart video intercom systems.
As the strike of the pandemic in 2020, that puts the whole world under stress. It also places pressure on rental property. Such as residential buildings and apartments the urge to have a secure visitor management system for their guests.
The increase in package and food deliveries. And the need to lessen face-to-face interaction and physical contact for everyone’s safety. And following health protocols make the video intercom system a necessity nowadays for a rental property. It also provides overall security and total comfort for the tenants.
What Is a Video Intercom System?
A video intercom system is a free-standing intercom system used to manage communication between the entrance of the building and the residents inside. It is a state-of-the-art digital system that provides video and wireless abilities.
For the past decades, a voice-based system like a telephone or speaker is used. They are situated in a unit or apartment and serve as a means of communication with the guest or delivery man before the tenants grant entry permission.
Most of the apartment video intercom systems provide one-way or two-way video. The residents or tenants seeing the person at the entrance is what a one-way video can do. On the other hand, in the two-way video, both parties can see each other.
Benefits of a Video Intercom System
There are plenty of benefits that a best smart video intercom systems provides, and here are they :
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Absolute Remote Access Control
Most video intercom systems have special software for building managers’ management applications. It has a wide range of programs that enable the building staff to update resident information, control several property entrances, and help manage certain access groups for residents and staff.
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Better Guest Management
The video intercom system keeps track of all the activity logs for all access points.
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Increase Security
Being able to see the person that wants to enter the property can add up to your security. There are times that someone would claim to be your friend or relative, but they are not and might cause danger to you, and with the help of the best smart video intercom systems, you can send alerts to the management, security, and authorities. And some video intercom systems can save time stamp video.
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More Instinctive
A state-of-the-art building access system is laid out to be smooth in terms of appearance and is user-friendly. A complete and user-friendly video intercom system is essential in ensuring that the residents and guests have an exceptional experience.
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Package Delivery Security
Package theft can be very inconvenient. Since there is a video intercom system, the scope of the sight of it can keep off thieves. It can also grant residents the ability to grant the authorized delivery person to enter the property while prohibiting anyone dawdling around the package outside the property.
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Contactless Entry and Contact Tracing
A contactless way of entering the property is a significant thing that a video intercom system provides. Most of the video intercom features smartphone scanning or facial recognition to unlock the door. They also have a tool to record all guests and visitors that enters your property. It is an ideal means of contact tracing in the event someone gets tested positive for Covid 19.
Top Five Best Smart Video Intercom Systems For Apartment Buildings.
Best Smart Video Intercom Systems: Latch
First established in 2014, it initially offers smart locks. Nevertheless, Latch started introducing a multi-building intercom in December 2019. The latch intercom has a simple design and connectivity options.
FEATURES
- It has a four-touch-button interface below the intercom.
- It can receive calls from any United States number.
- One-way video call capability through the Latch App.
- Ability to unlock the door through the Latch App.
- Ethernet, WiFi, and cellular connectivity.
- Water-resistant.
PRICING
The latch intercom pricing starts at $2,999. But there is a $2 unit cost per month and an installation cost per unit. However, the software price depends on the length of the contract and the number of units.
PROS
- Simple design.
- Option for video and photo capturing.
- For privacy, residents have an option on what name can appear to visitors.
CONS
- Connecting to a third-party connection may not be possible due to latch products having unified software.
- Installing and purchasing an external camera is a requirement for video capability.
- It offers only one size, which is smaller than the other competitors.
- The unavailability of a touchscreen display makes it hard for visitors or guests to find residents in a large property.
Best Smart Video Intercom Systems: ButterflyMX
It is suitable for apartments, multi-family, and condominiums.
FEATURES
- Wireless
- Two-way video calling
- Smooth and durable touchscreen interface
- Multiple access preferences such as door PINS, virtual keys, and delivery PINS.
- Accessible through a mobile application where you can manage and access the door.
- Ability to time and date stamp every door entry.
- Elevator controls
- Combination with property management and access control system, and keyless locks.
PRICING
Pricing starts at $3,995 with a two-year warranty up to $6,495 with the inclusion of a two-year warranty.
PROS
- Budget-friendly and easy installation.
- Provide extra security for the time and date stamp ability.
- Manageable tenant directory with the use of an integrated management system.
- You will not install devices in every unit due to smartphone-based access.
- Can control the elevator through the mobile app.
CONS
- Requires installation of a separate access control solution.
- It has a large panel that would limit space.
- Unable to set up multiple front desk callers.
- It can’t have a temporary PIN for guests or visitors.
Best Smart Video Intercom Systems: Aiphone
It offers a variety of intercom systems for different industries that has unique features. A series of models are uniquely suitable for residential property use, such as single-family, multi-family, and student housing.
FEATURES
- Many product series with several models are made for large and small buildings.
- Option for video intercom.
- Availability of handset and keypad interfaces.
- Touchscreen features.
PRICING
The Aiphone video intercom system price starts at $1,000 up to $5,600 depending on the product model.
PROS
- Availability of modern video and touchscreen features.
- It can have a multi or complex building connection.
CONS
- Unavailability of cloud-based in some systems.
- Requires in-unit hardware i most of the system.
- Remote management does not support all systems.
Best Smart Video Intercom Systems: Latch
First established in 2014, it initially offers smart locks. Nevertheless, Latch started introducing a multi-building intercom in December 2019. The latch intercom has a simple design and connectivity options.
FEATURES
- It has a four-touch-button interface below the intercom.
- It can receive calls from any United States number.
- One-way video call capability through the Latch App.
- Ability to unlock the door through the Latch App.
- Ethernet, WiFi, and cellular connectivity.
- Water-resistant.
PRICING
The latch intercom pricing starts at $2,999. But there is a $2 unit cost per month and an installation cost per unit. However, the software price depends on the length of the contract and the number of units.
PROS
- Simple design.
- Option for video and photo capturing.
- For privacy, residents have an option on what name can appear to visitors.
CONS
- Connecting to a third-party connection may not be possible due to latch products having unified software.
- Installing and purchasing an external camera is a requirement for video capability.
- It offers only one size, which is smaller than the other competitors.
- The unavailability of a touchscreen display makes it hard for visitors or guests to find residents in a large property.
Best Smart Video Intercom Systems: Virtual Doorman
It is a remote doorman system that is based in New York City. The primary purpose of this building-wide system of hardware and software is to mimic the duties of a human doorman.
Virtual doorman offers an alternative to employing a traditional and costly doorman. It will also be cheaper and can save money for staffing costs in a multi-tenant apartment.
FEATURES
- Accessible from your mobile app, desktop, and video intercom of the property’s entrance.
- Remote operators who can provide call answering services, maintenance monitoring, and repair. Also is in charge of the other day-to-day building management duties.
- Assist tenants in gaining access to their homes whenever they forget the keys.
- Provides electronics key safe..
- Design to accept deliveries.
- Red hat services that can provide recommendations for a restaurant, spa, and more.
- Interactive web portal and mobile app where tenants and property managers can access their accounts remotely.
- Building Manager Portal where property managers can have full access to the property’s camera feeds remotely.
PRICING
Virtual Doorman pricing is not readily available on its website. But you must request a quote to get the cost. I have tried to request a quote, and the system is between $500 to $2500 per month. And you also have to remember the installation cost.
PROS
- You have an option to pay for the services you only want.
- Cheaper than the traditional doorman services.
- Hassle-free management of the remote system.
- Come up with simple solutions to frustrating problems like lockouts.
CONS
- Extra costs for the installation and hardware.
- Feeling less secure, unlike the traditional doorman.
- Less NOI of the property.
- BAsic packages don’t cover most of the services.
Best Smart Video Intercom Systems: Swiftlane
Swiftlane is a San Francisco-based company and offers a building access system with mobile entry and door PIN. It also lessens the use of keycards and fobs.
FEATURES
- Cloud-based intercom system where you can manage multiple entrances using one system.
- Features two-way video intercom calling.
- Built-in access control system and multiple access control methods for tenants, such as pin access, mobile app access, and touchless face recognition access.
- Single-use PIN issuance for deliveries.
- Front desk and multi-tenant intercom support.
PRICING
Swiftalne pricing starts from $1,200 to $1,500. There are extra monthly and installation costs. But they do not disclose them on their website and encourage you to get a quote.
PROS
- Accept calls remotely using their smartphones.
- Enables property managers and owners to review entry logs using the property admin dashboard.
- Use of single door panel for both video intercom and door access features.
- Lessen the need for key cards, access badges, and key fobs.
CONS
- Smaller display than the competitors.
- Doesn’t have integrations with property management or access control system.
- A new company, so it only has limited product reviews.
- Insufficient details about ongoing and maintenance costs.
- Has a pose privacy and security concern when it comes to facial recognition and remote monitoring software.
- Inadequate delivery options.
Nowadays, more and more rental property and buildings are improving their video intercom system. It can make the life of the tenants and property owners hassle-free and more effortless.
A video intercom system is considered a luxury a decade ago. However, today and as the pandemic strikes, a video intercom system becomes a necessity than a luxury.
ProRealty property management has installed numerous video intercom systems for the co-op and condo association buildings they manage. ProRealty will obtain bids and oversee the entire project as part of their service and dedication to enhancing all the properties they manage. Call or email us today and request a proposal for management.
