Smart locks are gaining popularity in the multifamily industry, but the path toward widespread adoption is complex. A nationwide survey of multifamily professionals, published by KeyTrak, reveals why some properties are embracing digital locks, while others are sticking to mechanical keys.
First conducted in 2022 and again in 2024, the survey shows how multifamily professionals’ perspectives on access control have changed. Here’s a glimpse at what the report reveals:

Convenience, Not Security, Drives Adoption
It’s no surprise that multifamily professionals often view smart locks as a way to enhance property operations. According to survey respondents, the top reasons their properties implemented smart locks include:
- Avoiding rekeying (22%, down from 36% in 2022)
- Standardizing technology across the organization’s properties (26%, down from 45% in 2022)
- Viewing them as the way of the future (26%, down from 49% in 2022)
- Simplifying lockout situations (33%, down from 44% in 2022)
Surprisingly, no one cited security as a reason for adopting digital locks. In addition, the declining percentages in the reasons for adoption point to a shift in how much value multifamily professionals see in smart locks.
Smart Locks Introduce Operational Challenges
While smart locks have some advantages, they don’t automatically simplify operations. Respondents cited issues with the following:
- Dead batteries (30%, up from 24% in 2022)
- The time required to program new fobs, codes, etc. (22%, down from 36% in 2022)
- Software malfunctions (4%, down from 31% in 2022)
These operational challenges affect the overall user experience and increase the workload for property management staff. Addressing these issues is essential for maintaining your property’s operational efficiency. It’s possible that technologies are improving and properties are already finding ways to incorporate administrative tasks like programming fobs into their workflows, based on the fact that these issues reportedly declined
Traditional Keys Aren’t Going Anywhere
Traditional keys continue to play a vital role in multifamily properties, even as technology evolves. In fact, 76% of respondents still use traditional keys exclusively at their properties — up from 61% in 2022. Others use metal keys along with smart locks (16%, down from 30% in 2022). In addition to primary apartment keys, properties use keys for:
- Common areas
- Offices
- Backups
- Storage areas
- Closets
- Mailboxes
- Amenities
- Main doors
Of respondents whose properties still use traditional keys, 81% said they don’t have plans to implement smart locks, up from 67% in 2022. Factors such as familiarity, cost, and perceived security risks may contribute to this preference for traditional methods.
Access control in the multifamily industry is evolving, but it’s clear that both traditional and modern approaches have their place. For a deeper dive into these and other findings, download the full report.