By Dan Fishbach, SmartConnect L.A., Inc.

Security expectations for multifamily housing in the Greater Los Angeles Area have evolved significantly over the past decade. While most apartment properties have some form of camera or gate system in place, many still rely on aging infrastructure that was installed years ago and has not kept pace with current technology, insurance requirements, or operational needs. In today’s environment, outdated systems can create unnecessary liability, inefficiency, and exposure.

One of the most common issues we encounter is the continued use of legacy DVR-based camera systems. Many of these systems were installed eight to fifteen years ago and provide limited resolution, minimal storage capacity, and no remote accessibility. When incidents occur, footage is often too grainy to be useful, overwritten before retrieval, or inaccessible without being physically on site. Modern cloud-managed video platforms provide high-definition footage, remote access from any device, secure offsite storage, and automatic updates. For property owners, this translates into stronger documentation, faster response capability, and reduced risk.

Access control is another area where many properties fall behind. Standalone gate keypads and older entry systems require manual programming at the device itself, which becomes inefficient as tenant turnover increases. Codes are often shared, not removed promptly, or difficult to manage across multiple properties. Cloud-based access control platforms allow managers to grant and revoke credentials remotely, monitor activity logs, provide temporary vendor access, and manage multiple buildings from a centralized dashboard. For operators overseeing several properties, this standardization can significantly reduce administrative burden.

In addition, secondary entry points are frequently overlooked. While the front gate may be secured, side doors, parking garages, and service entrances sometimes lack proper monitoring or functioning hardware. We routinely see propped-open doors, non-operational readers, or blind spots in camera coverage that create vulnerabilities. A comprehensive security review should evaluate every point of ingress and egress, and not just primary entrances.

Lighting also plays a critical role in overall security effectiveness. Cameras installed in poorly lit areas produce substandard nighttime footage, reducing their usefulness. Upgrading exterior lighting at entry points and high-traffic areas can dramatically improve camera clarity while also enhancing resident perception of safety. In many cases, lighting improvements are among the most cost-effective upgrades available.

Finally, for owners managing multiple buildings, lack of system standardization often creates hidden operational inefficiencies. Different brands, platforms, and vendors across properties make troubleshooting more complex and increase long-term maintenance costs. Moving toward unified, cloud-managed systems can streamline management, simplify training, and create predictable upgrade paths across a portfolio.

Security systems should not simply respond to incidents; they should support operational efficiency and protect asset value. As regulations tighten and insurance scrutiny increases, proactive modernization is becoming less of a convenience and more of a strategic necessity.

Dan Fishbach is President of SmartConnect L.A., Inc. specializing in cloud-managed

access control and video surveillance systems for multifamily and commercial properties throughout Los Angeles. Act Now! For Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles members, Smart Connect L.A. is offering a complimentary Property Security and Access Control Assessment. Their licensed C-7 team will evaluate your existing camera systems, access control hardware, gate and entry systems, and overall security infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities and modernization opportunities, and members will receive clear, actionable recommendations tailored to your property, with no obligation. For more information, go to https://www.smartconnectla.com/.

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