Everyone knows that a built-in sense of security is one of the most valuable benefits of living in a gated community. In fact, a 2013 study found that being in a gated community decreases the likelihood of burglaries by 33 percent. But how can HOA access control systems help a gated community manage its property?
While gates and other physical barriers make crime more difficult, anyone can enter the community without permission by scaling a fence, and a dedicated individual can thwart security guards and surveillance cameras. To provide the highest level of security, homeowners in gated residential communities should add a control system where access is limited to residents and authorized individuals.
Here are some ways HOA access control can improve the management of gated communities:
Modern Credentialed Access
Top-of-the-line gated community access control systems typically have high-tech authentication like key fobs, proximity cards, and mobile credentials, among others, to prevent unauthorized entry. These systems allow residents and visitors easy access and prevent problems associated with lost or stolen keys, like identity theft and blocked entrances, due to lost credentials.
Controlled Access to Community Facilities
Access management for HOA can help manage physical access to shared amenities like pools and fitness centers and monitor who is using them at what times. This means you can prevent overcrowding and overuse of community amenities, which may lead to injuries and disputes.
Community Traffic Flow
Some communities have limited parking space, so HOA access control can help manage traffic flow by monitoring who enters and leaves the community. From the data you collect and analyze, you can decide if you need to enforce time limits for visitor parking or block visitors from entering or exiting at certain times.
Visitation and Guest Access
Gated access control systems can also monitor and manage visitor access, preventing unannounced guests from showing up at inconvenient times for residents or disrupting their privacy in any way. In addition, it also helps HOA boards make sure that visitors are using community facilities responsibly and appropriately.
In tandem with other management systems like the Visitor ePass scanning kiosk, access control systems make gated communities a more welcoming place without compromising security.
Property Security and Safety Standards
Community gates and security solutions also protect the safety of residents by limiting unsupervised entry and providing a simple way for emergency responders to gain quick access when needed. For example, if a severe storm or natural disaster knocks out power to the community’s gate, access control systems can ensure first responders still have unobstructed access.
Increased Property Values and Resident Retention
A gated community with HOA access control is safer for residents and more attractive to potential buyers looking for premium amenities like 24-hour security, controlled entry points, and on-site amenities. This, in turn, can lead to increased property values and resident retention rates.
Data Collection for Community Management
Since community gates and security solutions are connected to a centralized computer system or cloud-based software on the HOA’s end, they provide an easy way for managers to collect data about residents and visitors. Property managers can use the system to identify trends for managing the community, such as which amenities are most popular and which areas are used less frequently, to better optimize community resources.
Reduced Risk for Crime and Vandalism
By enforcing strict access control standards and limiting unsupervised entry through the use of gated access control systems, properties with HOA management dramatically reduce their risk for crime and vandalism.
In all, HOA access control systems aren’t just a way to control physical entry into a community but are also an essential tool for maintaining safety, managing resources, monitoring behavior, and enhancing property value.
These features are even more powerful in action – schedule a demo with Proptia’s consultants to see how our cloud-based visitor management solutions can meet the needs of your property or HOA.
