Multifamily Security in an Off-Campus Setting

Many universities now issue mobile student IDs that live in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. For off-campus properties, the question becomes: Can your access control system accept the same type of credential?

Some considerations that Locksmiths should evaluate:

·         NFC credential support by the locks and readers

·         Whether the system supports wallet-based mobile Resident Key or Student ID credentials from a trusted provider such as Allegion

·         How credentials are provisioned, revoked, and managed remotely

·         Whether the property wants to eliminate physical cards entirely

When off-campus properties also extend the use of mobile credentials to where the students live, the resident experience becomes seamless — and the property becomes significantly more attractive to students.

Infrastructure Readiness: What Locksmiths Must Assess Before Installation

Deploying mobile access in off campus student housing requires a deeper level of infrastructure planning than a typical multifamily installation. These properties operate more like mini campuses — with perimeter gates, package rooms, amenity spaces, and high traffic common areas — and they experience constant resident movement at all hours. Locksmiths should conduct a site assessment that accounts for the unique operational patterns and security expectations of student housing.

Key Off Campus–Specific Infrastructure Considerations include:

Wireless coverage at every access point: Off campus communities often include perimeter fencing, gated vehicle entrances, package delivery areas, and amenity spaces that require reliable wireless connectivity for mobile access to function consistently. Locksmiths should verify signal strength not just at unit doors, but across the entire “curb to core” environment. Wireless coverage is not necessarily a must-have, but something to evaluate and note when building out a recommendation.

Power and network availability for smart locks and gateways (if applicable): Many off-campus buildings were not originally designed for modern access control. Locksmiths must confirm that perimeter gates, elevators, stairwells, and older building wings have adequate power and network pathways to support wireless locks and controllers (if one is needed as not all solutions require a gateway).

Cloud vs. on prem requirements for high turnover environments: Student housing experiences massive move in waves and equally large move out cycles, often within a 24–48-hour period. Cloud based systems allow staff to issue and revoke hundreds of credentials instantly — a critical requirement in this market.

Cybersecurity posture and network segmentation: Off campus properties frequently host student Wi Fi, smart home devices, and building systems on the same network. Locksmiths should ensure access control has its own dedicated secure network to prevent cross traffic risks and maintain system integrity.

Emergency access and fail-safe configurations for 24/7 activity: Student housing “never sleeps” — residents return from class, events, or late-night outings at all hours.

Systems must support:

·         Fail safe egress

·         Emergency responder access

·         Reliable offline operation during outages

·         Clear protocols for after-hours lockouts

Battery life and maintenance cycles for high traffic doors: Student housing doors see significantly more daily use than traditional multifamily. Locksmiths should plan for accelerated battery replacement cycles, especially on:

·         Amenity spaces

·         Study rooms

·         Fitness centers

·         Perimeter entrances

These areas experience constant traffic and require hardware designed for durability. This is where hardware like the Schlage XE360 wireless smart lock becomes valuable. It’s designed for multifamily and student housing environments, offering robust wireless performance, mobile credential support, and simplified installation.

Operational Realities: Design for Turnover, Lockouts, and Staff Workflows

Off‑campus student housing operates on a rhythm unlike any other real estate category. Turnover is extreme — often 70–90% annually — and it happens in massive, compressed waves tied to the academic calendar. Hundreds of residents move in or out within the same 24–48 hours, creating enormous operational pressure on property staff and the access control system.

Move in and move out surges are the defining operational challenge in off campus student housing, with hundreds of residents arriving or departing within the same 24–48 hours. Mobile access systems must support bulk credential provisioning, automated workflows, and instant revocation to keep these transitions smooth and secure.

Lockouts are another constant pain point in student housing, driven by lost keys, forgotten fobs, and late‑night returns. Mobile credentials dramatically reduce these incidents, but only when supported by reliable wireless coverage, remote unlock capabilities, and strong offline performance.

High‑traffic common areas — from study lounges and fitness centers to package rooms and computer labs — experience far more daily use than traditional multifamily spaces. Locksmiths must account for accelerated battery cycles, durable hardware, and gateway placement (if applicable) that can handle heavy mobile‑credential activity.

Staff workflows in off‑campus housing are uniquely demanding, with small teams managing 24/7 resident movement, vendor access, and frequent service needs. Mobile access should streamline their work through centralized credential management, role‑based permissions, audit trails, and remote troubleshooting.

Safety and liability expectations are also higher in student housing, where parents expect strong perimeter control, fast lockout response, and clear access logs. Mobile credentials help properties meet these expectations by enabling encrypted communication, instant revocation, and detailed audit trails.

Security Expectations: Convenience for Students, Control for Owners

Locksmiths must balance frictionless access with strong security controls. Property owners expect:

•             Audit trails and reporting.

•             Instant credential issuance and revocation.

•             Secure perimeter control.

•             Visitor and vendor management.

•             Integration with video and intercom systems.

•             Compliance with local housing and safety regulations.

Platforms like Zentra, Allegion’s multifamily access ecosystem, help locksmiths deliver this balance. Zentra provides cloud-based management, mobile credential support, and unified control across perimeter, common areas, and resident doors.

Complementing University Systems: A Competitive Advantage

Properties that complement a university’s credential ecosystem gain:

•             Higher occupancy

•             Stronger student satisfaction

•             Reduced operational friction

•             A differentiated market position

Locksmiths who understand how to extend a similar campus credential experience into private housing — securely and reliably — will be positioned as strategic partners to both universities and property owners.

Business Opportunity for Locksmiths

Access control using mobile credentials isn’t just a technology upgrade — it’s a long-term revenue opportunity.

Locksmiths can expand into:

•             Ongoing service contracts

•             Credential lifecycle management

•             System monitoring

•             Future upgrades (video, intercom, visitor management)

•             Annual maintenance and battery replacement programs

With student housing demand rising and mobile credential adoption accelerating, locksmiths who build expertise now will be ahead of the curve.

Deploying access control and mobile credentials in off campus student housing requires more than hardware installation — it demands an understanding of credential ecosystems, wireless infrastructure, operational workflows, and the expectations of a mobile native generation.  It is also imperative that locksmiths carefully vet the solution providers, prioritizing proven experience and support with ecosystem configuration and integration.

Security locksmiths who master these complexities — and offer solutions like Resident Key in Wallet, Schlage XE360, and Zentra — will be positioned to lead in one of the most dynamic and opportunity-rich markets in the industry.

About the Author: Laura Lindner is Marketing Manager, Multifamily + Overtur, for Allegion.