It usually takes an “event” to make the apartment owner think about security. In the case of property management, the “event” that exposes the need for Remote Management measures are; missing office equipment, actual burglaries, legal threats from residents, incidents nearby, misplaced cash receipts, employee attendance, unattainable promises to tenants or just an increased awareness of the risks they are facing on a daily basis.

 

APSI believes the most cost effective solution is to Build Your Own Expandable Apartment Remote Monitoring System. Our experience and success with the technology of IP network cameras has created opportunity for the creative property owner who has always wanted the freedom of really knowing what is actually going on at any time he or she is not onsite. We believe an investment in Remote Management is priceless. However, being in the apartment management business, we also understand that cost is very important.

 

COST CONSIDERATIONS

Prices for security systems will vary, based on the level of protection and type of technology used, so be sure to compare apples-to-apples bids on similar systems. Do not forget to factor in the initial installation charge, as well as monthly monitoring charges. Also, talk to your insurance agent; some systems may qualify you for a discount on insurance premiums.

 

LEAST COST OPTION

For the property owner on a small or no budget, a solution is to install a “home security system” in the apartment office using “Do It Yourself” products. These products usually include driveway alarms, door/window alarms, dummy cameras, motion detection lights, fake keypads, etc. Most of these products are easy to install and provide a sense of accomplishment. At best this ‘least cost option’ may make someone think twice. There are many articles on the Internet that suggest this option is very poor and may open your business to greater liability.

 

OUR STORY – less than $500 total

As a business owner you want your employees to feel safe and know you are protecting your business interest as well.

Our experience with alarms/ keypads, drive by security, and resident’s calls to the police, was truly ineffective because of the response time. When reviewing our requirements with Security companies we concluded we would rather have a date & time stamped picture of the perpetrator than an alarm activated and the police called by the central office.

After years of dealing with issues and beginning absentee landlords we were determined to see and hear what was going on daily in our apartment offices. The “need” created the desire to find an inexpensive system to provide us with piece of mind.

We began our search with the installation of really cheap web cams ($19) and Mionet (discussed in other “Solutions” on this website) software providing remote viewing. We were able to achieve a small confined fixed position picture. Unfortunately, it was connected to a computer, which had to be on all the time.

As technology become more sophisticated, costs for improved technology become quite affordable for the property owner. This meant you didn't have to go to the big security companies for an expensive CCTV camera system with reoccurring monthly fees. Advantage Property Solutions INC. forged ahead purchasing IP Network Camera's. After physically evaluating many IP network cameras, investing a year and half solving issues, and taking the time to understand the complexities of this new technology we were able to meet our objective. 

Now we can participate in daily problems and provide input as needed. All activity is recorded using DVR software on a local computer. The network camera (with out the need for a computer) is on 24/7 sending e-mail alerts when motion detection is trigger after hours. The residents are aware of the remote monitoring system which contributes to individuals keeping their cool. The cash laundry facility is now monitored 24/7.

All recorded activity is reviewable day by day, hour by hour, week by week. As a remote landlord we can login hear and view activity from anywhere. Best of all there are no monthly fees or hidden costs.       

Learn more!                View "Live Webcam"!           What APSI  can do to help!              

 

OTHER SECURITY OPTIONS – The big ticket

On the other hand a third option is have a professional security company install an alarm system that will be monitored, either by your installing company or by a third-party monitoring center. The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to investigate the purchase of a security system with the same care as they would any major purchase.

You will need to find out the length of the contract. Typically, monitoring contracts are between two to five years in length.

Other questions to ask might include,

1.  What is your recourse if you are not satisfied with the services provided?

2.  Can you cancel the contract?

3.   What are your rights if your monitoring company is purchased or acquired by another alarm company?

These are the types of questions you need to consider before you obligate yourself to a long-term contract.

Insist that the installer "walk" you through your system until you fully understand how it works. This will prevent the most common problem: false alarms. False alarms are an indicator of the quality of the alarm installation and user education. Ask for a complete inspection of your property and an itemized written estimate. Review the sales contract closely to ensure you understand exactly what equipment and protection you will be provided.

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APSI can help you Build Your Own Expandable Apartment Remote Monitoring System.

• Whether you are a
• "do it yourself" kind of person
• or an "I just want a network camera and everything working" kind of person
• we can help.

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Call: Mark Levy @ (970) 221-9066   Office Hours 8-5 M-F (Mountain time)