Security Camera Types & Features for Apartment Buildings
Apartment buildings face unique safety challenges compared to single-family homes. As a result, traditional home security systems can’t adequately cover an entire complex. Instead, you need video surveillance for apartments that can help keep tenants, vehicles, and property safe.
A camera system for apartment complexes gives tenants peace of mind while also helping protect you from liability. Our guide explores different security cameras at apartment complexes so you can find high-quality indoor cameras and outdoor monitoring equipment for your property.
Why video surveillance is essential for apartment complexes
Investing in security cameras at apartment complexes is important for:
Safety and security for tenants
Tenants expect their living spaces to feel safe. Property managers are tasked with meeting this need. Properly deployed security cameras at apartment complexes provide around-the-clock monitoring of entrances, hallways, parking areas, and POEs. You can use these tools to prevent vandalism and burglary.
Crime deterrence and monitoring
The presence of a camera system for apartment complexes acts as a visible deterrent for criminals. When an incident occurs, recorded footage becomes crucial for law enforcement investigations and insurance claims.
Regulatory compliance and insurance benefits
Some municipalities require a camera system for apartment complexes to be in place. Additionally, many insurance providers offer reduced premiums if a property is equipped with video surveillance for apartments. A reliable security camera system demonstrates that you are proactive about protecting tenants from risks.
Learn more about the role of video surveillance for apartments.
Types of security cameras for apartment buildings
When searching for video surveillance for apartments, there are so many options to choose from. Here’s a look at the types of apartment complex security cameras:
Dome cameras
The best security camera for obtaining a 360-degree view is a dome. They are compact and resistant to vandalism. Their discreet design makes it difficult to know where the lens is pointing, which can give intruders even more pause before committing a crime.
Bullet cameras
Bullet cameras are recognizable for their cylindrical shape. They provide long-range visibility and crisp video, making them ideal for outdoor video surveillance for apartments. These types of devices are available as wired or wireless security cameras.
PTZ cameras (pan-tilt-zoom)
A PTZ camera is a critical part of video surveillance for apartments. They can zoom in on activity, tilt angles, and be used to track movement in real-time. These are valuable in larger complexes where flexible, wide-area coverage is needed. If you are looking for a broad field of view, consider PTZ outdoor security cameras.
AI-enabled cameras
AI-powered video surveillance for apartments doesn’t just record. They can analyze behavior, detect suspicious activity, and trigger real-time alerts. When paired with live human monitoring, AI-enabled cameras can cut down on false alarms and help residential complexes protect every angle from threats. Top options even include color night vision.
Comparison of camera types and their ideal applications
When you are looking for video surveillance for apartments, compare your four top options, which include:
- Dome: Best for indoor hallways, lobbies, and elevators
- Bullet: Best for outdoor perimeters and long corridors
- PTZ: Best for monitoring high-traffic zones with flexible coverage needs
- AI-Enabled: Best for comprehensive security across all areas
An interactive crime map will help you determine which security camera solutions are the right fit for your business based on the threats you face. When you know what you’re up against, you can consider factors like pricing and video surveillance for apartment features.
Key features to consider in apartment security cameras
When exploring video surveillance for apartments, you should consider the following:
Night vision and low-light performance
Video surveillance for apartments with low-light capabilities will help you capture high-quality footage in poorly lit areas. Remember, bad actors will use low-light areas to their advantage. When you illuminate these sections with high-resolution cameras, you gain insight into what’s going on after dark.
Motion detection and alerts
Modern video surveillance for apartments comes with motion detection capabilities. Built-in motion sensors only record video when movement occurs, which reduces your storage needs and helps staff remain focused on actual incidents.
Cloud storage and video retention
Cloud-based storage ensures footage is secure and accessible. Make sure that your cloud storage provider retains records for the appropriate amount of time.
Integration with access control systems
Integrated surveillance systems allow you to track who enters buildings, when, and under what circumstances. The more data you can bring together, the better.
Remote monitoring capabilities
Mobile apps and dashboards let you monitor live feeds from anywhere. The result? Constant oversight by a security expert who can intervene if necessary.
Two-way audio and live intervention
Cameras with audio allow security professionals to communicate with trespassers right away. They can answer questions, vet guests, and keep people safely moving in and out of the complex.
Areas to protect in your apartment complex
Thinking about investing in an apartment security system? Here are the areas you need to focus on when investing in advanced features.
Entrances and exits
Start by targeting POEs with high-quality cameras. If someone comes in and they aren’t authorized to be there, you need to identify them and ask them to leave the premises, if necessary.
Parking lots and garages
Vehicles and personal safety are high-risk areas. Long-range bullet cameras or PTZ units are well-suited for these use cases. However, the cameras must also be placed strategically, such as the front door or the side yard.
Common areas and hallways
Lobbies, gyms, and shared amenities require coverage to reduce vandalism, theft, and tenant disputes. You should cover these areas with surveillance cameras so that you can adequately monitor activity on the premises.
Building perimeters and grounds
The goal of apartment security is to keep bad actors out. With that in mind, you need technology that can see over fences and keep your residents safe. The more POEs that you cover, the better your odds of creating a safe environment.
Explore other areas to protect in your apartment complex.
Best practices for multi-family security camera deployment
Here are some tips for installing cameras around your complex:
Strategic placement for maximum coverage
One of the most important steps in setting up video surveillance for apartments is making sure cameras are positioned in the ideal places. You don’t want to have to invest in extra cameras simply because you did not deploy them appropriately. Focus on entrances, exits, and other high-traffic areas first before moving on to other sections of your complex.
Redundant coverage for high-risk areas
Relying on a single camera for critical locations will set you up for failure. If it breaks or the battery dies, you could lose critical evidence needed to protect tenants. Redundant coverage ensures that another device captures footage if one camera is obstructed.
Maintenance and regular testing of systems
Even the best camera system for apartment complexes is only effective if you take good care of it. Therefore, you should schedule monthly inspections to confirm that the lenses are clean and your storage setup is operational. Verify that your Wi-Fi connectivity is intact as well.
Educating tenants on safety and reporting incidents
Educating tenants about safety can help make the most of your camera systems. Discuss best practices, such as locking their vehicles and avoiding dimly lit areas at night. Encourage them to stay in areas that are protected by surveillance coverage. Tenants should also know what to report so that they can help you proactively investigate suspicious activities.
Choosing the right security solution for your apartment complex
There are so many dynamic solutions out there for apartment complexes. While it’s great to have choices, option overload is a legitimate issue you’ll encounter. If you go with cheap or simple equipment, it may not provide adequate coverage.
On the other hand, you don’t want cumbersome contracts that make it difficult to add coverage or features to your setup. Here are some tips for choosing the right solution.
Comparing popular options: traditional vs. AI-powered
When exploring different security options for apartment complexes, your biggest decision will involve deciding between traditional and AI-powered equipment. AI solutions like those offered by Deep Sentinel use live monitoring and advanced analytics to detect threats as they occur.
Budget considerations and cost-effectiveness
AI-enabled systems have a higher upfront cost, but they can deliver better theft prevention and help keep your tenants safe. Many property managers find that these perks offset the initial investment, making AI security a. cost-effective long-term choice.
Integration with existing security protocols
The best surveillance platforms integrate seamlessly with access control, alarm systems, and property management tools. This unified approach reduces complexity while creating a cohesive layer of protection.
Partner with Deep Sentinel
Deep Sentinel combines high-quality cameras and AI technology with live security guards who monitor feeds in real time. This unique blend of automation and human response helps prevent crime before it escalates. Want to learn more about the installation process, image quality, live guard monitoring, or AI tech behind our cameras?
Request a free consultation to protect your apartment complex with Deep Sentinel’s live monitoring and AI security solutions.
Need a Solution that Prevents Crime? Deep Sentinel is the only security technology that delivers the experience of a personal guard on every customer’s home and business. Visit deepsentinel.com/business or call 833-983-6006