Apartment Key Fobs: A Complete Guide Key Fob Apartment
An apartment key fob is an electronic access card or fob that allows you to unlock doors and access secured areas in an apartment building or property. They provide a convenient, keyless way to control entry rather than using traditional metal keys.
Key fobs are increasingly common in many modern apartment buildings and offer a number of advantages for both property managers and residents. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about getting, using and customizing key fobs for your apartment.
What is an Apartment Key Fob?
An apartment key fob is a small, portable card or “fob” with an embedded RFID (radio-frequency identification) chip or proximity sensor. This allows it to wirelessly communicate with card readers installed on doors, gates and other access points across an apartment property.
When you hold your key fob close to one of these card readers, it transmits a secure code which unlocks the door and allows entry. The same technology is used in contactless payment cards, employee ID badges and some car keys.
Unlike old metal keys, apartment fobs do not require direct physical contact or turning a lock. As long as your fob is on you, you can simply touch it to a sensor and walk right in. This provides convenient, keyless access that residents appreciate.
Benefits of Apartment Key Fobs
- Convenience – no fumbling for keys every time you enter
- Touchless operation – just tap to unlock
- Difficult to copy – better security than metal keys
- Access control – managers can revoke lost fobs
- Data tracking – monitors usage and entry times
- Can’t be left behind – integrated on your card or fob
What Do Apartment Key Fobs Provide Access To?
In most apartments with an electronic access system, key fobs will operate:
- Main lobby doors
- Any doors to shared amenities like gyms, pools, lounges
- Garages, storage units, bike rooms
- Floors with restricted access
- Your own apartment unit’s door
This allows you seamless access to the entire property without ever pulling out a traditional key.
Types of Apartment Key Fobs
There are several different varieties when it comes to key fobs for apartments:
Standard RFID Fob
This is the basic fob with an embedded RFID chip that transmits a code to unlock doors when tapped on a sensor. It may be integrated into a small card or a handheld fob case. Standard RFID fobs are inexpensive and easy to distribute but only one access code can be programmed at a time.
Fob with Remote
Some apartment fobs include both the RFID access card as well as a small remote control on the same keychain. The remote can be used to conveniently open garage doors, gates and access points from a short distance away instead of physically tapping every time.
Reprogrammable Fob
Unlike cheap RFID fobs with fixed codes, reprogrammable fobs allow managers to wirelessly update access permissions or revoke lost cards. This enhances security, allowing lost fobs to instantly be denied building entry.
Disposable/Temporary Fob
Single-use disposable fobs display the current date and expire within 24 hours. These are often provided to visitors, vendors, maintenance staff and others needing temporary access without issuing permanent key cards.
Smart Fob Connected to Phone
New high-tech apartment fobs can unlock doors through a mobile app on your smartphone via Bluetooth. This allows virtual keys to be shared remotely with others and permissions updated instantly over the internet.
Getting an Apartment Key Fob
The process of getting an electronic key fob for accessing your apartment varies between rental buildings and condo owners:
For Renters
Most landlords will automatically provide lessees with one fob per occupant when signing a lease. Additional fobs can usually be requested for other household members, guests or babysitters as needed. Ask the property manager about any potential fees for getting extra access cards.
For Condo Owners
Individual owners in a building with electronic entry typically need to purchase their own compatible fobs once from property management. There is usually an initial purchase cost per key fob, which owners are responsible for replacing if lost.
No matter if leasing or owning, residents should inform managers if their key fob is ever lost, stolen or damaged so it can be quickly deactivated in the system and replaced with a new one.
Customizing Your Apartment Key Fob
While most basic RFID apartment access cards look identical, there are ways to customize your key fob to easily identify it:
- Add charms, keychains or attachments to the hole some case models have
- Use slim adhesive decals to decorate it with initials or patterns
- Buy covers and cases to personalize fobs, available online
- Tie a brightly colored lanyard or tag
- Mark your apartment or unit number
Just don’t block the RFID antenna area required for scanning. Make sure any attachments like key fob covers snap on securely and don’t fall off.
Customization not only prevents mix-ups between identical fobs, but allows you to show some personality as well!
Key Fob Security Tips
Electronic RFID fobs provide better security than traditional duplicateable metal keys. However it’s still important to safeguard apartment access cards from theft or loss.
- Don’t keep identify the building it goes to if lost
- Immediately report lost or stolen fobs to deactivate access
- Don’t toss old fobs without destroying them first
- Keep backups stored securely at home
- Carry your fob separately from wallets/keys
- Be alert to potential RFID scanners looking to steal data
Treat apartment key fobs carefully and ask about building policies regarding replacements, backups and distributing extras.
Apartment Key Fob Rules
To prevent issues, intentional fob sharing and abuse, properties often implement rules like:
- Limiting households to 2 key fobs maximum
- Charging fees for replacements after the first one
- Revoking all access if lending rules violated
- Requiring signatures for temporary fob issuance
- Guest and visitor time limits for courtesy fobs
- No duplicating or giving your fob to others
Make sure to understand and comply with all policies set by management regarding use and responsibility for any fobs assigned for access.
Smart Keyless Entry Systems
The access cards and key fobs used in apartment buildings work by letting residents into electronically locked doors and shared building areas without keys. This is known as a keyless entry system and is made possible using:
Card Reader Technology
Doors and lobby barriers have installed wireless “proximity readers” able to scan closeby key fobs and unlock once verified.
Centralized Access Control
A property’s permission codes and access rights are programmed into a central system wired to all card scanners.
Cloud-Based Credentials Option
Newer setups store encrypted credentials online allowing virtual keys to be managed remotely via a cloud dashboard.
Choosing a secured, convenient keyless access setup allows apartment buildings to move fully past old metal key distribution. Electronic RFID fobs provide residents seamless entry using easy tap-and-go technology.