Apartment building security checklist for owners corporations
Most apartment building security problems are not caused by a single weak product. They come from small gaps between systems: a door that does not latch, a camera with no light, a fob that was never cancelled. Use this checklist to find the gaps before they become incidents.
The 12-point checklist
- 1. Entry doors - self-closing, self-locking and not propped open.
- 2. Intercom - every unit can hear, speak and release the door.
- 3. Access control - fobs and mobile credentials are current; departed contractors are removed.
- 4. CCTV coverage - entries, car park, bin room, mailroom and plant areas, with usable night images.
- 5. Car park - vehicle gates, pedestrian doors and tailgating controls work together.
- 6. Mailroom - secured, visible and not a convenient way into the building.
- 7. Amenities - gym, pool, rooftop and function rooms have separate access rules.
- 8. Fire and emergency - security devices do not obstruct exits or fire systems.
- 9. Lighting - entries, paths and car parks are lit and maintained.
- 10. Signage - CCTV, access rules and after-hours contacts are clear.
- 11. After-hours - who responds, how, and with what authority.
- 12. Maintenance - a documented schedule, not a reaction to failures.
Walk the building like a visitor
The best audit is a walk-through with fresh eyes. Start at the street, ring the intercom, enter as a visitor would, and see what you can reach without a credential. Then repeat after dark. Most gaps are obvious once you stop assuming residents will follow the rules.
Manage credentials, not just keys
Keys get lost; fobs get copied; contractors move on. A current credential register, a clear process for issuing and cancelling access, and a periodic review are basic governance. If your system cannot produce that register quickly, it is time to review the platform.
Document what you have
Keep a simple security register: device locations, model numbers, warranty dates, service provider, monitoring arrangements and the last test date. When something fails, you want the answer in one document, not in three people's email history.
WIS Security works with owners corporations, building managers and developers across Melbourne. See our strata security service or book a building assessment.
WIS Security designs, installs and supports security systems across Melbourne. See our strata and apartment building security service or request a free assessment.