Security and convenience are key priorities for today’s apartment residents. Whether welcoming guests, receiving deliveries, or maintaining a safe environment, tenants and property managers alike look for tools that support these everyday needs.

As such, an apartment call box plays an important role in this effort. These systems allow residents to communicate with visitors at building entrances and grant access remotely, helping create a more streamlined and controlled entry process. By offering a balance of accessibility and oversight, call boxes have become a common fixture in modern multifamily buildings.

What is an Apartment Call Box?

An apartment call box is a type of entry system installed at the main entrance of a residential building, often positioned near the front door or gate. Its primary function is to enable communication between visitors and residents, allowing tenants to screen guests before granting access to the property.

Typically, the system consists of a mounted unit that includes a keypad or directory paired with an intercom or telephone connection. Visitors use the call box to find and contact a resident by selecting their unit number or name from a digital or printed directory. 

How does it work?

When a resident receives a call from a visitor on the apartment call box, they can speak with the visitor to verify their identity. Then, if the resident chooses to grant access, they can press a button or key on their device that remotely unlocks the door or gate, allowing the visitor to enter. Some systems also include video functionality, enabling residents to view the visitor before granting entry.

3 Benefits of Installing an Apartment Call Box

1. Enhanced Security

Apartment call boxes contribute to a more controlled access environment by requiring visitors to identify themselves before entering the property. By connecting directly with residents, the access system creates a checkpoint at the building’s entrance. 

This process helps reduce the chances of unauthorized individuals gaining entry, as access is granted only after the resident confirms the visitor’s identity. In some setups, call boxes integrate with access logs or video systems, providing additional oversight and documentation of activity.

2. Resident Convenience

Call boxes offer a straightforward way for residents to manage guest access without having to physically meet them at the entrance. 

When a visitor calls through the system, the resident can communicate with them and unlock the door remotely using a phone, mobile app, or in-unit intercom. An entry system like this allows tenants to provide access without interrupting their routines, which can be especially useful during inclement weather, late hours, or while occupied with daily responsibilities.

3. Visitor Management

In addition to improving access to friends and family, apartment call boxes help streamline deliveries and service appointments. Delivery personnel can contact the intended recipient directly, minimizing missed deliveries or stolen packages. 

Property staff may also use the system to manage vendor and maintenance visits, reducing the need for manual coordination. Over time, this can create a more organized and predictable flow of visitors through the building’s main entry point.

Types of Apartment Call Boxes

• Audio-only systems. Audio-only call boxes are among the earliest forms of entry communication used in multifamily properties. They enable voice communication between visitors and residents and often rely on hardwired telephone lines or internal intercom networks and may include a basic keypad or directory for visitor use. 
• Video call boxes. Video call boxes expand on the features of audio systems by including a built-in camera, empowering residents to both see and speak with visitors before deciding whether to unlock the entry point. 
• Smartphone-integrated systems. With an integrated system, a visitor uses the call box and the resident receives a notification on their mobile device so they can answer the call from virtually anywhere. This setup allows residents to grant access remotely, even when they’re not at home. 

Considerations for Purchasing

Installation and Maintenance

Before choosing an apartment call box, it’s important to evaluate the installation process based on the building’s infrastructure. 

Some call box systems require wiring for power and communication, which may involve coordination with electricians and building management. Others offer wireless or cellular options that can simplify installation but may have different performance requirements. 

What’s more, maintenance needs vary by system. For instance, audio-only boxes may require occasional testing and repairs, while video or smartphone-enabled units may require software updates and internet connectivity checks. Establishing a regular maintenance schedule can help ensure consistent functionality and reduce long-term issues.

Cost Implications

Apartment call boxes represent an upfront investment that includes equipment, installation, and possible ongoing service fees. Costs can vary depending on system type, building size, and desired features. While the initial expense may be significant, call boxes can contribute to perceived property value and tenant satisfaction by addressing convenience and security concerns. For property owners and managers, it’s worth considering how these systems align with resident expectations and long-term operational goals.

Compliance and Accessibility

When selecting a call box system, it’s essential to ensure compliance with local building codes, fire safety regulations, and federal laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Features like tactile buttons, visual indicators, voice prompts, and height-appropriate interfaces help make call boxes more accessible to a diverse range of users. Additionally, some municipalities may require specific accessibility features for new installations, so reviewing legal requirements during the planning stage is a key step in the purchasing process.

Use Cases for Apartment Call Boxes

Apartment call boxes serve a variety of practical functions that go beyond basic entry control. Below are common scenarios where call boxes help improve access management, communication, and safety for both residents and property staff:

• Visitor Access Control: Residents can communicate directly with visitors through the call box and decide whether to grant access. This is helpful for managing entry from friends, family, or service providers, and it adds a layer of control without requiring the resident to be at the entrance.
• Package & Delivery Management: Delivery personnel can notify residents upon arrival using the call box. When paired with remote access capabilities, residents can allow entry for couriers even when they’re not home, helping prevent missed deliveries or theft.
• Service Personnel & Maintenance Entry: Property staff and outside vendors can request entry using the call box during scheduled appointments. Furthermore, property managers can monitor and log these access events for added accountability.
• Guest Entry During Events or Open Houses: During community events, apartment tours, or open houses, call boxes make it easier to manage guest access without needing temporary credentials. Guests can contact specific units or leasing offices directly upon arrival.
• Emergency scenarios: In urgent situations, emergency responders can use the call box to quickly reach residents or building staff. The system also helps residents communicate when they need immediate assistance.

Conclusion

Apartment call boxes play an important role in balancing security, accessibility, and convenience in multifamily properties. They help residents manage visitor access, support package delivery, and streamline communication with maintenance personnel and emergency responders. With options ranging from basic audio systems to smartphone-integrated solutions, call boxes can be adapted to fit a variety of building types and resident needs.

For property managers and developers, installing a call box system is a practical way to improve entry management while enhancing the overall resident experience. Plus, evaluating the right type of system based on your building’s infrastructure and community requirements can lead to smoother operations and increased satisfaction among tenants.