How to Connect Your Property Management System to Smart Locks

The short answer: you connect a property management system (PMS) to smart locks through a platform that reads lease events from the PMS and issues or revokes digital keys in the lock system automatically. When a lease starts, the resident gets keys to their unit, the entrances and their amenities. When it ends, those keys are removed and the event is logged. Nobody re-types resident data into the lock software.

Why connect the PMS to the locks at all?

Without a connection, every move-in, transfer and move-out means a staff member updating the lock system by hand. That is slow at move-in and risky at move-out, when a missed step leaves a former resident with working access.

How it works, step by step

1. Connect the PMS. The platform reads unit, resident and lease information from your PMS, such as Yardi, Entrata, RealPage, AppFolio or ResMan.
2. Map the building. Units, entrances, amenities and the doors that serve them are mapped once, so the system knows which doors each resident should open.
3. Connect the locks and access control. Supported smart locks and access control systems are connected and tested.
4. Set the rules. Decide what each lease type gets: unit, common entrances, amenities, parking, and for how long.
5. Let lease events drive access. Move-in issues keys, a transfer moves them to the new unit, move-out removes them, and each change is recorded.

Online and offline locks

Online locks receive changes over the network right away. Offline locks store credentials on the device or the key and are updated when they sync. Both can follow the lease; the difference is how quickly a change reaches the door and how the lock behaves when the network is down. Ask how each of your models is handled.

What does it cost to connect locks to the PMS?

Cost depends on a few drivers rather than a single price:

• Whether your existing locks and access control are supported, or some need replacing.
• Online or offline locks, and whether gateways or a building network are needed.
• The number of units and doors, and how many properties share one standard.
• Installation and commissioning by a local integrator.
• The software subscription, usually priced per unit per month.

See what drives smart building software cost per unit for the full list.

Where Della OS fits

Della OS connects your PMS to supported smart locks and access control, including Salto, dormakaba, Yale, ASSA ABLOY, Kwikset and PDK. Occupancy Sync turns each lease event into the right access change, and residents open doors from the Della Resident app.

Frequently asked questions

How do I connect property management software to smart locks?

Use a platform that reads lease events from the PMS and issues or removes digital keys in the lock system automatically, so access follows the lease.

Which PMS platforms can connect to smart locks through Della OS?

Yardi, Entrata, RealPage, AppFolio and ResMan.

What happens to access at move-out?

The lease end in the PMS triggers removal of the resident's keys to the unit, entrances and amenities, and the change is logged.

Do offline smart locks work with PMS automation?

Yes. Offline locks are updated when they sync; ask how quickly changes reach each model you own.

Book a walkthrough to see Della OS on one of your own properties, or browse the systems Della OS works with.