Access Denied

 Why You Should Always Control Your Property’s Tech Credentials

In our line of work, we’ve seen a lot—but one situation still baffles us.

We recently were hired by a community where the previous vendor flat-out refused to give the property manager the administrative password to their own guest intercom system. When questioned, the vendor admitted the password was their “master password”, used across all the properties they serviced.

Let’s be clear:

This is a major security red flag.

For a company specializing in security and access control, using a shared password across every client site isn’t just lazy—it’s unethical and dangerous. It puts every community at risk and strips property managers and boards of the ability to manage their systems independently.

In this particular case, the community couldn’t add or remove residents from the system when someone moved in or out. They were completely dependent on a third party to make even basic updates—something that should be quick and simple.

Here’s the lesson:

If you’re a property manager, developer, or board member, you must demand administrative control of any technology system installed on your property. That includes:

• Intercoms
• Access control systems
• Surveillance platforms
• Lighting or AV automation
• Networking equipment

Before installation, ask:

• Who owns the system credentials?
• How do we make changes internally?
• Can multiple admins be granted secure access?
• What happens if we part ways with the vendor?
• Technology should empower your team—not create dependencies or limit transparency.

At Relevate One, we believe in open communication, ethical practices, and putting control where it belongs: in the hands of the people who live and work in the communities we serve.

If you’re unsure whether you truly have control of your tech systems, we’re happy to help you evaluate and take back ownership.