--- title: A Positive Apartment Reputation Begins With Key Control description: Building a strong reputation for your multifamily community starts with safety, secure key management, and positive resident experience. image: https://blog.keytrak.com/hubfs/Customer%20review%20good%20rating%20concept%20%5B2215273579%5D_featured%20image.jpg --- [![keytrak](https://blog.keytrak.com/hs-fs/hubfs/unnamed-2.png?width=200&height=72&name=unnamed-2.png "keytrak")](https://blog.keytrak.com) - [Blog Home](https://blog.keytrak.com/) - [KeyTrak](https://www.keytrak.com/) - [Solutions](https://www.keytrak.com/solutions) - [Resources](https://www.keytrak.com/resources) - [Company](https://www.keytrak.com/company/about) ![Gold Bar](https://blog.keytrak.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gold%20bar%20(thin).jpg?width=3000&height=17&name=gold%20bar%20(thin).jpg "Gold Bar") ![Person using a smartphone with floating five-star review icons, representing online ratings and feedback.](https://blog.keytrak.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Customer%20review%20good%20rating%20concept%20%5B2215273579%5D_banner.jpg?width=2000&height=519&name=Customer%20review%20good%20rating%20concept%20%5B2215273579%5D_banner.jpg "Person using a smartphone with floating five-star review icons, representing online ratings and feedback.") # A Positive Apartment Reputation Begins With Key Control ![author icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/448674/icon%20user-022794-edited.png) By [KeyTrak](https://blog.keytrak.com/author/keytrak) ![tag icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/448674/icon%20tag-085511-edited.png) [employee accountability](https://blog.keytrak.com/topic/employee-accountability), [multifamily](https://blog.keytrak.com/topic/multifamily), [reputation](https://blog.keytrak.com/topic/reputation), [manual process](https://blog.keytrak.com/topic/manual-process), [employee training](https://blog.keytrak.com/topic/employee-training) A Positive Apartment Reputation Begins With Key Control 2:42 Before signing a lease, [71% of renters check a property’s reviews](https://www.multihousingnews.com/industry-surveys-reveal-renter-preferences-for-2024/#:~:text=71%20percent%20referenced%20a%20property%E2%80%99s%20ratings%20and%20reviews). And if safety or crime is a concern, [66% will cross it off their list](https://www.apartments.com/grow/learning-center/renter-search-survey-q2-2025#:~:text=Two%2Dthirds%20of%20renters%20(66%20percent)%20say%20they%E2%80%99ll%20stop%20considering%20a%20place%20if%20they%20have%20concerns%20about%20crime%20or%20safety.). So how can you make sure current residents recommend your property? The process starts offline, by prioritizing renter safety and trust.  Here’s how you can boost your community’s reputation and protect your residents, starting from the inside out:  ## Prioritize Safety  Security isn’t just about cameras and gates — residents want to know no one can access their home without their knowledge or permission. Investing in an [electronic key control system](https://www.keytrak.com/multifamily) can help provide the safety and security residents expect. It allows you to:  - Secure keys or fobs in tamper-proof electronic drawers.  - Restrict access to authorized users only.  - Automatically track when keys are taken and returned.  - Send residents an email when the keys to their home are checked out.  - Generate automatic [audit trails](https://www.keytrak.com/resources/testimonials/desiree-giron-5-west-apartments#:~:text=With%20the%20reporting%20function%2C%20I%20can%20show%20them%20that%20I%20can%20see%20who%E2%80%99s%20pulled%20keys%20to%20their%20apartment) of key activity in case there’s a security concern.  This kind of system shows residents you take their safety seriously. It also reduces your liability (and the chance of negative reviews!).  [!["Keeping residents safe is always a top priority, and KeyTrak handles it seamlessly." Alana C., Sitka Apartments. Read the Full Testimonial](https://blog.keytrak.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Sitka%20Apt%20Testimonial-1.png?width=1000&height=714&name=Sitka%20Apt%20Testimonial-1.png)](https://www.keytrak.com/resources/testimonials/sitka-apartments)   ## Hold Staff Accountable   To create a safe environment for your residents, it’s important to set clear expectations for staff regarding key usage and apartment access. Follow these practices to hold employees accountable:  - Replace [manual key control methods](https://blog.keytrak.com/2014/04/three-reasons-to-switch-from-manual-key.html) with a secure key control system that automatically tracks users’ key activity.  - Train employees on your key control practices and policies.  - Review and refine security protocols periodically.  A culture of accountability reinforces your commitment to resident safety, and prospective renters will notice it when reading online reviews.   ## Build Strong Resident-Employee Relationships  Residents are more likely to feel safe and respected when they know your on-site team is responsive and reliable. Encourage employees to:   - Communicate quickly and clearly, especially about maintenance or safety concerns.  - Follow through on promises and service requests.  - Show empathy and professionalism in every interaction.  These practices will [build trust](https://blog.keytrak.com/how-do-you-build-trust-between-maintenance-techs-and-apartment-residents) between your residents and staff and lead to more positive online reviews.  ## Your Reputation Starts With the Resident Experience  The most effective reputation management happens before a review is ever written. When residents feel safe and respected, they become your strongest advocates. By focusing on secure key management, clear key control policies, and transparent communication, you’ll foster resident confidence that leads to positive online reviews and a strong reputation.  [![Read More About Multifamily Key Control](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6975698/05960bf5-67d8-4f83-bc4e-f6cc554f3c40.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6975698/05960bf5-67d8-4f83-bc4e-f6cc554f3c40) *This article was originally published in 2022 and updated in 2025.* SHARE THIS STORY | | [NEXT POST](https://blog.keytrak.com/4-times-rogue-corrections-officers-misused-jail-keys) ## Related posts #### [20 Stats That Prove Key Control Still Matters in Every Industry](https://blog.keytrak.com/20-stats-that-prove-key-control-still-matters-in-every-industry) #### [Is Poor Key Control Leaving Your Off-Campus Housing Vulnerable?](https://blog.keytrak.com/is-poor-key-control-leaving-your-off-campus-housing-vulnerable) #### [How to Improve Security When Your College Campus Is Empty](https://blog.keytrak.com/2020/06/how-to-improve-security-when-campus-is.html) ![KT_GoldBar](https://blog.keytrak.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KeyTrak/KT_GoldBar.png?width=2000&height=27&name=KT_GoldBar.png "KT_GoldBar") - [Blog Home](https://blog.keytrak.com/) - [KeyTrak](https://www.keytrak.com/) - [Solutions](https://www.keytrak.com/solutions) - [Resources](https://www.keytrak.com/resources) - [Company](https://www.keytrak.com/company/about) Follow Us [Facebook Logo](https://www.facebook.com/KeyTrakSystems)   [Twitter Logo](https://twitter.com/KeyTrak)   [Linkedin Logo](http://www.linkedin.com/company/keytrak)   © 2024 KeyTrak. 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