Why Smart Lock features matter more than ever?

As India’s homes grow smarter, the shift toward automation is reshaping everyday living. From gated communities to independent villas, smart locks are fast becoming a modern essential. Understanding the top 5 smart lock features to look for in 2025 helps you choose the perfect balance of security, convenience, and long-term value.

Whether you’re a homeowner, tenant, or RWA decision-maker, this guide will help you understand the top smart lock features that Indian buyers care about. Our insights are tailored to help you pick the best smart lock in India based on everyday needs.

Biometric access (fingerprint unlock)

Fingerprint unlocking is the most secure and popular option in 2025. Biometric smart locks trusted by residents across India provide fast, reliable access without the need for keys.

Key benefits:

• Offers personalized access for family members
• Ideal for children and the elderly

OTP & app-based entry

Smart locks allow secure, keyless entry through OTP and app-based access. You can unlock your door remotely, share temporary access with guests, and track every entry in real time, all from the Mygate app.

Key benefits:

• Send temporary or recurring OTPs to guests or service personnel
• Control and monitor access via an app-controlled door lock
• View entry logs in real time for complete transparency

Battery backup

Power cuts are still a part of daily life in many parts of India, making reliable backup is a must-have. A trusted digital door lock should keep working seamlessly even during outages, supported by long-lasting batteries.

Key benefits:

• Standard battery life of up to 12 months

Tamper alerts & intrusion logs

As an India homeowner, one of the most important features a smart lock should have is the tamper detection and intrusion logs. These provide proactive protection.

Key benefits:

• Receive instant tamper alerts on your smartphone
• Review security events with cloud-based logs
• Detects unauthorized access attempts

WiFi + Bluetooth hybrid connectivity

Smart locks with both WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity offer unmatched flexibility and control, whether you’re at home or miles away.

Key benefits:

• Bluetooth lets you unlock nearby without an internet connection
• WiFi enables remote access from anywhere in the world
• Seamlessly integrates with Alexa, Google Home, and Mygate

Additional smart features to consider

• Auto-lock timers for added safety
• Keypad access with randomized PIN pads
• RFID tags for convenient access by staff or elders
• Smart home automation routines for effortless control

Many affordable smart locks with app control now offer these additional perks.

Conclusion

When choosing a smart lock for your home in India, understanding the key features that matter in 2025 is essential. The right lock should be practical, reliable, and built to last.

Prioritize:

• Biometric fingerprint access
• App + OTP support
• Battery backup
• Tamper notifications
• WiFi + Bluetooth hybrid lock

The above mentioned are the essential features to consider when choosing the right Smart Lock for your gated community or independent home.

Mygate automates accounting, billing, GST-compliant invoicing, digital payments, and vendor management for RWAs. With features like multi-level approvals, real-time expense tracking, and prepaid meter integration, it ensures transparency, compliance, and efficiency. Scalable from 50 to 10,000+ flats, Mygate serves thousands of communities across India with 83% market share in society management platforms.

Running finances for a residential community? It’s honestly one of those jobs that looks simple from the outside but will eat up your entire weekend if you’re doing it wrong. Managing transparency, keeping numbers accurate, getting everyone to work together – manual ledgers and outdated tools turn what should be straightforward into a nightmare of missed payments and angry residents banging on your door.

Modern housing society accounting software fixes this mess. It handles the boring repetitive stuff, keeps you on the right side of regulations, and – here’s the kicker – everyone can see what’s happening with their money. Doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with a fancy gated community in Bengaluru or one of those old cooperative housing societies in Mumbai, the right tool completely changes the game.

So what should you look for? Here are 12 features that apartment accounting software better have if you want to keep your sanity intact while running resident association accounting.

• Automated society billing– Look, nobody wants to spend their Sunday afternoon creating bills manually. A decent billing system handles monthly maintenance, parking fees, water charges, those special assessments that always pop up – everything goes out automatically and on time. You can set it up for monthly billing, quarterly, whatever works for your society. The arrears tracking? Game changer. You instantly see who’s behind on payments instead of digging through spreadsheets like some kind of detective. Your treasurer gets their life back, residents complain less about billing errors, and money flows in when it’s supposed to.
• GST-compliant invoicing– GST compliance in India – don’t even get me started on this headache. Once your housing society hits certain revenue numbers, you’re stuck dealing with GST whether you like it or not. The right software creates invoices in the proper tax format, slaps on the correct GST rate, and talks directly to the GST portal without you lifting a finger. E-invoices and credit/debit notes sync themselves. No more staying up late trying to upload stuff manually. Auditors stay happy, you stay sane, everybody wins.
• Flexible penalty structures– Every society handles late payments differently, and honestly, they should. Some places just whack on a flat late fee and call it a day. Others get fancy with sliding scales where penalties keep growing the longer someone drags their feet. Smart apartment accounting software lets you pick either approach – or both – so your committee can set rules that feel fair but still motivate people to pay their bills on time. Less drama, better cash flow.
• Digital payment integration– Cash and cheque collections? Please. It’s 2025. That stuff takes forever, someone might lose the money, and mistakes happen constantly because humans are handling physical paper. When your housing society accounting software hooks up to payment gateways, residents can pay through UPI, cards, net banking – whatever they prefer. Confirmations happen instantly, receipts are generated automatically, and everyone has a digital trail of what happened. Money comes in faster, and your accountant stops pulling their hair out over reconciliation.
• Real-time expense tracking– Expense tracking in gated communities isn’t just about recording where money went – though that’s important too. It’s about maintaining some actual financial discipline. A solid gated community accounting system logs every rupee that walks out the door: staff salaries, vendor payments, electricity bills, water charges, that emergency repair nobody saw coming. Everything updates in real time, so your committee always knows exactly where things stand financially. Budget overruns? You’ll catch them before they become disasters.
• Comprehensive income management– Most societies have money coming in from all over the place. Maintenance fees, obviously. Clubhouse rentals for weddings and parties. Parking charges. Penalty fees from people who can’t follow simple rules. Sometimes even sponsorship money from local events. Apartment accounting software needs to capture all these different streams, sort them properly for analysis, and match everything up with your bank statements. Nothing slips through cracks, financial reporting becomes manageable instead of a monthly nightmare.
• Multi-level approvals– Big societies can’t have one person making all the spending decisions – that’s asking for trouble. Multi-level approval workflows mean purchase requests, purchase orders, and vendor bills get reviewed by multiple authorized people before money changes hands. Creates accountability, reduces fraud risk, and makes sure funds only get spent when there’s actually a good reason. Democracy in action, financial edition.
• Vendor management tools– Societies work with tons of vendors. Security agencies, landscaping contractors, plumbers, electricians – the list goes on forever. An efficient RWA ERP India system stores all its profiles, contracts, payment schedules, and service history in one central spot. Makes it way easier to track whether vendors are doing their jobs properly and ensures they get paid on schedule without missed deadlines turning into service disruptions.
• Audit-ready reports– Year-end audits make committee members break out in cold sweats unless their accounting software can produce the reports auditors want to see. One-click generation of compliant balance sheets, trial balances, general ledgers, income and expense statements – all formatted properly so auditors don’t send you back to fix formatting issues. Less time spent on audits means lower costs and way less stress for everyone involved.
• Secure multi-user access– Society accounting involves different people with different needs. Committee members need to see the big picture stuff. Accountants need detailed transaction access. Auditors need everything, but shouldn’t be able to change anything. Secure multi-user access lets you define exactly who sees what, keeping sensitive financial data away from people who don’t need it while still letting everyone do their jobs. Prevents unauthorized changes, enables proper collaboration.
• Data backup & security– Financial data represents some of the most sensitive information your society handles, and protecting it isn’t negotiable. Robust housing society accounting software must offer automated backups, encryption, and disaster recovery features. Your data stays safe and accessible even when technical failures happen or cyberattacks target your systems. Because losing years of financial records would be an absolute disaster.
• Integration with prepaid utility meters– Many modern societies use prepaid electricity or water meters to streamline billing processes. Direct integration with multiple meter vendors allows gated community accounting software to enable online resident recharges, usage tracking, and instant status updates. Built-in failure logs and retry mechanisms prevent recharge issues from becoming resident complaint headaches that land on your desk.

What Mygate offers for seamless society accounting

Mygate’s apartment accounting software goes beyond standard industry features with unique productivity tools, with all the above features present Mygate also has:

• Milestone-based billing – Each invoice moves through four distinct stages: preparation, verification, approval, and publishing. This structured approach reduces errors and minimizes resident disputes significantly.
• In-depth audit logs – Every single action gets recorded – who approved what, who edited which entries, who published reports. Makes accountability and transparency completely effortless.
• Unlimited billing heads – Societies can create and track unlimited billing categories, from regular maintenance to special event costs, enabling much better budget management.
• 14+ prepaid meter vendor integrations – Seamless connections with major meter vendors enable hassle-free online recharges with complete transaction logging.
  And much more.

Mygate’s proven scale & trust across India

Choosing Mygate means partnering with India’s undisputed leader in gated community accounting. We’re connected with top builders and Resident Welfare Associations nationwide, delivering seamless service to societies of every size – from intimate 50-unit communities to sprawling mega-townships that feel like small cities. Our nationwide presence ensures RWAs across all major cities receive consistent, reliable, and GST-compliant accounting solutions.

With an 83% market share in housing society management platforms and apartment accounting software, Mygate earns trust from thousands of communities managing finances for lakhs of households without performance drops or system failures. This scale isn’t just impressive numbers – it reflects our reliability, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence that RWAs experience every single day.

When it comes to fire insurance in gated communities, many residents assume that once the RWA has purchased a policy, every flat is completely covered. But the truth is a little more nuanced.

What RWAs usually cover?

Most RWAs purchase fire insurance for the structure of the building. This is cost-efficient and easier to administer for a large housing complex. It ensures that if a fire damages the building, walls, or common areas, the repair cost is borne by the insurer.

What many residents don’t realize is that even if a fire breaks out in just one flat, the RWA’s insurance policy is still applicable. Since the policy covers the entire structure of the building, it does not matter whether the damage is limited to a single unit or spread across multiple flats; claims are admissible as long as the cause is covered under the policy.

What do flat owners need to do?

Here’s where the fine print matters. While the RWA’s policy takes care of the external structure, the walls, pillars, and common infrastructure, it usually does not extend to the contents of your home. This means that items like furniture, electronics, jewellery, appliances, and personal valuables are not covered.

Flat owners should therefore purchase a separate contents insurance policy for their homes. This acts as an extra layer of protection, ensuring that even if your personal belongings are destroyed in a fire, you won’t have to bear the loss entirely on your own. In simple terms, the RWA’s fire insurance safeguards the building you live in, while your personal contents insurance protects the life you’ve built inside your home.

Step-by-step claims process

If a fire does occur in your flat, it is important to know the process so you can act quickly and correctly.

The first step is to inform your RWA immediately, since they are the policyholder and will have to notify the insurer on your behalf. Once the insurer is informed, they appoint a surveyor to visit the site, inspect the damage, and prepare a report.

At this stage, the flat owner’s role becomes crucial. You will need to submit documents such as bills, purchase receipts, and photographs of the damaged items to help the surveyor assess the extent of your loss. After verification, the surveyor recommends a claim amount to the insurance company. The payment is then made directly to the flat owner, ensuring that the person who suffered the damage receives the financial compensation.

Must-have add-on for RWAs

While the basic fire insurance policy covers structural damage, RWAs should strongly consider opting for a specific add-on called “Rent for Alternative Accommodation.”

In the unfortunate event that a flat becomes uninhabitable due to fire or another insured peril, families may have to shift out temporarily until repairs are completed. Without this add-on, the cost of renting a temporary home falls directly on the resident. With it, however, the insurance company covers the cost of short-term rental accommodation, ensuring that residents do not face an additional financial burden on top of the loss they’ve already suffered.

This small but significant addition can make a huge difference in protecting residents’ peace of mind during times of crisis.

Key takeaways

For housing societies, fire insurance is not just about compliance; it is about protecting both the community as a whole and each individual household. Here’s a quick recap:

• RWAs should cover the structure of the building and consider adding “Rent for Alternative Accommodation” for better resident security.
• Flat owners should not rely solely on the RWA’s policy. They should take a separate contents insurance policy to safeguard their valuables and interiors.
• Both RWAs and residents should be aware of the claims process in advance, so that there is no confusion or delay in the event of an actual emergency.

Fire insurance provides a financial safety net that ensures recovery and rebuilding are possible without unbearable personal losses. By working with the RWA handling the structure and residents handling their interiors, societies can create a comprehensive protection plan for every home.

Redevelopment is much more than a construction project; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your housing society to modernize living spaces, upgrade amenities, and add lasting value.

Over the years, policy shifts have made redevelopment more accessible and efficient. From the early changes in 2012 to the recent 2025 rules giving developers only two months to act, the landscape is evolving. But with opportunity comes responsibility: careful planning, informed decisions, and clear communication are essential for success.

Make sure everyone agrees on what matters most

The first step is uniting the society members around a common vision. Redevelopment affects everyone, so knowing what’s non-negotiable, whether it’s maintaining green spaces, ensuring parking adequacy, or safeguarding heritage features, helps avoid misunderstandings later.

When all members agree on their priorities upfront:

• It simplifies discussions with developers and vendors.
• It prevents surprises during project execution.
• It helps focus negotiations on what truly matters.

Skipping this step often leads to delays, disputes, and distrust. Remember, redevelopment isn’t just about buildings; it’s about community.

Focus on building for the future, not just bigger spaces

Redevelopment should envision the society’s future lifestyle, not just add floors or increase flat sizes. Think about:

• Creating green open spaces that encourage outdoor activities and improve air quality.
• Designing safe, step-free pathways and entrances that help senior citizens and differently-abled residents move around easily.
• Planning parking thoughtfully to prevent congestion and protect vehicles.
• Including community halls, play areas, and wellness spaces that support multi-generational living.

This future-focused approach increases society’s attractiveness and ensures the new development remains relevant and comfortable for decades.

Think about the costs that come after the construction is done

A modern building can come with unexpected expenses if long-term costs aren’t considered. Societies should factor in:

• Maintenance of eco-friendly features like solar panels and water recycling systems.
• Regular upkeep of green spaces keeps the environment healthy and appealing.
• Utility costs that might fluctuate due to design choices (for example, air conditioning requirements if ventilation isn’t optimized).

Working with developers who specialize in sustainable and cost-effective building designs can save society money and stress later.

Keep everyone updated at every stage of the process

Redevelopment projects span years and involve many moving parts. Keeping members well-informed reduces anxiety and builds trust. Societies should:

• Hire an independent Project Management Advisor (PMA) to ensure unbiased oversight on timelines, budgets, and quality.
• Consult legal experts early on to protect members’ rights and clarify contractual obligations.
• Provide regular updates and hold open forums for members to ask questions and voice concerns.

Transparent communication fosters a collaborative environment where all stakeholders feel valued and heard.

Look beyond the price when choosing a developer

While financial proposals matter, they shouldn’t be the sole criterion. When selecting a developer, consider:

• Their ability to finance the project fully, avoiding mid-way stalls.
• Track record in delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Reputation for quality, safety, and after-sales service.
• Past client references and feedback from other societies.

Doing thorough due diligence now helps avoid costly issues later.

Treat society funds with care and plan for the long term

Funds like hardship allowances or corpus money are precious resources. Instead of viewing them as easy cash, societies should:

• Use these funds strategically to cover redevelopment expenses and contingencies.
• Maintain meticulous records of expenditures for transparency and accountability.
• Make collective decisions about spending to ensure fairness and prevent misuse.

A disciplined approach to fund management ensures financial stability during and after redevelopment.

Remember, redevelopment is about renewing your community

Ultimately, redevelopment shapes the future of your community. When done thoughtfully, it brings modern comforts, strengthens bonds among residents, and enhances property value. It’s an investment not just in infrastructure but in the social fabric that holds your society together.

Take your time, involve everyone, pick partners carefully, and build a home that welcomes generations to come.

Apartment terraces are more than just rooftops; they’re vital shared spaces that impact safety, community harmony, and legal compliance. Yet, questions often arise: Who owns the terrace? Can residents claim exclusive use? What can RWAs do to ensure safe access while complying with laws?

We understand the importance of managing terraces wisely. This guide walks you through terrace ownership rights, safety responsibilities, common conflicts, and practical solutions based on Indian laws & beyond.

What does the law say about terrace ownership?

In most Indian states, terraces are classified as common property shared by all apartment owners under the relevant apartment ownership acts, be it Maharashtra, Karnataka, or Tamil Nadu. Unless the building’s approved plan explicitly marks the terrace for “exclusive use” by a particular flat, it legally belongs to the entire community.

This principle has been consistently upheld by courts. For example, in a 2023 Mumbai case, the court ruled against a resident who blocked others from accessing the terrace, reinforcing the terrace’s status as a shared space.

What residents can & cannot do on the terrace?

Residents are entitled to access the terrace for normal activities like walking, drying clothes, or relaxing, provided these uses are safe and non-exclusive. However, there are limits:

• No construction of unauthorized rooms, sheds, or pergolas
• No locking terrace entrances for private use
• No installing satellite dishes or solar panels without proper approvals

If your access is unjustly denied, you can escalate the issue to the Registrar of Societies or the consumer courts.

RWAs’ Role in terrace safety & access

RWAs carry a heavy responsibility when managing terraces. Their primary duty is to keep terrace exits open and accessible at all times, especially during emergencies. Locking terrace doors might seem secure, but it’s illegal and potentially life-threatening if it blocks emergency evacuation routes.

They must also establish clear, community-approved terrace use guidelines through General Body Meetings (GBMs). Regular inspections to detect misuse or safety hazards are essential. Most importantly, all decisions about terrace access and restrictions should be transparent and documented, so residents understand the rules clearly.

Why does proper terrace management matter?

Unsafe terrace practices have resulted in tragic accidents. In Bengaluru, a 13-year-old child fell from an unbarricaded terrace in 2022, highlighting the dangers of inadequate safety measures. The 2010 Stephen Court fire in Kolkata, where locked terrace doors prevented escape, led to multiple fatalities. In Chennai and Pune, authorities have forcibly demolished unauthorized terrace structures, leading to fines and legal hassles for the societies involved.

These incidents remind us why terraces must be managed with safety and openness at the forefront.

Can a resident own a terrace exclusively?

Exclusive terrace ownership is possible but rare. For this to happen:

• The terrace must be directly attached only to that resident’s flat, with no shared access.
• The municipal plans must approve the exclusive use.
• Society bylaws and sale agreements should reflect this ownership.

Even then, owners must permit access during emergencies or for essential maintenance work.

How to avoid terrace disputes?

Preventing conflicts requires transparency and cooperation:

• RWAs should communicate whether terraces are common or exclusive areas.
• Both RWAs and residents should agree on terrace usage policies and abide by them.
• Security should balance safety and access. Permanent locks can be replaced with CCTV or controlled digital access.
• Societies must budget for regular terrace maintenance to prevent structural issues.
• Disputes should be addressed through formal notices and GBMs before taking legal routes.

When can RWAs limit terrace access?

RWAs can impose access restrictions to protect safety, for example:

• If the terrace railings or parapet walls are too low and pose a fall risk.
• If there are hazardous structures like lift rooms or solar panels.
• When building height exceeds safety limits, it makes casual terrace use unsafe.
• When terraces serve as emergency fire staircases, they must remain clear.
• Forbidding public events on terraces unless formally authorized.

Such restrictions must be approved in GBMs and communicated to residents.

Height & safety standards to know

India’s National Building Code (NBC) classifies buildings over 15 meters (approximately 5 floors) as high-rise. High-rises must comply with strict fire safety rules: fire escape stairs, rooftop emergency access, and firefighting equipment on terraces.

No terrace restrictions can compromise emergency access. Locked terraces without emergency keys violate fire safety laws and can result in severe liability for RWAs.

Due to these regulations and liability concerns, RWAs typically restrict terrace access in high-rise buildings.However, emergency access must always be preserved as per law.

What can residents do if they disagree with restrictions?

Residents can challenge restrictions if:

• RWAs permanently lock terraces without providing emergency override options like break-glass keys.
• Restrictions are applied unfairly or discriminatorily.
• No formal resolution supports the restriction.

Start by asking the managing committee for clarification. If unresolved, residents can approach the Registrar of Societies or escalate the matter legally.

Best practices for terrace management in gated communities

Effective management includes:

• Installing emergency override mechanisms such as break-glass keyboxes or digital controls.
• Using CCTV monitoring to ensure safety while deterring misuse.
• Posting clear safety signage about fire drills and emergency procedures.
• Scheduling regular structural audits by qualified engineers every 6 to 12 months.
• Maintaining transparent communication through circulars, the Mygate app, and notice boards.

Your apartment terrace is a shared community asset and an essential safety feature. Indian laws protect terraces as common property, but it’s up to RWAs and residents to use them safely and responsibly.
By knowing your rights, following clear guidelines, communities can ensure terraces remain safe, functional, and harmonious spaces for everyone.

Why choosing the right smart lock matters

In a country where security and convenience are becoming top priorities, smart locks are transforming how Indian homes, especially apartments and flats, manage access. Whether you’re a homeowner in a gated community or a tenant in a rental apartment, the right smart lock for your door ensures a seamless blend of safety, flexibility, and modern functionality.

However, not all doors are built the same. Choosing a lock that suits your main door type wooden, metal, flush, or framed, is essential for long-term performance, safety, and hassle-free installation.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know before buying the best smart lock for your main door in India in 2025.

Understand your door type

Your main door’s material and structure affect which type of lock can be installed. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Door Type	Common In	Lock Compatibility
Wooden Door	Apartments, villas	Supports mortise, deadbolt, latch locks
Metal Gate/Door	Independent homes	May require clamp locks or retrofit frames
Flush Door	Budget apartments	Compatible with minimal-depth smart locks
Framed Double Doors	Villas, bungalows	Needs dual latch or side bolt configuration

Lock type & installation fit

There are 4 primary smart lock configurations:

Lock Type	Description & Best Use
Mortise Lock	Fits inside the door, supports handle + latch. Ideal for wooden main doors in apartments.
Deadbolt Lock	External bolt added to existing latch. Popular for renters.
Rim Lock	Surface-mounted, often used in metal doors.
Smart Padlock	Clamp-based or portable. Used on secondary gates or rental homes.

Choose the right connectivity

Connectivity determines how you interact with the smart lock remotely.

Connectivity Type	Features	Works Without Internet?
Bluetooth	Unlock via nearby phone, no internet needed	Yes
WiFi	Remote unlock, OTP sharing, live alerts	No (needs router)
Zigbee/Z-Wave	Smart home automation support	Usually No
Offline PIN/RFID	Works without app or network	Yes

Best option for most homes: A hybrid model with both WiFi and Bluetooth, plus offline unlock methods (PIN/fingerprint).

Key security features you must have

Main doors are your primary line of defense. Therefore, your Smart Lock should offer the following features:

• Biometric fingerprint access: Fast, secure, non-shareable
• App unlock + OTP sharing: Great for family, staff, or guests
• Tamper alerts & intrusion log: Get notified of forced entry attempts
• Battery backup + USB override: Critical during power cuts

Measuring & checking compatibility

To ensure the lock fits your door perfectly:

• Door thickness: 30mm–50mm is ideal
• Backset (lock distance from door edge): 60mm–70mm
• Cutout type: Rectangular or circular
• Hinge orientation: Left-hand or right-hand swing?

If you’re unsure about your door measurements, choose brands that offer a free compatibility check or virtual consultation (like Mygate Smart Locks).

Frequently asked questions

Choosing the right smart lock for your main door in India depends on door type, lock format, connectivity (Bluetooth/WiFi), installation needs, and safety features like fingerprint and OTP. For flats, go for mortise or deadbolt locks with app control. Tenants should choose no-drill locks.