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We already use key fobs, not sure what benefits the building is getting from Latch / or what Latch's business model is.
My first guess would be to support AirBnB usage. I've never seen Latch but I wouldn't be surprised whether apartment owners who rent their apartments out on AirBnB grant temporary access by asking the users to install the app and then sending them "an electronic key".
No idea how Latch got on yesterday during the us-east-1 outage but it might be worth reminding your neighbours that they're introducing a significant dependency into their lives. You might also ask them how many times they've heard of targetted phone thefts by comparison with targetted key/fob theft.
I wonder if you could demand they provide the device you need to open your door, they provide a key fob for that reason.
> not sure what benefits the building is getting from Latch My first guess would be to support AirBnB usage. I've never seen Latch but I wouldn't be surprised whether apartment owners who rent their apartments out on AirBnB grant temporary access by asking the users to install the app and then sending them "an electronic key". No idea how Latch got on yesterday during the us-east-1 outage but it might be worth remind…
One benefit would be less need to change locks when someone loses a key, but since OP says they already use keyfobs, that's not a new benefit.
What happens if you can't install the app? If you don't have a smartphone? The build surely can't require you to get a smartphone to live in the building you're already living in? I don't live in the US so genuine questions. I wonder if you could demand they provide the device you need to open your door, they provide a key fob for that reason.
Their solution may still suck and fail when some remote server fails or there is a power cut, but it doesn't require a smartphone.