HOA Security & Access Control Costs (2026)
Uniformed patrols, remote camera monitoring, gate access management, and visitor tracking for HOA common areas, entrances, and parking lots.
Data last updated: 2026
National average monthly costs
Small HOA
Under 50 units
$500/mo
Medium HOA
50–150 units
$1,800/mo
Large HOA
150+ units
$5,500/mo
National average per unit: $28/unit/month
Regional cost ranges
Northeast
$30–$60/unit/mo
Urban density and higher crime indices drive demand for armed patrol options
Southeast
$18–$42/unit/mo
Gated community prevalence keeps competition robust and pricing moderate
Midwest
$15–$38/unit/mo
Lower overall security spend; camera monitoring more common than patrols
Southwest
$20–$45/unit/mo
Active-adult and master-planned communities drive strong demand
West Coast
$35–$70/unit/mo
Highest labor costs; live monitoring centers more prevalent
What's typically included and excluded
Typically included
- Regular vehicle or foot patrols of common areas and parking
- Gate access system monitoring and entry log maintenance
- Camera surveillance and incident recording
- Visitor check-in management at guarded entrances
- Incident reporting to HOA board within 24 hours
Typically excluded
- Armed security officers (billed at significant premium, typically $45–$85/hr)
- Physical access hardware installation or replacement
- Off-site monitoring center fees (sometimes bundled, often separate)
- License plate recognition (LPR) system hardware and licensing
Vendor selection tips
- 1Define patrol frequency explicitly in the contract — 'regular patrols' is not enforceable
- 2Request monthly incident summary reports as a contract deliverable
- 3Verify guard licensing requirements in your state; some states require licensed security agencies
- 4Camera coverage maps help boards understand blind spots before signing
Contract red flags to watch for
- Vendor cannot provide proof of guard licensing and background check program
- No written incident reporting process or reporting turnaround guarantee
- Contract locks in camera hardware owned by the vendor — you lose footage access if you switch
- Vague patrol routes with no GPS tracking or verification system
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Start 14-Day Free TrialCost data represents estimates based on available market data, industry benchmarks, and publicly available vendor pricing as of 2026. Actual costs vary by region, community size, scope of services, and local labor markets. Always obtain multiple bids and review contract terms carefully. This page provides general reference information only — not financial or legal advice.