Intercom Systems & Package Deliveries
Intercom Panels & How to Use
Smaller buildings / units have built-in wall panels where the front door intercom panel directly calls the in-unit panel. Most of our larger properties have intercom systems that are pre-programmed to dial out a phone number.
Intercom systems that dial out to a phone # can only have one phone programmed for each unit. North Berkeley Properties may sometimes pre-program a phone # during the move-in process but we may not always remember to do this during the summer months due to a high number of move-ins.
To change the phone # programmed for your unit please submit a repair request via your resident portal with that new phone # – AppFolio Resident Portal
When the building’s intercom system dials out to your phone # it will always be from the same phone (usually a local 510). We recommend saving it to your contact list so you remember it and can answer the call.
You can answer the phone call like normal and talk to the person at the front door (we recommend doing this for security reasons and to prevent misdeliveries).
To then buzz the gate open residents will press either ‘6‘ or ‘9‘ on their phone. Each intercom system is different so it could be either #. Residents can ask the office or test it out themselves. The phone call will always disconnect if the door unlocks after pressing the correct #. If the phone call remains connected the door has not unlocked.
Keeping Track of Your Packages / Receive Email Updates
To help residents keep track of their online packages and know when their mail or online orders will arrive we have compiled a list of various resources and free services.
Amazon
Most of our managed properties with common area gates have Amazon Key devices pre-installed which allows for Amazon employees to use their tablets to automatically unlock the gate when making deliveries without them needing to use the call box to reach residents.
Note – this may not apply to some same day / overnight deliveries via Amazon which may utilize 3rd party or non-Amazon employees.
Residents can add their call box number and/or specify preferred delivery locations or instructions online in their Amazon account settings. You can add these instructions by going to:
Your account -> Account -> Your Addresses -> ‘Add Delivery Instructions’
USPS Mail and Packages (Post Office)
Residents can sign up for USPS Informed Delivery which is a free service and emails residents when they should receive mail or packages at their apartment mailbox each day. This way residents know when they should check their mailbox and/or report mail missing.
Residents that are gone for an extended period can request USPS to hold their mail and USPS packages for a temporary period of time that can be specified. This is another free service that can help avoid possible mail theft or a overfilled mailbox.
** Please note that these services must be set up for each member of your household if they have a different name / family name **
UPS Package Tracking
UPS My Choice offers a free basic service that allows residents to receive emails when they are receiving a UPS package sent to their address in their name and the expected delivery date. Residents can also sign up to get emails when the package is successfully delivered so they know when to look for it. Additional paid services can be done to reroute packages, change a delivery date, etc.
Residents can also provide the intercom instructions to the UPS driver using this website (eg: press #101 on call box for Apt #101)
FedEx Package Tacking
FedEx Delivery Manager offers a free basic service that also allows package tracking and email updates. Residents can provide intercom instructions as well and pay for additional services like package rerouting or hold services.
OnTrac
We recommend providing instructions on using the front gate intercom (if applicable) for your building online. Residents will need to enter their package tracking # and provide delivery instructions here – https://www.ontrac.com/tracking/
Other – Weee, Instacart, etc.
Most grocery delivery services will allow you to provide instructions online on the intercom system or call box # so the vendor knows what to press on the call box vs leaving the delivery outside the building.