Commercial Real Estate Adopts AI Surveillance at Rapid Pace

September 22, 2026 - 05:20

Landlords and tenants across the commercial real estate sector are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to monitor their properties, fueling a growing market for tech-driven video surveillance. While companies such as Flock Safety have drawn public attention and regulatory scrutiny, a broader network of vendors has quietly established itself as a key player in the industry.

These vendors supply camera systems equipped with machine learning algorithms capable of tracking movement, identifying patterns, and flagging unusual activity in real time. Building owners use the technology to manage access, monitor parking areas, and respond to security incidents faster than traditional methods allow. Occupiers, meanwhile, see the tools as a way to protect assets and gather data on how their spaces are used.

The shift reflects a wider push toward automation in property management, where operators seek to cut costs and improve efficiency. Cameras that once simply recorded footage now analyze it, sending alerts and generating reports without human review.

Critics warn that the expansion of such systems raises questions about privacy, data retention, and the potential for misuse. Tenants and employees may not always know they are being watched or how the information collected is stored. Some cities have begun debating rules that would require disclosure or limit certain capabilities.

For now, demand shows little sign of slowing. As building owners compete to offer safer, smarter spaces, AI surveillance is becoming a standard feature rather than a novelty.