Top 12 Property Management Software for Self-Managing Landlords
Managing rental properties can be challenging, especially for self-managing landlords juggling tasks like tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance management, and accounting. To simplify these responsibilities, several property management software solutions offer robust tools tailored for landlords. Here’s an in-depth overview of the top 12 property management software options to help you streamline your rental operations.
1. Buildium
Overview: Buildium is a comprehensive property management platform designed for residential property managers. It provides tools for rent collection, lease management, maintenance coordination, and accounting.
Key Features:
•Automated rent collection.
•Tenant screening and lease tracking.
•Detailed accounting tools.
Pricing: Starts at $50/month.
Website: Buildium
Reviews: Rated 4.5/5 on Capterra.
2. AppFolio Property Manager
Overview: AppFolio is a versatile software for landlords managing residential, commercial, and mixed portfolios. Its advanced tools make it ideal for larger operations.
Key Features:
•Comprehensive accounting and reporting.
•Online rent collection and maintenance management.
•Marketing tools for property listings.
Pricing: Starts at $280/month.
Website: AppFolio
Reviews: Rated 4.5/5 on Capterra.
3. TenantCloud
Overview: TenantCloud offers a free, cloud-based platform ideal for landlords with small to medium portfolios. It simplifies rent collection, tenant screening, and maintenance management.
Key Features:
•Free rent collection and expense tracking.
•Tenant screening with background checks.
•Maintenance request management.
Pricing: Free or $12/month for premium features.
Website: TenantCloud
Reviews: Rated 4.5/5 on Capterra.
4. Rentec Direct
Overview: Rentec Direct is a reliable software for landlords seeking robust tools for rent collection, accounting, and tenant management.
Key Features:
•Online payments and expense tracking.
•Tenant screening tools.
•Marketing tools for rental properties.
Pricing: Starts at $35/month.
Website: Rentec Direct
Reviews: Rated 4.5/5 on Capterra.
5. Avail
Overview: Avail is tailored for DIY landlords, offering essential tools for rent collection, tenant screening, and lease agreements.
Key Features:
•Customizable, state-specific lease templates.
•Automated rent reminders and online payments.
•Tenant screening with credit and eviction checks.
Pricing: Free or $5/unit per month for premium features.
Website: Avail
Reviews: Rated 4.5/5 on Capterra.
Also read The Hidden Costs of Self-Management: Why a Property Manager Pays for Themselves
6. Cozy (Now Apartments.com)
Overview: Cozy, now part of Apartments.com, offers free tools for rent collection, property listings, and tenant management.
Key Features:
•Free ACH rent payments.
•Tenant screening with credit checks.
•Expense tracking and lease management.
Pricing: Free.
Website: Apartments.com
Reviews: Rated 4.6/5 on Capterra.
7. Hemlane
Overview: Hemlane is a hybrid property management solution offering tools for automation and access to local agents for property showings and inspections.
Key Features:
•Local agent network for property management.
•Automated rent collection and tenant screening.
•Maintenance request tracking and coordination.
Pricing: Starts at $30/property per month.
Website: Hemlane
Reviews: Rated 4.5/5 on Capterra.
8. Stessa
Overview: Stessa is a free accounting-focused software designed for landlords to manage rental income and expenses effectively.
Key Features:
•Automated expense tracking and categorization.
•Real-time financial performance insights.
•Tax preparation tools.
Pricing: Free.
Website: Stessa
Reviews: Rated 4.7/5 on Capterra.
9. Propertyware
Overview: Propertyware is a robust software solution for managing single-family rental portfolios. It offers advanced tools for larger operations.
Key Features:
•Customizable dashboards and workflows.
•Comprehensive accounting and reporting.
•Maintenance request tracking.
Pricing: Starts at $250/month minimum.
Website: Propertyware
Reviews: Rated 4.3/5 on Capterra.
10. TurboTenant
Overview: TurboTenant is a free, landlord-focused platform offering marketing, tenant screening, and rent collection tools.
Key Features:
•Free property listings on major platforms.
•Tenant screening with background and credit checks.
•Online rent payments and reminders.
Pricing: Free.
Website: TurboTenant
Reviews: Rated 4.6/5 on Capterra.
11. Rentvine
Overview: Rentvine is a modern property management software offering scalable features for landlords managing multiple properties.
Key Features:
•Automated rent collection and tenant screening.
•Maintenance request tracking and vendor management.
•Comprehensive accounting tools.
Pricing: Starts at $25/month minimum.
Website: Rentvine
Reviews: Rated 4.8/5 on Capterra.
12. DoorLoop
Overview: DoorLoop is an intuitive property management platform with mobile-friendly features and excellent customer support.
Key Features:
•Online rent payments with automated reminders.
•Property listings syndication to major platforms.
•Comprehensive accounting tools and reporting.
Pricing: Starts at $49/month for up to 20 units.
Website: DoorLoop
Reviews: Rated 4.9/5 on Capterra.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right property management software depends on your portfolio size, budget, and specific needs. For landlords managing small portfolios, free or low-cost platforms like TenantCloud, TurboTenant, and Stessa are excellent options. For those with larger portfolios, more advanced solutions like Buildium, AppFolio, or Rentvine may be better suited. By leveraging these tools, landlords can save time, minimize stress, and maximize efficiency in managing their properties.