Property management can be difficult, but the right software makes it simple! Discover all about this helpful tool and see which programs are available to make managing properties a breeze.
Property management software is a comprehensive solution for managing and maintaining rental properties. It can help ease the process of managing tenants, finances, maintenance, repairs, and more. In addition, it provides insights into property data, streamlining the entire workflow of rental property owners or landlords.
This blog post provides information about property management software, its usefulness, and what is available on the market.
What is Property management software?
Property management software is a powerful tool for landlords and real estate professionals, making daily tenant operations easier. With this sophisticated system in place, you can stay up to date on leases and maintenance tasks and collect rent efficiently while reducing overhead costs, ultimately simplifying your workflow.
The Property management software also automates tedious tasks like rent payments, document signing, and tenant communication, helping to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
Property managers can also track important data such as tenant details, vacancy rates, and financial records all in one place. These tools make it easy to stay organized while enhancing operational performance.
Benefits of Property management software for property managers and owners
Here are just a few key advantages of using such software:
Streamlined Tenant Management
Property management software allows users to easily manage their tenants’ rental agreements and payment schedules, maintain service requests, communication logs, and more within a convenient platform.
This eliminates tedious manual filing systems and makes tenant-related details accessible anytime.
Increased Efficiency
Utilizing an automated system helps reduce paperwork and human error while increasing efficiency in many areas of your business operations.
Property management software is designed with productivity in mind, from automating financial calculations like late fees or rent increments to providing easy access to applicants’ information in the leasing process.
Improved Communication
With interactive support tools, tenants can easily submit maintenance requests quickly and conveniently via mobile devices or computer applications—which greatly improves response times for both landlords and tenants with less hassle involved on both ends.
Maintenance staff can also track the status of the requests and record related expenses associated with each request—all via the same platform.
Automated Financial Record Keeping
Property management systems help keep track of everything from monthly rent payments received by tenants (including late payments) up through year-end tax filings due on properties owned by you or your clients; this helps streamline the bookkeeping tasks put off until the deadline down the line.
Plus, it saves valuable time not having to manually enter data into disparate spreadsheets & tracks payments made across multiple accounts without sacrificing accuracy or organization.
Enhanced Security & Safety
Using cloud-based property management technology gives extra layers of security against data breaches since stored information is encrypted on multiple levels protecting the confidential data that often need to be tracked over long periods, such as resident lease agreements, payment histories, and more.
Additionally, many platforms include customizable alerts which can notify landlords whenever something suspicious occurrences like unauthorized entry attempts into buildings and others.
List of property management software
1. Buildium
Buildium is an American revolutionary cloud-based property management system founded In 2004 that gives managers of residential and association properties the tools to run their businesses from anywhere, anytime – no office needed! With Buildium’s user-friendly platform, take control over rent & payments, vacancy management maintenance cycles, and accounting.
Features
- Property management
- Online collection of rent
- Tenant searching
- Online leasing
- Maintenance request
- Property management website
- 1099 e-Filling
- Property management website
- Buildium website
- Rental listing syndications
Pricing
It offers 14 days free trial and three plans.
- Essential: Starting at $55 per month
- Growth: Starting at $174 per month
- Premium: Starting at $375 per month
15% discount when residents use select services.
Likes
- Management is making it easier for residents to access their rental accounts online, allowing even those new to technology the opportunity to keep up with rent and utility payments.
- Training sessions are useful.
- Customer service and online help and good
Dislikes
- Users who are not computer savvy may find it difficult.
- Complicated to use without training
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Supported device | Desktop – Mac, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iPhone, iPad |
| Supported languages | English |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat |
| Training | Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer ratings | Capterra: 4.5 out of 5 (1950+reviews), G2: 4.3 out of 5 (148+reviews) |
User opinion
Overall, Buildium is user-friendly and helps collect rent easily and quickly, and you can get the best customer service from their team.
2. Rent manager
Rent Manager, property management software, is a flagship software product of the London computer system for product management, with many features for people who own property.
It is customizable and can be used for properties of different sizes. Rent Manager can help you run your business more effectively and efficiently.
Features
- Complete accounting system
- Rent tracking
- Billing invoicing
- Lease tracking
- Tenant Portal
- Maintainance management
- Expense tracking
- Business operations
- Reporting and software customization
Pricing
Rent Manager provides a free demo. It offers three plans.
- Basic: $1 per unit per month ( Unlimited user)
- Plus: $1.50 per unit per month( Unlimited user)
- Premium:$ 2,25 per unit per month(Unlimited user)
Likes
- Rent Manager had user-defined fields for properties, which made it easy to run property specials in your online availability.
- Tenants can now pay their rent online with this, which is more convenient for them.
- User-friendly and easy to learn
- Supportive team members
Dislikes
- Some users say that they are having a problem with the window.
- The open office link for document review could be better.
- Sometimes the computer freezes at the worst possible moment.
- One problem with this software is that it needs to calculate the monthly charges correctly. So if you have a charge in the middle of the month, it will not be posted with the first month’s rent roll posting.
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Supported device | Desktop – Mac, Windows, On-Premise – Windows, Linux, Android,iPhone,iPad |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, Knowledge Base, Phone Support |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer ratings | Capterra: 4.4 out of 5 (226+reviews), G2: 4.4 out of 5 (62+reviews) |
User opinion
Rent manager is a good software for businesses of all sizes. Good features and easy integration is other plus point.
3. AppFolio property manager
AppFolio is a property management software different from others because it focuses on its customers and their success. AppFolio’s powerful platform empowers your property management team to offer outstanding service and exceed expectations.
This intuitive software provides all the tools necessary for streamlining processes and building successful businesses, from multifamily complexes to single-family homes.
Features
- Accounting and Reporting
- Maintenance and efficiency
- Staffing and training
- Management and growth
- Marketing and leasing
- Communication and service
Pricing
You must fill out the online form to book a free demo. Pricing plans are as bellow.
- Residential
- Core ( Designed for midsize): $1.40/unit/month(Minimum monthly fee $280)
- Plus (Designed for 1000+units): $3/unit/month(minimum monthly fee $1500)
- Community associates
- Core (Designed to manage the entire business): $0.80/unit/month (minimum monthly fee $280)
- Commercial
- Core(Designed for Midsize): $1.50/unit/month(minimum monthly fee $280)
- Plus( Designed for larger mixed portfolio): $3/unit/month(Minimum monthly fee $1500)
Likes
- User-friendly integration and changes
- Consistent improvisation of software is appreciable.
- Continuous updation of software makes a better user experience.
Dislikes
- The work order and repair process is lengthy
- Users expect the option of uploading more photos to work orders
- AppFolio charges you a monthly fee for each property you have listed in its database.
- Requires setup time, a lot of data entry needed
- It takes time for learning curves
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Supported device | Android,iPhone,iPad |
| Supported languages | English, Spanish |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat |
| Training | Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer ratings | Capterra: 4.5 out of 5 (1822+reviews), G2: 4.4 out of 5 (281+reviews) |
User opinion
Overall AppFolio software is created to help the property management industry to keep track of all the properties. This software makes it easy to manage our client’s portfolios efficiently.
4. Total Management
Total Management is an innovative, cloud-based property management software solution designed to make managing large portfolios of apartments and commercial spaces easier than ever.
With the power of multitasking at your fingertips within a single web browser – no tabs are required! – users can keep on top of even their most detailed accounts just like they do with Quickbooks.
Features
- Training and onboarding
- Tenant screening
- Rent tracking resource
- Tenant Portal
- Comprehensive accounting
- Tax reconciliation
- Common area maintenance
- Easy navigation with increased multitasking
- Data and security
Pricing
It provides three plans.
- Residential: $1/unit/month(Billed monthly)
- One-time setup: You need to consult the product specialist
- Commercial: $2.5/unit/month(Billed monthly)
Likes
- Easy to understand and easy to use
- It can be used anywhere
- Great customer support
- Reasonable cost and one-to-one service
- Easy integration with any new site
Dislikes
- No opportunity to edit any entry
- Invoicing, reporting, and customization are limited.
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Chat |
| Training | Webinars, Videos |
| Customer ratings | Capterra: 4.2 out of 5 (89+reviews) |
User opinion
This innovative starter software provides robust features to manage extensive multi-building and tenant operations. Though it still has room for improvement, this solution is far superior to the excel spreadsheets used previously – offering more accurate tracking and greater efficiency.
5. Entrata
Entrata® revolutionized the property management software industry in 2003 by introducing a single-login, open-access platform with an array of online tools. Today, 20 thousand apartment communities nationwide are empowered to use Entrata’s unparalleled selection of advanced systems for websites, mobile apps, and more.
With their comprehensive suite of features, up-to-date APIs, and integrations from popular third-party software providers, managers can customize innovative solutions specific to their needs, making managing easier.
Features
- Resident pay
- Resident Portal
- Entratamation: Access control
- Message center
- Facility management
- Marketing and leasing
- Accounting
- Reporting
- Resident utilities
- Utility expense management
- Utility procurement
Pricing
Contact the vendor directly for pricing details. Entrata offers demo sessions for each customer.
Likes
- Easy to work and very simple
- Fast customer service
- Suitable for all devices ranging from laptops, tablets smartphones
- Ability to send emails and text messages directly to residents
Dislikes
- Some users felt they needed help to know which report provides complete information.
- Sometimes some mistakes happen, and you need to fix them.
User opinion
Overall, Entrata is making the multifamily industry easier. They have an experienced support team on hand 24/7, plus trainers to provide daily webinars or in-person training. In addition, for personalized guidance day by day, their Customer Success Managers ensure your company has all it needs for success with Entrata.
6. Property Boulevard
Property Boulevard is property management software; It is comprehensive, easy to use, and capable of managing multiple buildings and users simultaneously in the cloud or onsite networks. Property Boulevard can be a game changer in this industry thanks to its unique features compared with any other software available.
Features
- Receivable charges
- Payable charges
- Accounting and banking
- Payroll
- Productivity and security features
- Unit and tenant management features
- Vendors, maintenance, and inventory
Pricing
For pricing, you need to contact the company directly
Likes
- The software was easy to convert to, and their ability to design reports quickly that copied our existing processes was very helpful.
- Knowledgable customer service people and quick response
- The accounting solution can be used together with the property/tenant/vendor solution, which is very helpful.
Dislikes
- It is a bit slow on old computers.
- The payroll and reports cannot be drilled down, and users cannot create their reports from data unless they know how to program in Crystal.
- No way to itemize residential vs. commercial
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Phone Support, Chat |
| Supported device | Windows, On-Premise – Windows, Linux, Android,iPhone, iPad |
| Training | Webinars, Live Online, Videos |
| Customer ratings | Capterra: 4.2 out of 5 (16+reviews), G2: 3.8 out of 5 (3+reviews) |
User opinion
Property Boulevard helps landlords, owners, and property managers manage their properties more efficiently with its user-friendly interface and powerful tools for tracking finances, organizing data accuracy, and increasing productivity.
7. Rentic Direct
Rentec Direct is a website tool that helps landlords and property managers. This property management software is designed to help people manage properties with 25 to 5,000 units. Rentec has no startup fees, no term commitments, and unlimited US-based customer service and training.
Features
- Tenant control
- Tenant screening
- Lead Tracking
- Rental property marketing
- Accounting features
- Operation features
- Leasing and Management
Pricing
- Pro: $45/unit/month(billed monthly),$41/unit/month(billed annually)
- PM: $55/unit/month(billed monthly),$50/unit/month(billed annually)
You need to contact them directly if your unit requirements are above 2500.
Likes
- Easy to setup and easy to use
- Affordable software and adding more support articles and functionality
- Easy listing of rental property either syndicating it to listing services.
Dislikes
- Functionality in the accounting area is limited
- Online payment could be still more user-friendly
- Paychecks are not easier
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat |
| Supported device | Mac, Windows, Chromebook, Mobile – Android, iPhone, iPad |
| Training | Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer ratings | Capterra: 4.6 out of 5 (182+reviews) |
User opinion
Rentec Direct is a comprehensive property management software designed to help landlords and property managers easily manage their rental properties. It also provides tools that allow you to receive automated tenant messages via text or email when it comes time to renew leases or notify tenants about maintenance tasks.
8. Yardi Breeze
This cloud-based property management software, founded in 1982, helps with property marketing, leasing, accounting, etc.
Yardi Breeze can help you manage your portfolio, whether it’s for residential or commercial properties, affordable housing, manufactured housing, condos/associations, or self-storage.
In addition, Yardi Breeze Premier has even more features, like automated invoice processing, job costing, custom reporting, menu-level security controls, and more.
Features
- Residential use
- Commercial
- Affordable housing
- Self-storage
- Associations
- Manufacturing housing
- Public housing agency(PHA)
Pricing
It offers two plans.
- Breeze: Starting from $1/unit/month
- Breeze premier: Starting from $ 2/unit/month
Likes
- Easy integration with bank accounts and EPF
- Effective Management of documents of leases and tenants
- Intuitive and user-friendly
- Good customer service
- Useful online webinars
Dislikes
- No tenant credit button to issue tenant credit
- Users felt Rent cafe’s confusion
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Phone Support, Chat |
| Supported languages | English |
| Training | Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer ratings | Capterra: 4.6 out of 5 (182+reviews) |
User opinion
Overall, Yardi Breeze provides solutions to manage property management functions, like rent collection and the lessee payment portal. It also enables users to communicate with tenants online, market properties online and via its associated MLS service RENTcafe.com, and organize maintenance requests.
9. Innago
Innago is a free property management software solution that is easy to use. It is designed to help you save time and money. Its mission is to make renting simple, accessible, and affordable for landlords of any size.
Features
- Online rent payment
- Maintenance request
- Expence and reporting
- Online lease signing
- Renters Insurance
- Security and cloud
- Tenant searching
- Mobile app
Pricing
Innago software is completely free.
Likes
- Easy to use with clean reports, lease documents, and lease templates
- It offers free doc sign for leases and documents
- Innago is self-explanatory software with no need for any technical knowledge.
- Attractive UI, Comprehensive reporting, informative dashboard
Dislikes
- Users expecting better landlord mobile app
- No integration with Quickbooks
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat |
| Supported device | Mac, Windows, Mobile – Android, iPhone, iPad |
| Training | Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer ratings | Capterra: 4.9 out of 5 (234+reviews), G2: 4.9 out of 5 (155+reviews) |
User opinion
Innago has many features for a no or low price. It also works well for rental businesses. The features help landlords and property managers save time, learn quickly, and grow their businesses.
10. Avail, by Realtor.com
Avail is the ultimate tool for landlords acquired by Realtors: advertise your rental property on a dozen sites, screen tenants with tailored questions, run comprehensive background checks, create and sign custom leases specific to each state – plus easily manage rent payments and other expenses. An avail is a free software.
Features
- Rental listing
- Rental application
- Digital leases and signing
- Tenant screening
- Rent price analysis
- Maintenance tracking
- Renter profile
Pricing
- Unlimited: Free
- Unlimited plus: $5/unit/month
Likes
- One-stop view for all rental views
- The easy user interface makes it easy lessor to manage rentals
- Newsletters, articles, and templates on their webpage are also useful
- The autoplay feature makes payments hassle-free
- The customizable lease creation process
- Timely notification about payments
Dislikes
- Some users felt UI is a little Outdated
- Not access to FAR leases(Federal acquisition regulation)
- Automatic late fee functionalities can be expanded
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat |
| Supported languages | English |
| Supported device | Desktop – Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, iPad |
| Training | Live Online, Webinars, Documentation |
| Customer ratings | Capterra: 4.6 out of 5 (243+reviews), G2: 4.8 out of 5 (85+reviews) |
User opinion
Overall, Avail by Realtor property management software is a good platform with effective features. Very responsive customer service. The lease is easy to set up, and anyone can change existing clauses or add them to fit their property’s needs. Payments can also be set up and paid online by the tenants.
Conclusion
Property management software can provide landlords and property managers with a comprehensive solution for managing, maintaining, and operating rental properties. It can help smooth operations and reduce costs while providing real-time insights into the tenant, financial and operational data.
This type of software is an essential tool for any rental property business, and selecting the right system, depends on the needs of each business or organization.
Additionally, considering factors such as features available, cost of ownership, customer support, and ease of use before making a decision is important. In our post, we have presented the best property management software and the necessary details, and we hope they help you make the right decision.