Property leasing and management entails so many responsibilities, from maintenance and admin to inspections. Even with only a few rental properties to manage and maintain, it can get very complicated, really fast! Fortunately, help is at hand, in the form of rental property management software.
But how can you know which ones are the best property management software for small landlords? Read on and you’ll find out. We examine the various benefits of this type of software and which features to look for. And, of course, we cover the 10 best options on the market to help you make your choice.
Benefits of Property Management Software for Small Landlords
Rental property management software offers some fantastic benefits:
Better Time Management
Property management takes up a lot of your day. You’re addressing maintenance requests, conducting inspections, communicating with residents, and much more. Even if you only manage only a few properties, you’ll be constantly busy.
Property management software allows you to automate property management tasks like resident communications and property inspections. You’ll simplify property management, manage your time more effectively, and get more done.
More Professional Service
Just because you’re not a large company, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t offer high-end services. Property managers who use good rental property management software offer both property owners and residents more professional property management services.
Do you want to grow your small property rental business? Or increase your services until they rival your biggest competitors? Perhaps you just want to improve your professionalism. Whatever your goals, the right software makes them achievable.
The Economical Choice
When you’re a small landlord or a fledgling property management business, it helps to have others sharing the workload. But what if you’re a property owner who can’t afford the services of a property manager or a property manager with a very small team? Property management software is the solution.
You don’t need a large team helping you manage properties when you have the right software. It maximizes the potential of single operators and small teams, so you can focus on building your rental property business.
What to Look for in Property Management Software
So, what should you look for in rental property management software? The best property management software for property managers and small landlords will have the following features.
User-Friendly Interface
Nobody has the time to set aside hours trying to make sense of complicated software. Regardless of how useful it may sound in theory, any software you choose must have an easy setup and user-friendly interface.
This should be your first consideration. Why is this the case? When software is easy to implement, understand, and navigate, it can make a bigger difference to your workflows, sooner.
Price
Although it’s not necessarily the most important factor, price cannot be ignored. The less you spend on your property management software, the more you’ll have to allocate to other important expenses like property maintenance.
But that does not mean it has to be free property management software. Nor does it mean that you should settle for less to save a few dollars. Rather than look for the lowest price, look for a budget-friendly option offering the best value for your money.
Features
The specialized features are what make any type of software relevant and useful. Of course, some property management features will be more useful to you than others.
To narrow down the list of features you need, think about your biggest need when it comes to property management. Does the software you’re considering using offer features that meet this need?
The best property management software features are the ones that increase efficiency. There are different software types and rental property accounting tools for different aspects of property management.
Integrations
Integrations are another important property management software feature to look for.
You may already have a preferred platform that allows you to draft leases and another that offers expense tracking or accepts online rent payments. But what about your other property management tasks like the various types of property inspections and reports?
Check which integrations are offered before you select a new property management software product. By using an app that integrates with your existing software, you enjoy higher efficiency and seamless workflows.
Scalability
You may be a small landlord or property manager now, but you probably have plans to scale your property rental business.
Your software must help you to run your property rental business now and also achieve that goal in the future. But is the software on your mind scalable? In other words, can it accommodate multiple extra properties without incurring too much extra cost or hassle?
The more scalable your software, the easier you’ll find it to grow your property rental business. So choose property management software that can streamline property management tasks equally as well for a couple of rental units as for multiple properties.
Customer Support
Does your software choice offer customer support? It might not seem like a crucial factor, but it is much more important than you’d think. What if your new staff aren’t sure how to use the software, or you experience technical difficulties? That can cause delays no one can afford.
Everyone needs a little help with their management tasks sometimes, even seasoned property managers. Look for multiple customer support channels including 24/7 helplines, and live chat options. This is what will help you make the most of your software even when things go wrong.
10 Best Property Management Software for Small Landlords and Property Managers
These are 10 of the most popular property management software options for property managers and small landlords.
Some of these platforms and apps are very comprehensive, while others are niche products for specific property management tasks. But whatever your property management requirements are, you’ll find one to meet your unique needs.
1. RentCheck
RentCheck makes property management a breeze for property owners, property managers, and residents. It offers customizable inspection lists and automated reports for property inspections at all stages of the property rental cycle. And it allows residents to do the inspections themselves.
You choose the cadence and set the timeline and reminders, and RentCheck does the rest. It reminds residents of upcoming inspections and allows them to perform the inspections themselves. You review the reports remotely, checking them alongside historic reports for inconsistencies.
This is made even easier with 360-degree images. RentCheck’s in-app 360-degree camera feature allows scrutiny of every corner of a rental property. The app also integrates with other popular property management, work order, and work automation tools.
RentCheck saves you time and effort and reduces unnecessary conflict with residents and security deposit disputes. It’s easy to use for property owners, property managers, and residents, and is affordable, too.
Top Features
- You have access to unlimited resident-led and internal inspections on every pricing plan.
- Get automated inspection checklists for every stage of the rental cycle, from move-in to move-out.
- Automation and customizable options allow you to use RentCheck the way that best suits you.
- Choose from three affordable price plans (includes an Enterprise plan for large property management companies, with pro-add-ons).
- The software offers 24/7 Help Center and live chat support for property teams and residents, across all price plans.
2. Buildium
Buildium is property management software that allows you to manage the leasing process, submit maintenance requests, track maintenance requests, and other resident communications. You can even use it to collect rent payments online.
It can be used by small landlords or small property management companies looking for an all-in-one solution. However, it’s most suitable for larger property management companies. Buildium is suitable for residential rental properties, commercial properties, and even student housing property management.
Top Features
- Property managers can use a free property management template.
- Submit and manage maintenance requests with the specialized Maintenance Contact Center.
- Track all your property-related expenses and online rent payments with built-in rental property accounting tools.
3. TenantCloud
TenantCloud is property management software with features that include resident screening, drafting lease agreements, and managing maintenance requests. You can also use it to collect rent online and report rent payments to credit bureaus.
You’ll stay up-to-date and on track with all of your property management duties with the TenantCloud calendar. It syncs with Google for even better calendar management, so you don’t schedule tasks for unavailable timeslots and never miss an important property management event.
Top Features
- TenantCloud has partnered with Rentler® to help TenantCloud landlords and property managers find suitable renter candidates.
- Screen residents, draft leases, and accept rent payments all through the platform.
- Sync the TenantCloud calendar with Google for better all-around appointment scheduling.
4. Avail
Avail is software designed specifically for property managers, allowing you to find residents, view their credit history, facilitate lease signing, and collect rental payments.
If you’re a small landlord or property manager new to the rental property game, Avail’s range of features will help you list your property, find the right renters, and manage their rentals. You can use the platform for security deposit and rent payments by linking the software to your preferred bank account.
Top Features
- Online property listings, resident screening, and background checks are made easy and convenient. You can also customize leases with state-specific templates.
- Accept residents’ maintenance and repair requests and track their progress.
- Have rent deposited directly into your bank account with an easy set-up process.
5. zInspector
zInspector is a property inspection solution for the property management, real estate, and construction trades. But it can also be used by small landlords/property managers looking for mobile property inspection tools. With the zInspector app, your whole team can access inspection reports, photos, and videos on all their devices.
The reports and images are organized and backed up to the app so you can easily search for them later on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. For even more convenience, zInspector integrates with your property accounting software and auto-generates work orders.
Top Features
- Document your rental property inspections with photos and videos, accessible on all your devices.
- It offers in-app comparisons with previous inspection photos and videos.
- Sync the app with your list of contacts for automatic sharing of property inspection reports.
6. RentRedi
RentRedi is a property management app for property owners/managers that lets you list and market your rental properties, screen residents, collect rent payments, and more.
With the landlord app, you can manage rent payments, send reminders, apply late fees for missed rent payments, etc., all from a user-friendly dashboard. It also lets you link your bank and credit card accounts electronically for all your rental property accounting needs.
Top Features
- Residents can apply for rentals, request maintenance, and manage renter’s insurance, all through the app.
- Landlords and property managers can list properties, screen residents, and manage renter applications.
- Use it to allow your renters to pay their rent online.
7. Landlordy
Landlordy is an app that’s been specifically designed for managing your rental properties from the convenience of your smartphone. It integrates with your smartphone’s existing camera, email, and messaging apps for ease of use.
Landlordy helps small landlords/property managers to operate without the logistical hassles or expense of an extensive property management team or office. You can use it to track rent payments, organize maintenance records, and schedule safety checks.
Landlordy also allows you to email/text invoices and receipts to residents and balance reports to your accountant.
Top Features
- The app turns your smartphone into a mobile property management office.
- Use Landlordy to send your rental invoices and payment receipts to residents via email and text.
- Send your accountant your balance reports and any other relevant documentation from the app for easier tax prep.
8. SimplifyEm
Simplify your property management duties with SimplifyEm, a rental property management software product designed by real estate professionals. You can use it if you are a property owner or property manager, no matter if you manage one property or multiple properties.
SimflifyEm lets you find and screen prospective residents (at an additional cost), collect online applications (at an additional cost), manage residents’ and lease information, and collect online rental payments (a small transaction fee applies).
The Starter plan is ideal for small landlords/property managers and can be used for up to 30 properties, while the Plus plan covers up to 2000 rental units. However, every batch of 10 units above 100 is billed in extra increments. If you are a property manager, you also use the app to communicate with residents and property owners.
Top Features
- It offers a mobile app compatible with iOS and Android.
- Both the Starter and Plus price plans can be used for an individual rental property or multiple rental property units.
- Enjoy free onboard training for all users, and support for residents, property owners, and property managers.
9. Property Matrix
If you’re looking for fully customizable property management software for your rental property document management and accounting, Property Matrix might be right for you. You can track lease agreements, manage properties, and handle your rental property accounting all in one place.
With Property Matrix, you can automate and manage communications with residents on the Communications Hub. The payment platform allows you to accept online payments with no processing costs or transaction fees. You can also scan and deposit check payments.
Top Features
- It offers a convenient communications hub for messages between property owners, property managers, and residents.
- Track leases and manage your rental property accounting through the platform.
- It offers a zero-cost payment platform.
10. DoorLoop
DoorLoop’s property management software solution is suitable for commercial or residential rental property management. If you’re looking to automate your rental property tasks, this platform can offer you a variety of management, leasing, and accounting features.
From property listing to rental applications and lease signing, DoorLoop simplifies the process. The mobile app means that you can monitor rent payments, run reports, and more wherever you are from your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Top Features
- This property management software is suitable for both commercial letting and residential property rentals.
- List properties, track lease applications, and monitor rent payments.
- A wide range of features are accessible across your mobile devices.
Choose RentCheck to Simplify Property Management Processes
The best property management software for small landlords and property managers saves time and money and simplifies property management workflows. The more user-friendly and customizable it is, the more you’ll benefit, even without a large team to rely on.
There are property management platforms and apps for all the various aspects of property rentals. But RentCheck offers even greater convenience, by automating your property inspections and reports at every stage of the rental property cycle.
RentCheck empowers residents to manage their own inspections and allows property managers to oversee inspections remotely. If you’re a rental property owner or manager, RentCheck will save you time, money, and effort, while maintaining a professional service.
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