The best property management software for small landlords can help make your rental property management organized and efficient. Digital tools aren’t just for big fish in the landlord business. Online solutions are essential for landlords at every level, whether you’re operating one, three, or 10 units.
Rental property software for small landlords can help you overcome headaches, from missed payments to manual tenant screening.
Which landlord software is right for you? These are the. We’ve ranked each of the 10 best property management software for small landlords based on the core needs and concerns of small businesses. Let’s dive in!
Who Will Benefit From This Guide?
We created this guide with small businesses in mind, specifically:
- Landlords with 1-10 rental property units
- DIY rental owners without a full-time property manager
- Anyone looking to ditch spreadsheets, streamline rent, or start using digital leases
- Rental property owners ready to scale their businesses without the added manual work
Use this guide to determine the best property management software for small landlords so that you can access the benefits of digital workflows.
Factors We Used to Determine the Best of the Best
We prioritized your most important concerns, pain points, and goals to rank the best property management software for small landlords.
Key Considerations in our Evaluation
Ease of use: Small landlords need rental property software built around a simple, intuitive design that doesn’t require hours of online classes to learn.
Core features: We looked for digital toolkits that include:
- Online rent collection
- Property marketing
- Rental applications
- Tenant background checks
- Lease management
- Landlord/tenant apps
Cost: A great landlord software shouldn’t cost a fortune. We searched for free or cost-effective options for small businesses.
Automation tools: We’ve highlighted time-saving solutions that automate rent reminders and payments, receipts, and repair requests.
Mobile access: Life happens on the go, and you don’t always have time to stop at your computer. Easy-to-use mobile apps are essential for both landlords and tenants.
Landlord and tenant experience: We made sure every software on our list brings value to everyone involved.
Reputation: We analyzed user reviews, customer support experiences, and real-world adoption rates to identify the top rental property software for small landlords.
Best Property Management Software for Small Landlords
TurboTenant
TurboTenant is a leading rental property management software for all landlords, big and small. TurboTenant’s free plan includes a mobile app, property listing, rent collection, rental applications, and tenant screening. In our opinion, TurboTenant is the best option for first-time, growing, and budget-conscious landlords.
The free tier is a great starting point for smaller landlords with fewer than 10 properties. At the time of writing, paid packages start at $9.92/month.
Pros: Scaling your business? Paid plans cover unlimited leases, allowing TurboTenant to grow with you.
Cons: To access certain features, such as accounting and bookkeeping, users must pay an extra fee.
User reviews: “The step-by-step guidance, along with providing and sending the correct paperwork for signing, made a huge difference” — Juanita L.
“TurboTenant is the only way to go, whether you’re the potential renter or the owner of the property. Everything is black and white, you can customize to your specific needs.” — Edgar P.
TenantCloud
Known for its automation and accounting capabilities, TenantCloud enables you to list properties, collect rent, and screen tenants all in one organized place. TenantCloud works best for landlords who are open to paid software and can dedicate time to learning the program.
At the time of writing, TenantCloud starts at $18.00/month with no free plan available.
Pros: TenantCloud’s visual dashboard helps you gather information about your properties at a glance. Automation includes messaging, rent collection, and reporting tools.
Cons: TenantCloud may require some time to learn, especially if you’re not familiar with landlord software. Some reviews highlight inaccuracies in tenant screening.
User reviews: “I was hesitant to start paying for this as I only manage a few properties, but I find it very useful to manage the whole process all in one place.” — Rahul S.
“It showed that a tenant didn’t have an eviction, but they did.” — Chrisi H.
RentRedi
RentRedi takes a mobile-first approach. The app covers everything from rent collection and tenant screening to maintenance requests and tenant communications. RentRedi is ideal for small, on-the-go landlords seeking an app-first experience that allows them to manage everything from their phone.
At the time of writing, RentRedi offers a subscription-based flat pricing starting at $12.99/month.
Pros: The app enables landlords to manage their properties from anywhere, and the desktop version provides added flexibility when landlords prefer to use a computer.
Cons: Currently, RentRedi doesn’t offer a free plan. Some user reviews report a long wait time for rent payments.
User reviews: “Super easy and quick. My tenants were able to download the app and quickly make transactions. Easy process that really helped me to focus on other things.” — Gerald D.
“Payment system for tenants has a long delay period.”— Karen L.
Landlord Studio
Landlord Studio primarily focuses on accounting, automated income tracking, tax reporting, receipts, and expenses. It’s a good fit for landlords who value financial tools and also require general management capabilities.
At the time of writing, Landlord Studio offers a free plan and paid plans starting at $12.00/month.
Pros: Landlord Studio is easy to use and less expensive than QuickBooks, allowing small businesses to access robust accounting tools within their property management software.
Cons: If you’re already using QuickBooks, it may not make sense to opt for Landlord Studio, as many of its tools will overlap.
User reviews: “We were looking for an app to help us stay on top of everything, including the maintenance and everything in between. Landlord Studio has been great for that.” — Katie T.
“We chose Landlord Studio because it was simple to use for keeping our rent receipts and tax records.” — Chad I.
Innago
Innago is a good solution for small landlords seeking simplicity and ease. Its features are well-rounded, allowing you to create and manage rental applications, collect rent payments, and e-sign lease agreements.
At the time of writing, Innago is free for landlords. However, tenants must pay a screening fee.
Pros: Innago is free, user-friendly, and offers good customer support.
Cons: Innago’s accounting features aren’t robust, so you may need to use an external integration like QuickBooks. Since the software passes fees to tenants, it could cause renter dissatisfaction.
User reviews: “I manage two properties on here, and it gives me a handle on everything I need in one place. The user-friendly site is also a big plus when starting off.” — Michael V.
“This software is great but somewhat limited.” — Jordan B.
Avail (by Realtor.com)
Designed explicitly for DIY landlords, Avail offers custom leases, rent collection tools, maintenance tracking, and tenant screening. With transparent pricing and easy upgrades, Avail is a wise choice among landlords with 1-10 units.
At the time of writing, the baseline plan is free, and the paid tier costs $ 9 per month per unit.
Pros: Avail is user-friendly, featuring a clean and easy-to-navigate dashboard, as well as reliable tools.
Cons: Some online reviews state that Avail doesn’t allow landlords to view leases that tenants haven’t completed yet.
User reviews: “As a new landlord without any experience, Avail taught me a lot and created a contract in a very easy way.” — Marcos A.
“I need to see the applications even if they’re incomplete. My potential renters are not very sophisticated nor likely to be able to fill in every blank. I’d like to see who is applying and work with them.” — Kellie E.
Zillow Rental Manager
Known primarily for listings, Zillow Rentals includes rent collection and lease tools that help small businesses navigate leasing and moving out. Landlords who already use Zillow to market their listings can benefit the most from this platform.
At the time of writing, the software is available for free, with optional paid add-ons and enhancements.
Pros: This software leverages the large tenant audience of the Zillow network, which helps generate leads and establish trust with renters.
Cons: Automation is limited, which may be a pain point for busy landlords. Since it doesn’t include accounting capabilities, you’ll need to use an external tool to manage and track finances.
User reviews: “Zillow simplifies the whole rental process from listing to leasing to applications and payments.” — Jeff C.
“The applications and associated renter reports are easy to review. I also like the auto-pay feature to simplify rent collection each month.” — Jolie B.
Hemlane
Hemlane is an excellent option for remote landlords seeking to automate their leasing process. Automations include accounting, reminders, state-specific leasing, and maintenance coordination with local service professionals.
At the time of writing, Hemlane offers a free tier. Paid packages start at $30.00/month, with certain add-on features going up to $695.
Pros: Growing landlords can benefit from Hemlane’s 24/7 repair and management services that handle all tenant communications.
Cons: Hemlane currently lists its priced packages at premium rates. Some online reviews report negative experiences and poor customer service.
User reviews: “I travel a lot for business, and I can manage my units from anywhere in the world.” – Julian S.
“Hemlane found and placed a nightmare tenant, then it was hands off and my problem.” – Elaine L.
Rentec Direct
Rentec Direct is known for its robust accounting tools and comprehensive financial reporting capabilities. This software syncs with your bank, includes tax tools, and integrates with QuickBooks. It’s ideal for landlords with 10 or more units, especially those who are familiar with landlord software.
Pros: Rentec Direct offers a mobile app, online rent collection via ACH, professional listing websites, and integration with popular listing websites.
Cons: The user interface can be complicated, making it less suitable for first-time landlord software users.
User reviews: “Easy to use, reliable, and keeps everything, from rent payments to maintenance requests, organized in one place.” — Jon B.
“Software is great, and if I get in a bind, they are only a phone call away.” — Nick M.
Propertyware
If you’re a landlord managing a more complex business, consider Propertyware. It’s built for single-family portfolios and professional landlords, offering excellent reporting capabilities, online leasing tools, maintenance, and accounting.
At the time of writing, pricing starts at $1.00/month per unit (with a minimum monthly charge of $250), plus an implementation fee equal to twice the monthly subscription price.
Pros: Propertyware offers excellent customization capabilities, enabling landlords to tailor a package specifically to their needs and goals.
Cons: The higher price point may not be the best option for small businesses or landlords seeking affordability.
User reviews: “Automated our processes so that we could grow without having to double or quadruple our staff.” — Chris T.
“Propertyware has a lot more customization than I’ve seen in any other system.” — Zee B.
Final Word: What to Consider When Making Your Pick
When selecting the best small landlord software for you, consider the following:
- Does it work with your number of units?
- Does it offer solutions for your pain points?
- Is it easy to use, without long hours of training?
For new landlords or first-time landlord software users, we recommend TurboTenant, Innago, or Avail due to their ease of use and well-rounded offerings.
FAQs: Small Landlord Software
What is property management software?
The best property management software for small landlords helps landlords with leasing, day-to-day tenant responsibilities, rent collection, and more.
What is the best software for private landlords?
TurboTenant, Innago, and Avail are generally the best property management software for small landlords. However, the best solution depends on the landlord’s needs, goals, and circumstances.
What do landlords benefit from property management apps?
- Time-saving automation tools
- Simplified rent collection and accounting
- The freedom and flexibility of digital tools
Can I use QuickBooks for property management?
No, QuickBooks is an accounting tool. It doesn’t cover leases, tenant screening, or rent collection.