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Finding the right property management software can make managing rental properties simpler and less time-consuming. If you are a small landlord, you likely want tools that are affordable, easy to use, and efficient. In this blog, we will list and compare some of the best property management software. Each software has unique plus points, so the best choice depends on your needs. We will also help you classify and pick among the top property management software for small landlords. Let's look at the top options available today.

Let’s go through the top 10 property management software solutions that are best suited for landlords.

1. Buildium

Buildium is known for its full feature set and ease of use. It works well for those managing a growing portfolio.

Key Features:

• Online rent collection 
• Accounting tools 
• Tenant screening 
• Lease management 
• Maintenance tracking 

Pricing: Starts at $55 per month. A free trial is available.

2. Avail

Avail is popular among landlords who want strong features with an easy interface.

Key Features:

• Rent collection
• Maintenance requests
• Tenant screening
• Listing syndication
• Lease templates and signing

Pricing: Free basic plan. The paid version is $7 per unit per month.

3. Rentec Direct

Rented Direct includes tools often found in high-end platforms, with a focus on accounting and document tracking.

Key Features:

• Accounting tools
• Tenant screening
• Online rent payments
• Expense tracking
• Document storage

Pricing: Starts at $45 per month.

4. TenantCloud

TenantCloud offers strong features at an affordable rate. It supports communication, storage, and rent tracking.

Key Features:

• Rent tracking and reminders
• Maintenance request system
• Online payments
• Messaging tools
• Document storage

Pricing: Free plan available. Paid plans start at $12 per month.

5. TurboTenant

TurboTenant is free for landlords and handles the basics with a simple interface.

Key Features:

• Free listings across platforms
• Online rent collection
• Lease templates
• Tenant screening
• Maintenance tracking

Pricing: Free for landlords. Tenants pay for screening and some services.

6. AppFolio

AppFolio offers a robust feature set for landlords managing larger portfolios.

Key Features:

• Custom website builder
• Online rent and billing
• Maintenance tracking
  Accounting and Reporting
• Mobile access

Pricing: Starts at $1.40 per unit monthly with a $280 minimum.

7. Cozy (Apartments.com)

Cozy, now part of Apartments.com, keeps the original features while adding listing support.

Key Features:

• Rent collection
• Tenant screening
• Lease tracking
• Listing tools

Pricing: Free for landlords. Optional paid services are available.

8. Hemlane

Hemlane combines automation with access to local agents. It’s useful for those managing properties from a distance.

Key Features:

• Rent collection
• Maintenance coordination
• Tenant screening
• Lease tracking
• Local agent support

Pricing: Begins at $30 each month with an added $2 per unit.

9. Innago

Innago keeps things clean and simple at no cost to the landlord.

Key Features:

• Online rent collection
• Tenant screening
• Lease signing
• Maintenance requests
• Reports and invoicing

Pricing: Free for landlords. Tenants pay for screening and some transactions.

10. Propertyware

Propertyware suits landlords managing single-family homes or larger sets of units.

Key Features:

• Online payments
• Owner and tenant portals
• Maintenance workflows
• Marketing tools
• Accounting and Reporting

Pricing: Starts at $1 per unit per month with a $250 monthly minimum.

Going through the given list of the top 10 property management software solutions, it becomes easy to choose the one that suits your requirements. But, what if you’re a small landlord? We are here to make things easier for you by classifying and categorizing them for small landlords.

Choosing the Best Property Management Software for Small Landlords

Not every tool fits every situation. Here’s a detailed classification and categorization of the top property management software for small landlords:

Best Free Software

TurboTenant and Innago both offer strong features at no cost. They cover the basics like rent collection, screening, and maintenance without monthly fees. Avail is another great option if you want a free plan with optional upgrades.

Best for Budget-Friendly Growth

TenantCloud has flexible pricing and includes tools for communication, payment tracking, and document storage. Its paid plan adds value without high costs.

Best for Accounting and Reporting

Rentec Direct gives solid accounting tools that help track income, expenses, and taxes. If financial clarity is your top concern, this one stands out.

Best All-in-One Solution

Buildium offers robust tools including full accounting, lease tracking, and maintenance workflows. It costs more but brings a lot for the price.

Best for Managing Remotely

Hemlane offers features like local agent support and automated maintenance coordination. It fits landlords who do not live near their properties.

Best Simple Interface

Cozy (Apartments.com) and Innago both keep things clean and simple. They offer strong tools without extra noise.

Best for Larger Portfolios

AppFolio and Propertyware are more expensive but bring depth to reporting, portals, and system customization. They make more sense if you are managing closer to 100 units.

The best property management software depends on what you need and how many units you manage. Some tools are simple and free. Others offer more features for a monthly cost. Each one helps reduce time spent on rent collection, maintenance, and tenant tasks. 

Having gone through this blog, you can easily choose the best property management software for small landlords. Look at the features, test free plans, and go with the one that makes your work easier without extra cost or effort. At Confiance, we provide expert property management accounting services using the best tools and software. If you do not have time to deal with the bookkeeping and still want to utilize popular tools and software, contact us now!

FAQs

1. What is property management software?
   Property management software helps landlords handle tasks like rent collection, maintenance tracking, lease storage, and tenant communication. It keeps everything in one place and saves time.
2. Do small landlords need property management software?
   Yes. Property management software for small landlords makes it easier to stay organized, collect rent online, manage repairs, and screen tenants without using multiple tools.
3. Which property management software is free to use?
   TurboTenant, Innago, and Avail offer free plans. These cover key features like rent collection, maintenance requests, and tenant screening without monthly charges.
4. Can I use property management software on my phone?
   Most platforms have mobile access or apps. This lets you manage tasks, send messages, and check updates from anywhere without needing a computer.
5. How do I choose the best software for my rentals?
   Start by listing your needs. Compare prices, features, and support. If you manage fewer units, choose property management software for small landlords that keeps things simple and low-cost.