Managing rental properties can be a hassle. Thankfully, apps for property management streamline tasks like tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance. This article reviews the top 5 property management apps for 2024, helping you find the ideal tool for your properties.
Overview of Top Property Management Apps
Here’s a quick overview of the top property management apps for 2024, showcasing the best property management solutions in various categories, including the best property management apps:
Best for Comprehensive Features: Avail (part of Realtor.com®)
Best for Basic Needs: Apartments.com Rental Manager (Cozy)
Best for Tenant Communication: TurboTenant
Best for Customization: TenantCloud
Best for Connecting Landlords and Tenants: Rentler
Best for Comprehensive Features: Avail (part of Realtor.com®)
Price: Starts at $59/month for the first 20 units.
Pros:
Comprehensive tenant screening
State-specific lease agreement templates
Online rent collection
Maintenance request management
Rental property accounting software
Cons:
Slightly higher cost compared to basic solutions
Initial learning curve for new users
Avail, with its comprehensive feature set, is a perfect fit for both DIY landlords and seasoned professionals. With Avail, you can:
Create one rental listing and post it across a dozen rental sites with a single click, saving a good portion of time.
Access extensive tenant screening, including credit, background, and eviction checks, ensuring you get the best tenants.
Utilize lawyer-reviewed, state-specific lease agreement templates, facilitating hassle-free legal compliance.
One of Avail’s unique features is its rental property management software, which helps manage rental income and operating expenses. The maintenance request management system allows tenants to submit requests and track maintenance costs, while the online tenant portal offers 24-hour access to rent payments and communication. However, the platform’s comprehensive nature could be overwhelming for new users, and its cost might be higher than some basic rental management software solutions.
Rating:
Price: 3/5
Design: 4/5
Features: 5/5
Ease of Use: 3.5/5
Customer Support: 4/5
Best for Basic Needs: Apartments.com Rental Manager (Cozy)
Price: Free with optional paid features
Pros:
Free ACH payments
Faster payment processing
Legal leases with e-signing
Comprehensive tenant screening
Cons:
No renter’s insurance
Does not support mobile homes and commercial properties
Apartments.com Rental Manager, previously Cozy, suits landlords who require basic property management tools. The platform offers:
Online payments
Application and screening reports
Listings
Expense tracking
Maintenance requests
All essential for rental property management. Renters pay $29+tax for a complete TransUnion screening report package, reusable for up to 30 days, which can be a cost-effective solution for potential tenants.
Despite its strengths, Apartments.com has a few drawbacks. It doesn’t offer renter’s insurance and is not suitable for mobile homes and commercial properties. However, its legal leases compliant with local laws and faster payment processing make it a strong contender for landlords looking for an efficient, no-frills property management solution.
Rating:
Price: 4.5/5
Design: 3.5/5
Features: 3.5/5
Ease of Use: 4/5
Customer Support: 3.5/5
Best for Tenant Communication: TurboTenant
Price: Free with optional premium services
Pros:
Free for managing up to 100 properties
Extensive online applications
Free credit and background checks
In-app messaging
Cons:
Additional cost for lease agreements and electronic signatures
Limited customization options
TurboTenant shines in tenant communication with its comprehensive property management solution that includes:
Rental advertising
Online applications
Tenant screening
Rent payments
In-app messaging
The platform’s one-click rental marketing and extensive online applications make it easy to attract potential tenants, while free credit and background checks for landlords help ensure you select the best tenants.
One of the standout features is TurboTenant’s in-app messaging, which facilitates seamless communication between landlords and tenants. However, drafting lease agreements and requesting electronic signatures require additional investment. Despite these costs, TurboTenant remains a cost-effective solution for small landlords, offering free services for managing up to 100 properties.
Rating:
Price: 5/5
Design: 4/5
Features: 4/5
Ease of Use: 4/5
Customer Support: 4/5
Best for Customization: TenantCloud
Price: Free and paid plans starting at $12/month
Pros:
Customizable dashboards
Detailed reporting capabilities
Tenant screening and application processing
Online rent collection
Cons:
Requires setup time for customization
Higher cost for premium features
TenantCloud suits landlords seeking a customizable approach to property management. The platform provides:
Customizable dashboards
Detailed reporting capabilities
Tenant and lease management
Tenant screening and application processing through integrations with screening services
This allows landlords to efficiently manage tenant and lease details and ensure they get reliable tenants.
The platform’s online rent collection and budgeting tools are significant advantages, helping landlords manage their finances effectively. However, setting up TenantCloud to suit your specific needs might take some time, and premium features come at a higher cost. Despite these challenges, the level of customization available makes TenantCloud a standout choice for property managers looking for a personalized solution.
Rating:
Price: 4/5
Design: 4.5/5
Features: 5/5
Ease of Use: 3.5/5
Customer Support: 4/5
Best for Connecting Landlords and Tenants: Rentler
Price: Free with optional paid features
Pros:
Property listing and advertisement
Online rent payments
Maintenance tracking
Cons:
Extra cost for access to legal forms
Tenant application fees
Rentler distinguishes itself by offering the following features:
Property listing and advertisement features to facilitate connections between landlords and tenants
Online rent payment capabilities
Maintenance tracking tools
Rentler’s ability to connect tenants and rental property owners efficiently is one of its key strengths, providing a seamless rental property management experience in the rental property business, including the process to collect rent, in the property management industry.
However, accessing Rentler’s document library for state-specific legal forms requires an additional $25, and there are fees associated with tenant applications. Despite these extra costs, Rentler remains a powerful tool for landlords looking to streamline their property management tasks while maintaining strong connections with tenants.
Rating:
Price: 4/5
Design: 3.5/5
Features: 4/5
Ease of Use: 4/5
Customer Support: 3.5/5
How to Choose the Right Property Management App
Several crucial factors should be taken into account when selecting the right rental property management app. First, look for basic features such as rent collection, tenant screening, and property listing, which are often available even in the free tier of many apps. These features can significantly streamline management tasks and save time.
Another vital element to consider is the budget. Evaluate the overall cost, including upfront fees, subscription costs, and potential hidden charges, to determine the app’s value for money. Monthly fees provide flexibility, allowing you to upgrade, downgrade, or discontinue services as needed. In some cases, annual billing can save around 10% to 15% compared to monthly billing.
Usability is a key factor. An intuitive interface and supportive onboarding process can enhance the integration and daily usage of the app. Also, consider if the platform supports real-time access from anywhere due to its cloud-based nature. Reliable customer support, including ongoing training and quick issue resolution, is essential. Platforms like TurboTenant offer support seven days a week, which can be invaluable during the onboarding process.
Finally, scalability and data security measures should not be overlooked. Choose a platform that can grow with your portfolio, whether you manage one property or a hundred. Ensure the app has robust data security measures, such as encryption and regular backups, to protect sensitive information.
Evaluating Key Features
Key features like maintenance request handling, tenant communication tools, and accounting functions should be the center of attention when evaluating property management apps and property management software. These features are critical in streamlining property management tasks and improving efficiency, which is why property management software designed with these features in mind is essential.
Maintenance request handling is a must-have feature. It allows tenants to submit and track maintenance requests, while staff can assign tasks and monitor progress, ensuring timely and efficient resolution of issues. This feature is particularly important for managing multiple properties and maintaining tenant satisfaction.
Tenant communication tools are also essential. Effective communication can prevent misunderstandings and foster positive landlord-tenant relationships. Look for apps that offer in-app messaging, email notifications, and other communication tools to manage tenant interactions seamlessly.
Additionally, robust accounting functions can help landlords manage their finances, track rental income, and generate financial reports, which are crucial for maintaining healthy cash flow.
Budget Considerations
Budget considerations play a significant role in selecting a property management app. Evaluate the overall cost, including upfront fees, subscription costs, and potential hidden charges, to determine the app’s value for money. Entry-level software starts around $50 per month, while mid-range options cost between $100-$250 per month, and enterprise-level solutions can exceed $500 per month.
Consider the balance between costs and features provided. For example, TurboTenant offers a free tier with essential features and a Premium subscription for $119 per year, which includes e-signatures and state-specific lease agreements. Annual billing can save around 10% to 15% compared to monthly billing, providing a cost-effective solution for long-term use.
It’s also important to consider any additional costs. For instance, Rentler charges for tenant applications, digital forms, and online payment processing, but offers free online rent payments for landlords. Understanding these additional costs can help you make a more informed decision and maintain healthy cash flow.
Reading User Reviews
Valuable insights into an app’s performance and customer support quality can be gained from reading user reviews and seeking recommendations from other property managers. User reviews often highlight the practical benefits and drawbacks of the software, helping you make a more informed decision.
Look for consistent feedback patterns across multiple reviews to identify common strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to specific pros and cons mentioned by users, as these can give you a clearer picture of the software’s practical implications. For example, if multiple users praise an app’s maintenance request handling but criticize its customer support, you can weigh these factors based on your priorities.
Consider the context of the reviews, such as the type of properties managed by the reviewers, to see if their needs align with yours. Reviews that discuss customer support experiences are particularly valuable, as effective support can be crucial in resolving any issues you might encounter.
By taking the time to read user reviews, you can choose an app that best meets your needs.
Summary
Choosing the right property management app can significantly enhance your rental property management experience. From comprehensive features to tenant communication and customization, each app reviewed here offers unique strengths to suit different needs. By considering essential features, budget, ease of use, customer support, scalability, and data security, you can select the best app to streamline your property management tasks and improve efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best property management apps for comprehensive features?
The best property management app for comprehensive features is Avail, which offers rental listings, tenant screening, lease agreements, online rent collection, and rental property accounting software. Choose Avail for a comprehensive solution to property management.
Which property management app is best for basic needs?
Apartments.com Rental Manager (Cozy) would be the best choice for basic property management needs, offering online payments, application and screening reports, and maintenance requests.
What app excels in tenant communication?
TurboTenant is a great app for tenant communication, offering features like rental advertising, online applications, tenant screening, rent payments, and in-app messaging.
Which app offers the best customization options?
TenantCloud offers the best customization options with customizable dashboards, detailed reporting, tenant screening, and online rent collection.
How can I choose the right property management app?
When choosing a property management app, consider essential features, budget, ease of use, customer support, scalability, and data security measures to make the right decision.