Navigating the landscape of property management as a small landlord can be daunting, especially with the rapid pace of technological advancement. However, 2025 promises an array of sophisticated yet user-friendly property management software designed specifically for those managing a handful to a few dozen rental units. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top property management software options for small landlords this year, focusing on features, pricing, and how they can simplify your rental business.
Understanding the Needs of Small Landlords
Before diving into the software options, let’s outline what small landlords typically look for:
-
Ease of Use: Intuitive interfaces that don’t require a steep learning curve.
-
Affordability: Solutions that provide value without breaking the bank, often including free or low-cost plans.
-
Scalability: Software that can grow with your portfolio without significant additional costs or complexity.
-
Key Features: Must-have functions like tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance tracking, and financial reporting.
1. Avail
Overview:Avail, part of Realtor.com®, continues to be a go-to for small landlords in 2025, offering a user-friendly platform with a focus on tenant management and financial tracking.
Key Features:
-
Tenant Screening: Comprehensive background checks, credit reports, and rental history verification.
-
Online Rent Collection: Automated payments with reminders and late fee assessments.
-
Maintenance Requests: A system for tenants to submit maintenance requests, with tracking for landlords.
-
Lease Management: Digital lease agreements, renewals, and storage.
Pricing:
-
Free Plan: Offers basic listing, tenant screening, and rent collection.
-
Pro Plan: $5 per unit per month, adding advanced features like premium support and more detailed financial reporting.
Why It Stands Out:Avail’s integration with popular listing sites and its emphasis on tenant interaction make it particularly appealing for those new to property management or those with a small number of properties.
2. TurboTenant
Overview:TurboTenant remains a favorite for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, focusing on landlords with up to 100 units.
Key Features:
-
No Cost for Landlords: All essential features are free, with costs borne by tenants (like screening fees).
-
Vacancy Marketing: Automatically posts listings to multiple rental sites.
-
Rent Collection: Online payments with automatic reminders.
-
Maintenance Management: Basic capabilities to track and manage maintenance requests.
Pricing:
-
Free for Landlords: Optional paid features like state-specific lease forms.
Why It Stands Out:Its zero-cost model for landlords, combined with robust tenant-facing features, makes TurboTenant ideal for those starting out or looking to minimize expenses.
3. Innago
Overview:Innago has positioned itself as a straightforward, no-nonsense solution for property management, tailored for small landlords.
Key Features:
-
Tenant Screening: Free basic screening with options for more comprehensive checks.
- Lease Agreement: Tools for creating, signing, and storing leases.
-
Rent Collection: Automated payment reminders and late fee processing.
-
Expense Tracking: Simple tools to track property expenses for tax purposes.
Pricing:
-
Completely Free: No cost for landlords or tenants, supported by optional premium features.
Why It Stands Out: Innago’s commitment to being free while providing essential functionality makes it a compelling choice for landlords on a tight budget.
4. Rentec Direct
Overview: Rentec Direct offers a robust platform that scales well, making it suitable for landlords as they grow their portfolios.
Key Features:
-
All-In-One Management: Includes tenant and vacancy management, accounting, and maintenance tracking.
-
Financial Reporting: Detailed reports for income, expenses, and tax preparation.
-
Online Payments: Secure rent collection with multiple payment options.
Pricing:
-
Basic Plan: $35 per month for up to 10 units, with pricing scaling based on the number of units.
Why It Stands Out: Its comprehensive feature set at a competitive price point, along with no startup fees, makes Rentec Direct an attractive choice for those planning to expand their rental business.
5. SimplifyEm
Overview: SimplifyEm caters well to landlords who might not have extensive business or accounting knowledge, offering a straightforward approach to property management.
Key Features:
-
Accounting Integration: Simplifies financial management with tenant and expense tracking.
-
Maintenance Requests: Efficient system for logging and processing maintenance issues.
-
Lease Management: Customizable lease templates and storage.
Pricing:
-
Starter Plan: $35 per month for up to 10 units, with incremental pricing for additional units.
Why It Stands Out: SimplifyEm’s focus on accounting and ease of use makes it perfect for landlords looking to manage their finances without getting overwhelmed.
6. DoorLoop
Overview: DoorLoop aims to be a comprehensive solution with features that cater to both immediate needs and future scalability.
Key Features:
-
Tenant Portal: Enhances communication and service requests.
-
Automated Rent Collection: With payment reminders and fee management.
-
Maintenance Coordination: Tools to manage repair requests and vendor communications.
-
Financial Insights: Rich reporting for better decision-making.
Pricing:
-
Starter Plan: $69 per month for up to 20 units, with plans for portfolios of all sizes.
Why It Stands Out: DoorLoop’s all-in-one platform with a focus on automation and scalability is ideal for landlords looking to professionalize their management approach.
7. Hemlane
Overview: Hemlane offers a blend of software services with optional in-person assistance, making it unique for small landlords who might need some hands-on help.
Key Features:
-
AI-Powered Tools: For generating listings and handling tenant inquiries.
-
Maintenance and Repair: Coordination with local service providers.
-
Financial Management: Income, expenses, and lease tracking.
Pricing:
-
Basic Plan: $2 per unit per month, with higher tiers offering more services.
Why It Stands Out: The combination of software with potential local support gives Hemlane an edge for landlords who want tech-savvy management with a personal touch.
Considerations for Choosing Software
User Experience: The software should be intuitive, especially since small landlords might not have dedicated staff for managing properties.
Integration: Look for software that integrates well with other tools you might use, like accounting software or listing services.
Customer Support: Good support can be crucial, particularly if you’re managing properties remotely or are new to property management.
Security: Ensure the software has robust security measures to protect tenant and landlord data.
Future Needs: While starting small, consider software that can grow with you, offering features you might need as your portfolio expands.
Conclusion of Property Management Software for Small Landlords
In 2025, the market for property management software for small landlords is vibrant, with options tailored to different needs and budgets. Whether you prioritize cost, simplicity, or comprehensive features, there’s a solution to fit your management style. The key is to select software that not only meets your current requirements but also supports your growth as a landlord. By leveraging these tools, you can focus more on building your real estate investment rather than getting bogged down in the day-to-day management tasks. Remember, the right software can transform property management from a chore into a streamlined part of your business strategy.
