Top Property Management Software for 2017

AppFolio is a comprehensive cloud-based property management software suite that handles accounting, leasing, and marketing. A neat feature of this software is that it links with the manager’s website allowing potential tenants to download a vacancy posting package, fill out an online application and run background checks.
 

AppFolio is easy to use right from the start. It can handle both residential and commercial units with ease. The program has an online tenant portal that allows tenants to make online rent payments as well. Inspectors and contractors can link photos and verbal notes allowing almost paperless management.
 

AppFolio is one of the few property management software products that is mobile responsive and works great on mobile devices. As a property manager, you have access to all your property management essentials when you aren’t in the office, which is a really nice feature. While Buildium is cheaper to use when managing less than 200 units, larger-scale property management companies will find AppFolio a better deal and just as easy to use.
 

AppFolio is one of our favorites on the list, as it is good for large and small property management companies and allows for you to scale as your company gets bigger.
 

Rating: ★★★★★ Price: $ $ $ $ $
 

$1.25 per unit, monthly minimum $250

• Integrated Company Website

• Integrated Tenant Screening

• Automated Lease Agreements

• Online Payment System

• Paperless Work Order System
   

BUILDIUM

Over 10,000 customers use Buildium’s all-in-one web-based property management software designed for residential and homeowner associations. Applicants can fill out an online application and automated tenant screening services are available. The “Upcoming Tasks” list gathers maintenance items, tenant requests, to-do lists and other tasks and funnels it all into one place helping to cut down on the mental clutter.
 

Buildium is easy to use and easy to set up. It is also a cost effective option if managing less than 200 units.
 

Rating: ★★★★✩ Price: $ $ $ $ $ Tiered Pricing
 

Starts at $45 per month for 20 units.

• Automated Rent and Late Fee Reminders

• Online Payment System

• Syndicated vacancies with sites such as Zillow, Trulia, and Craigslist

• Integrated Tenant Screening

• Tenant and Owner Portals

• Online Maintenance Requests

• 24/7 Customer Support
   

TENANT CLOUD

Tenant Cloud is an ideal software solution if you are managing only a few dozen units. Tenant Cloud is a free online property management software solution, assuming you don’t go over the free account limit of 75 units.
 

Just because it is free doesn’t mean that you are getting less. This is a top-rated, full-service, cloud-based software set. Rental applications can be processed online as are maintenance requests and service reminders. The accounting features are cash based with a few types of standard reports.
 

Rating: ★★★★✩ Price: $ $ $ $ $ Tiered Pricing
 

Free up to 75 units

• Online Payment System

• Integrated Tenant Screening

• Integrated Company Website

• Automated Rent and Late Fee Reminders

• Automated Lease Agreements

• Online Maintenance Requests

• Syndicated vacancies with sites such as Zillow, Trulia, and Hotpads
   

Property Management Software for Medium to Large Companies
 

RENT MANAGER

Rent Manager offers a fully-functional remote desktop based software suite for both residential and commercial property managers. If customization of your property management software is important to you, then Rent Manager is your top pick – if you are willing to take on the learning curve. You can choose from the online and stand-alone version. They offer mobile capabilities and task automation.
 

Rating: ★★★★✩ Price: $ $ $ $ $
 

$75 per month.

• Online Payment System

• Paperless Work Order System

• Integrated Tenant Screening

• Tenant and Owner Portals
   

RENTEC DIRECT

Rentec Direct is a web-based management system that can handle up to 5,000 units. The accounting module can synchronize with Quickbooks. If security is a concern, then Rentec has you covered with bank-grade security including two-factor authentication, third party security verification, and real-time secure data backup.
 

Rating: ★★★★✩ Price: $ $ $ $ $ Tier-Based Pricing
 

Starts at $35/month for up to 10 units.

• Online Payment System

• Integrated Company Website

• Unlimited US-based Customer Service and Training

• Tenant and Owner Portals

• Integrated Tenant Screening

• Syndicated vacancies with sites such as Zillow, Trulia, and Craigslist

While most of these companies will offer similar services, the layout, design, and function are something that you will want to test for yourself to see which one works best with your company’s needs. If the software is cloud-based, often they will allow users a free trial to give the software a test. This will help you to see which one will be the best property management software program for your company.