Best Property Management Software for Landlords

Being a landlord in 2026 is very different from what it was a few years ago.

Rent payments are now expected to be online. Tenants want quick replies. Maintenance issues need proper records. And laws around rental are becoming stricter every year. For many landlords, managing all this with notebooks, spreadsheets, or random apps quickly becomes stressful and confusing.

That’s why many landlords are now relying on property management software. These tools help landlords collect rent, track expenses, manage tenants, handle repairs, and stay organized.

In this blog, we’ll break down the best property management software for landlords, explain how they work, and compare top options, which will help you choose the right one for your rental business.

What is Property Management Software?

Property management software is a digital tool that helps landlords manage rental properties in an organized and simple way.

Instead of using notes, sheets, or separate apps, landlords can handle everything from a single dashboard. The software stores important information and automates many daily tasks, so nothing gets missed.

How does Property Management Software Benefit Landlords?

Most property management app helps landlords in the following ways:

• Rent Collection: Collect rent online through bank transfer, card payments, or auto-pay
• Maintenance Tracking System: Track maintenance requests and keep a clear repair history
• Reporting Dashboard: Keep tenant information like lease dates, rent amounts, and deposits.
• Accounting Integration: Record rental income and property-related expenses
• Document Management: Store lease agreements and important documents online

All of this helps property owners stay organized and avoid common management mistakes.

Top Property Management Software for Landlords in 2026

Choosing the right property management software can feel overwhelming because there are so many options. To help landlords make an informed decision, here’s a detailed look at some of the top landlord software options in 2026, including their features, pros, cons, and who they are best for.

1. Buildium

Best for: Property owners with small to medium portfolios who want a complete, easy-to-use system.

Key Features:

Online rent collection and automated reminders
Maintenance request tracking
Tenant and lease management
Accounting reports and expense tracking
Mobile app for landlords

Pros:

• Beginner-friendly interface
• Cloud-based, accessible from anywhere
• Comprehensive support

Cons:

• Higher pricing for landlords with few units
• Advanced features require a higher-tier plan

2. AppFolio

Best for: Mid to large-scale landlords who want automation and advanced reporting.

Key Features:

• Online rent payments and auto late fees
• Maintenance request tracking with vendor management
• AI-powered leasing tools and marketing
• Robust reporting and accounting tools

Pros:

• Scales well for growing portfolios
• Automation reduces repetitive tasks
• Excellent tenant communication tools

Cons:

• More expensive than small-scale solutions
• It can be overwhelming for landlords managing only a few units

3. RentRedi

Best for: Small landlords or first-time landlords who want an affordable, simple solution.

Key Features:

• Online rent collection and automated late fees
• Tenant screening and background checks
• Maintenance request tracking
• Lease agreement templates

Pros:

• Budget-friendly with pay-as-you-go options
• Simple to learn and use

Cons:

• Limited reporting features
• Not ideal for large portfolios

4. TenantCloud

Best for: Landlords with 1-50 units looking for a free or low-cost option.

Key Features:

• Online rent collection
• Cloud-based document storage
• Communication and tenant screening tools
• Basic accounting and reporting

Pros:

• Free plan available for small landlords
• Easy to get started
• Supports multiple properties

Cons:

• Advanced features require paid plans
• Limited integrations with other apps

5. Doorloop

Best for: Landlords or small to mid-size property managers seeking a modern, customizable, all-in-one tool.

Key Features:

• Customizable lease templates and e-signatures
• Rent collection with auto pay and reminders
• Maintenance request tracking with vendor communication
• Built-in accounting, financial reports, and mobile app support

Pros:

• Clean, user-friendly interface
• Flexible and customizable
• Mobile friendly

Cons:

• It may still be too feature-rich for landlords with only one small property
• Some advanced features come with higher-priced tiers

Quick Comparison Table of Top Rental Management Tools

Software	Best for/ Portfolio size	Starting price	Strengths	Limitations
Buildium	Small to medium portfolio(landlords with a few to 150 units)	$62/Month	Easy to use, all-around features, and decent tools	Expensive for landlords who own 1-2 units
AppFolio	Medium to large (50+ units often recommended)	$280/Month	Scales well for many units, strong automation, and features	Higher cost; even minimum fees may not be worth it for small portfolios
TenantCloud	Small to medium portfolio( 1 to a few units)	$16.5/Month	Low-cost and easy to start quickly	Limited advanced features
DoorLoop	Small to medium portfolio(flexible unit ranges)	$69/Month	Mix of features, scalability, and simpler UI	For very large portfolios, enterprise tools may be required, which are expensive
RentRedi	Small landlords with few units who prefer mobile first and simpler management	$5/Month	Good for small landlords or first-time landlords	Not ideal for large portfolios

How to Choose the Right Rental Management Software?

Not all rental property management software is a perfect fit for every landlord, so it’s important to consider your specific needs before committing.

1. Consider How Many Units You Own

• Small landlords(1-10 units): Look for simple, affordable tools like RentRedi and TenantCloud. You probably don’t need advanced reporting or automation features.
• Medium landlords(10-50 units): Tools like Buildium or DoorLoop can help with automation, tenant communication, and accounting.
• Large landlords(50+ units): Appfolio or Buildium’s higher-tier plans are better suited. They handle more tenants, advanced reporting, and automated workflows.

2. Identify the Features You Need Most

Ask yourself:

• Do you need online rent collection and automated reminders?
• Do you want maintenance tracking with tenant and vendor management?
• Are accounting and reporting important to you?
• Will tenant screening and lease templates save you time?
• Do you want a mobile app for managing your properties on the go?

Prioritize the features that solve your biggest problem and save your time.

3. Consider Your Budget

• Some landlord software offers free plans for very small portfolios, whereas others charge per unit or per month
• Look for a plan that matches your portfolio size, but also think about your long-term growth.

4. Check for Integration and Scalability

• Can the software integrate with bank accounts, accounting software, or online payment gateways?
• Will it grow with your portfolio if you buy more properties?
• Choosing scalable software avoids the need to switch platforms later.

5. Take Advantage of Free Trials

Most rental management software offers free trials or demos. Test a few options with your actual workflow. For example:

• Add a sample tenant
• Create a lease
• Record a payment
• Track a maintenance request

This gives you a realistic fee for how easy the software is to use and whether it matches your needs.

6. Check Customer Reviews

Customer reviews give real insights into how software performs in everyday use. Check what other landlords say about:

• Reliability of rent collection and accounting
• How easy it is to track maintenance requests
• Usability of the mobile app and dashboard
• Customer support responsiveness
• Overall satisfaction for portfolios similar to yours

Checking user reviews ensures you pick software that fits your workflow and solves your real-world problems.

Challenges Landlords Face When Using Property Management Software

Property management tools can save landlords hours of work and make rentals much easier to manage. But it’s not always perfect. Knowing the common challenges helps you choose the right software and avoid frustration.

1. Learning Curve for New Landlords

Some property management platforms have many features, which can be overwhelming at first. Landlords who aren’t used to tech might find the dashboards, reports, and automation settings confusing.

Tip: Start small. Use only the features you need first, and gradually explore advanced tools. Many software providers offer tutorials, webinars, or support to help.

2. Cost Can be High for Small Landlords

Softwares like Buildium or AppFolio charge per unit or have monthly fees. If you only own a few units, the cost may feel high compared to the value.

Tip: For small portfolios, start with affordable or free options like Tenantcloud and Rentredi to test what works for you.

3. Data Migration Challenge

If you’re switching from spreadsheets, notes, or another system, moving your tenant and property data into new software can be time-consuming. Mistakes during migration can cause missing or duplicate records.

Tip: Take your time with importing data. Use the provider’s support team if needed to ensure accuracy.

4. Dependence on the Internet

Property management software is mostly cloud-based, which means you need a stable internet connection. In areas with poor connectivity, this can make updates, payments, or maintenance tracking slower.

Tip: Keep offline backups of critical documents and payment records just in case.

While rental property management software can make your rental business smoother, landlords need to be aware of potential hurdles like learning curves, costs, data migration issues, and internet dependence. Knowing these challenges ahead of time helps you pick the right software, customize it for your needs, and avoid surprises that could slow down your workflow.

Final Thoughts on the Best Property Management Software

Managing rental properties is no longer just about collecting rent and fixing broken appliances. With the rise of digital tools, property management software has become essential for landlords who want to save time, stay organized, and reduce stress.

From online rent collection, maintenance tracking, to tenant communication, the right software can simplify almost every aspect of property management. However, it’s important to choose the software carefully, considering your portfolio size, budget, features, and user reviews.

But even the best software is only one part of successful property management. For landlords in Oklahoma City who want professional property management services, working with a trusted property management company can make a huge difference.

If you’re a landlord in Oklahoma City looking to streamline property management and reduce stress, consider reaching out to OKC Home Realty Services today. With over two decades of experience and local expertise, our team makes rental property management smoother, more efficient, and more profitable.

FAQs: Top Rental Management Tools for Landlords