Becoming a landlord for the first time? Whether you’re picking a rental price, listing your rental, or screening your first tenant, there’s a lot to manage. The good news? You don't have to do it all manually.
Property management software can help you automate the tough stuff, like collecting rent and communicating with tenants. But with so many platforms out there, how do you know which one's right for you?
We reviewed the top 10 best property management platforms for new landlords in 2025, so you can find the right one for you.
Quick Takeaways:
- Property management software helps automate tasks like rent collection, tenant screening, rental listing, and accounting. The specific tools available vary from platform to platform.
- Pricing depends on a variety of factors. Property management software typically ranges from free basic options to $50+ for monthly solutions and $200+ for business accounts. Keep in mind the size of your portfolio and whether the software charges additional fees per unit.
- Premium features like tenant screenings, listings, and rent reporting may require additional fees, so it’s important to consider your needs and what’s included in the total package.
- Platforms like TenantCloud make it easy to start small and expand as you go, so you can focus on only the features you need while growing your portfolio.
What is Property Management Software?
Property management software is a digital tool that helps landlords manage their rentals efficiently. While it's possible to handle your rentals using spreadsheets and tracking things manually, a property management software can keep everything organized and in one place. Some solutions also include features like listing syndication and advanced communication systems, making it easier to cross more tasks off your to-do list in much less time.
Why Property Management Software?
Property management software aren’t just for the bigwigs in the biz. They’re strategically designed to help landlords consolidate all their tasks into one place, which can be a huge benefit for small portfolios and landlords just starting out.
A property management software can do these tasks (and more):
- Online rent collection
- Tenant screening
- Digital lease signing
- Financial accounting
- Maintenance management
- Rental listings
- Tenant communication
When you're juggling tenants, even simple tasks like collecting rent can get complex. Software can streamline your tasks by adding late fees, sending rent reminders, and connecting your bank accounts. With 77% of renters expecting online payments, new landlords should consider investing in high-quality software.
Best Property Management Software for New Landlords
TenantCloud
TenantCloud is a cloud-based property management software designed for new landlords and seasoned property managers. It provides a wide range of property management tools from online rent collection to listing automation.
Features:
- Online rent collection and invoicing
- Digital rental application and lease management
- Flexible tenant screenings with background and credit checks
- Tenant screening tools
Pros:
- Free 14-day trial
- Premium property management software starting at $16.50/month
- Simple interface with Help Center hub
- Unlimited units/rental properties
- Free mobile apps for tenants and landlords
Cons:
- No free plan
Best for: New property managers wanting a robust, full-scale solution at a budget-friendly price. With flexible property management plans, it can be an ideal choice for growing portfolios.
AppFolio
AppFolio is a property management software designed for property managers with medium to large rental portfolios. With built-in leasing automation, accounting tracking, and maintenance requests, it can be a solid solution for roomier budgets.
Features:
- Advanced rental marketing
- Online rent collection
- Workflow management
- Maintenance management
- Mobile app
Pros:
- Built-in financial reporting
- Scalable plans
- Automated leasing
Cons:
- Some features like accounting can be complex for new users
- Limited features for lower plans
- Custom pricing with per-unit charging may be costly for new landlords
Best for: Landlords with medium to large portfolios (50+ rental properties) ready for more advanced tools like custom reporting, maintenance requests, and digital leasing.
Avail
Avail is a rental property management platform for DIY landlords. It provides basic tools like rent collection, lease templates, and tenant screening.
Features:
- One-click rental listings
- Rental lease agreements (lawyer-reviewed)
- Property tour automation
- Income and expense tracking
- Background checks and applications
Pros:
- Online rent collection
- Free basic plan
- Simple interface and large educational hub
Cons:
- May be pricey for small portfolios wanting more than the free plan
- No mobile app
- Limited features on basic and free plans
Best for: Independent landlords with less than 50 rental properties looking for a simple property management platform.
Related: TenantCloud vs. Avail: What Landlords Need to Know
Hemlane
Hemlane is a rental property management software designed for small to medium-sized portfolios. It promises a wide range of features such as online payments and maintenance requests, however, it may be pricier than other platforms in the same ballpark.
Features:
- Online rent collection
- Marketing syndication and tenant placement
- Tenant communication
- Maintenance management
- Automated booking
Pros:
- Strong customer support for higher-tier plans
- Great for small portfolios
- Easy to use
- Free basic plan
Cons:
- Limited accounting features
- No mobile app
- Customer service not available on weekends
- Per-unit fees on top of monthly subscription
Best for: New property managers looking for a simple, breezy interface with a handful of premium features.
Landlord Studio
Landlord Studio is a rental property management software designed for small portfolios and DIY landlords. An an affordable starting point for new landlords, Landlord Studio is promising—although limited in its offerings.
Features:
- Online rent payments
- Expense tracking
- Basic accounting features such as document storage
- Tenant screening
- Maintenance requests management
Pros:
- Desktop and mobile apps
- Free plan and pro plan starting at $12/month
- Ease-of-use
Cons:
- Lacks premium features like maintenance management requests
- Upgrading from a free plan to a higher plan is difficult
Best for: First-time landlords who want a no-frills platform to manage rent payments and maintenance requests without worrying about scaling.
Related: TenantCloud vs. Landlord Studio: What to Expect for the Price
Stessa
Stessa is a rental property management software tailored for DIY landlords. It offers a small range of features at affordable pricing.
Features:
- Financial reports
- Online rent collection
- Tenant screening
- Vacancy marketing
Pros:
- Unlimited properties
- Free plan with affordable upgraded pricing
- Accelerated rent payments for intro and pro plans
- Priority chat support for intro and pro plans
Cons:
- No tenant communication
- Limited customer support
- Less automation which means more manual data entry
Best for: Property managers in search of a basic platform to collect rent payments and screen tenants—with a few more options on the side.
DoorLoop
DoorLoop is a powerful rental software that supports small and large portfolios alike. With features like online rent payments, lease management, and maintenance requests, it offers a complete package for new property managers.
Features:
- Digital lease agreements and e-signatures
- Comprehensive background checks
- Automated rent collection
- Financial reports and income tracking
- Maintenance management
Pros:
- Scalability for growing portfolios
- Customer support and knowledge hub
- Advanced integration tools
Cons:
- Limited listings partners
- Slight learning curve
- Basic accounting features
- Costly compared to others
Best for: Property managers with medium to large portfolios looking for a turn-key platform. May be a small learning curve for newer software users, but DoorLoop offers wide range of features.
Related: TenantCloud: Top DoorLoop Alternative for Property Managers
Buildium
Buildium is a property management software designed for all portfolio sizes. Its all-in-one platform offers a wide range of benefits, from online rent payments and maintenance requests to multi-family and community association management.
Features:
- Rental listings
- Tenant screenings
- Lease management
- Rent collection and accounting
- Maintenance and tenant tools
Pros:
- Scalable platform to accommodate small to large landlords
- Powerful automation workflows
- Detailed financial reports
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve for landlords and tenants
- Workflow task feature is limited
- No bulk messaging feature for tenants
Best for: New landlords working with commercial or multi-family properties.
RentRedi
RentRedi is a simple-to-use platform designed for independent landlords. It offers cost-effective features like rent payments and maintenance requests, making it a great option for new property managers.
Features:
- Online rent collection
- Tenant screening
- Lease management
- Maintenance tracking
- Accounting
Pros:
- Customer service support
- Affordable pricing at $29/month
- Simple to navigate
Cons:
- Payment setup is lengthy
- Mobile app lacks functionality
- Accounting features cost extra
Best for: New landlords looking for an affordable and no-stress platform to get started managing their rentals.
Related: TenantCloud: Landlord-Friendly RentRedi Alternative
Innago
Innago is a free property management software made for small landlords and property owners. Its affordability and simplicity make it accessible for new property managers.
Features:
- Rental listing syndication
- Tenant screening and applications
- Online rent collection
- Lease management
- Basic accounting
- Maintenance management
Pros:
- Free plan
- Easy to navigate
Cons:
- Tenants are charged fees for online payments
- Limited accounting features
- Not as comprehensive or robust compared to others
Best for: Property managers seeking a budget-friendly option for handling rent payments for their small to medium-sized portfolio.
Related: TenantCloud: A Powerful Innago Alternative for Landlords
How to Find the Best Property Management Software
With so many platforms to choose from, narrowing down the right property management software depends on your portfolio size, budget, and comfort level with property management tasks. Here are some things to consider before you take the plunge:
- How many properties do you manage? Some platforms are built for large portfolios while others are better suited for limited units. (Keep in mind that property management software costs vary depending on units.)
- What features are most important? If online rent collection or tenant screening is your top priority, focus on property management software that specialize in those tools.
- What’s your budget? Free or low-cost plans may be ideal for new landlords, while more robust options might be worth the investment over time.
- Do you want to scale? Choose a property management software that will support your business goals long-term.
Keep in mind that many property management software include free or limited trials to give you a better idea of what to expect.
Manage Properties Easier with TenantCloud
If you’re looking for an easy way to manage your rentals, TenantCloud offers the flexibility and tools you need to get started—easy on the learning curve. From tenant screening to online payments to automated rent reminders, you’ll find everything you need in one place.
Want to see if TenantCloud is the right property management software for you? Try TenantCloud's all-in-one software free for 14 days.
