Best Property Management Platforms for Landlords (2025 Comparison)
The right property management software can save landlords hours of work each month. This guide compares the top platforms to help you find the best fit for your portfolio.
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Key Features to Consider
When evaluating property management platforms, consider which features matter most for your situation.
- Online rent collection and payment tracking
- Tenant screening and background checks
- Maintenance request management
- Lease creation and e-signing
- Financial reporting and accounting
- Tenant communication tools
- Vacancy advertising and listing syndication
- Mobile app availability
Best for Small Landlords (1-10 Units)
These platforms offer great value for landlords with smaller portfolios.
- TurboTenant: Free for landlords, paid by tenants for screening
- Avail: Free basic plan, $7/unit for premium features
- RentRedi: $12/month (1 unit) or $19.95/month (unlimited)
- Cozy (now Apartments.com): Free for landlords
- Stessa: Free accounting and tracking
- Most offer free tenant screening passed to applicants
Best for Growing Portfolios (10-100 Units)
Mid-size landlords need more robust features and scalability.
- Buildium: From $55/month, includes accounting and reporting
- AppFolio: $1.40/unit/month minimum $280/month
- Rentec Direct: From $45/month for up to 10 units
- SimplifyEm: $25/month for up to 10 units
- Most include owner portals and full accounting
- Look for bulk pricing as you scale
Enterprise Solutions (100+ Units)
Large portfolios require enterprise-grade features and support.
- Yardi Voyager: Industry standard for large portfolios
- RealPage: Comprehensive enterprise solution
- MRI Software: Highly customizable platform
- AppFolio Plus: Enhanced version for large operators
- Entrata: All-in-one platform for large properties
- Custom pricing based on portfolio size
Comparison Factors
Use these criteria to compare platforms for your specific needs.
- Cost per unit vs. flat monthly fee
- Setup and onboarding fees
- Credit card processing fees (typically 2.75-3%)
- ACH payment fees (free to $1 per transaction)
- Customer support hours and quality
- Integration with accounting software
- Learning curve and ease of use
- Contract terms and cancellation policies
Frequently Asked Questions
TurboTenant and Cozy (Apartments.com) offer robust free options for landlords. Stessa provides free accounting and expense tracking. These platforms cover rent collection, screening, and basic management for small landlords.
Costs range from free (TurboTenant, Cozy) to $1-2 per unit per month for mid-range options (Buildium, RentRedi) to premium pricing for enterprise solutions. Most charge extra for tenant screening ($25-50 per applicant).
Yes, especially free or low-cost options. Even with one unit, online rent collection reduces late payments, digital record-keeping simplifies taxes, and screening tools help find better tenants. The time savings alone often justify the cost.
For DIY landlords, user-friendly options like TurboTenant, Avail, and RentRedi are popular choices. They balance comprehensive features with ease of use and do not require property management experience.
Yes, most platforms allow data export. The main challenge is migrating tenant data, lease documents, and financial history. Plan the switch during a slow period and notify tenants of new payment portals in advance.
Calculate Your Landlord ROI
See how property management tools can improve your rental investment returns.
Landlord ROI Calculator