If you're still tracking rent in spreadsheets or collecting checks in person, you're working harder than you need to. Today’s top property management programs are designed to help landlords and property managers automate, centralize, and streamline almost every part of managing a residential property—without giving up control.
From tenant screening and lease agreements to online rent collection and maintenance tracking, these tools make it easier to grow your portfolio without getting buried in busywork.
Here’s how to choose the best program—and why modernizing your system could be the most profitable decision you make this year.
Modern software for property management handles a full range of management tasks, including:
Accepting and tracking rent payments
Running background and credit checks on prospective tenants
Managing online rental applications
Sending reminders and notices
Creating and storing lease agreements
Tracking maintenance requests and vendor coordination
Reporting and cash flow tracking
Most solutions are cloud-based, meaning you can access your entire portfolio from anywhere—desktop or mobile.
Not all platforms are created equal. Look for features that reduce your manual work and increase tenant satisfaction:
✔ Online Rent Collection
Let tenants pay rent via credit card, debit card, or ACH. Automatic receipts, late fee tracking, and recurring payment options save everyone time.
✔ Tenant Screening
Run background, criminal, and eviction history reports on prospective tenants instantly. Many tools integrate directly with TransUnion or Equifax.
✔ Maintenance Tracking
Make it easy for tenants to handle maintenance requests through the system, complete with photos, due dates, and progress tracking.
✔ Lease Management
Customize lease templates, send for e-signature, and auto-remind tenants about upcoming renewals or deadlines.
✔ Mobile App Access
Manage properties from your phone—whether you own one single-family rental or oversee a large property management company.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the best tools, based on different types of users:
| Program | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Buildium | Large portfolios & PM firms | Full accounting, maintenance workflows, owner portals |
| Avail | DIY landlords | Simple rent collection, lease templates, tenant screening |
| Rentec Direct | Small-to-mid landlords | Bank sync, vendor payments, tax-friendly reporting |
| AppFolio | Scalable real estate operations | CRM, automated leasing, advanced marketing tools |
| TurboTenant | Budget-conscious single property owners | Free to start, online rental applications, screening, lease creation |
Yes—if the program truly saves you time or prevents costly mistakes. Consider:
Reducing late rent with auto-reminders
Avoiding tenant conflicts with better documentation
Cutting vacancy time through faster screening and application processing
Tracking every repair request to avoid compliance issues or tenant dissatisfaction
Time = money—especially in real estate. Even saving an hour a week adds up to over 50 hours a year.
If you're trying to decide whether to invest in software or outsource to a property management company, consider this:
Use software if you want to stay hands-on but more organized
Use a company if you’re fully passive or managing across multiple markets
Use both if you own several residential properties but want professionals handling fieldwork
Some platforms are even used by property managers and landlords working together—where you maintain oversight while your management team executes tasks.
Today’s best property management programs don’t just replace admin tasks—they empower you to operate like a business. If you want fewer late payments, happier tenants, and a system you can trust from anywhere, it’s time to move your process online.
Recap:
Choose tools that streamline rent collection, tenant screening, and maintenance tracking
Look for platforms that fit your size, budget, and comfort level
Leverage tech to reduce errors, save time, and scale faster
Combine with a professional team if needed to get the best of both worlds