Professional property management software is critical to a company's growth and scaling, and its ability to adapt to change and continue to be successful. With efficient software, it is simple to resolve issues and stay competitive. The mistake of selecting the wrong software can inhibit your rental business, weaken the integrity and confidence of your team, and even result in losing money by cutting ties with tenants.
Property management software can be helpful, but how do you find the right one? The software market offers dozens of options, suitable for different types of businesses and possessing different features, but their costs vary. Whether you're switching to new software or searching for a brand-new system, it's important to take your time and make sure you're making an informed choice.
We've put together some hints and tips to help you choose the right software for your needs.
What is Rental Property Management Software?
Rental property management software is a tool created specifically for the real estate needs of landlords, property managers, and owners.
Property management software should assist landlords and property managers in advertising unoccupied properties, screening potential tenants, managing current tenants, bookkeeping, and corresponding with property owners.
Property management software should be both affordable and appropriate for any size property management company, whether you manage thousands of units or are a small DIY landlord with a few rental properties.
Related: How to Choose the Best Property Management Software in 2023
How to Choose the Best Property Management Software
The best property management software will boost your productivity and meet your needs, making your life less stressful and organizing your workflow. Keep these features in mind when looking for the best property management software.
1. Easy to Use
The main goal of a property management system is to save time, so choose one that will automate your most time-consuming tasks and be easy to use. Before putting it to use, familiarize yourself with how to use it with a demo or tutorial to reduce the learning curve and make sure you’re as efficient as possible.
2. Cloud-based SaaS
Cloud-based software means there's no need to install it on your computer. All your data is based on a cloud; you can access it from any device, wherever you are. Your rental information, financial reports, documents, and other items will automatically be secured in the cloud.
Related: Real Estate Automation: Top Main Tips to Keep in Mind
3. Communication and Maintenance
An on-site messaging system is a huge plus because it allows you to communicate directly with landlords, tenants, and service professionals. You won't have to waste time picking up the phone for every small thing, either.
Tenants can use the maintenance feature to submit and track maintenance requests. Renters can also upload videos and photos, and landlords and tenants can track contractors' progress. Visual work orders assist tenants and landlords in resolving problems with minimal effort, as there is no need to contact them or come to a location. Landlords must create and submit invoices for each work order.
4. Price
It's important to try out multiple property management apps to find the one that suits your needs. Some may require upfront payments for their usage. Take a look and sign up for a free trial before purchasing the product. Choose an app that offers a variety of features at the best price for your needs and budget.
5. Online Payments
One of the most substantial benefits of property management software is the ability to collect rent online, which saves time for both landlords and tenants. It also makes automatic payments, security deposit collection, and lease administration easier and faster.
The safety of rent payments made online is a major advantage. Tenants can now pay their rent on time and know exactly where their money is going. Additionally, several regulations and safety measures exist to prevent identity theft and data breaches in the digital realm.
6. Accounting
Ensure the accounting function is built into it or at least integrated with other accounting programs offered, as online accounting is one of the main advantages of using property management systems and you want to get the most out of your new software.
7. Support
Inquire about whether the software has technical support (even if you don't need it) available seven days a week, and how much it costs.
8. Advertising
Consider if the software you are considering offers integration with third-party applications. It could save you time not copying and pasting information from one program to another. Automatic Listing Syndication allows you to post your vacancies to major leading listing websites in one click and instantly reach a growing audience of high-quality residents.
Some property management software solutions offer another great feature - a personal Marketing Website that lets you create a customized listing website with your logo, content, and brand colors. It helps to market your properties or company to prospective clients.
9. Online Leases and E-signature
Online lease agreements signed electronically are legal documents that expedite and simplify the move-in process. An online lease agreement allows both parties to access the rental agreement if lease clauses need to be reviewed. Unlike paper lease agreements, facilitating leases electronically will save time and money. Autofill and e-signatures are two other advantages of online lease agreements. Documents and payments made online are secure.
Landlord Forms are customizable documents that landlords will need for their rental properties.
Related: Landlord Forms: Lease Agreements for Your Rental Business
10. Rent Reporting
Rent reporting is an excellent option for tenants to establish credit history and raise credit ratings by reporting rent payments to credit bureaus.
Third parties must record rent because it is not always automatically reported, and tenants cannot do so independently. While paying (or not paying) their rent, tenants can build their credit history, and the software will automatically report payments to credit bureaus.
Rent reporting might be the feature that persuades the renter to choose your property. Many tenants and landlords are unaware of and are looking for the rent reporting feature.
Advanced Tools for Rental Property Management Success
Consider the following factors while choosing rental management software:
- Number of units
- Property type
- Integrations
- Features
TenantCloud is available in four subscription plans: Starter, Growth, Pro, and Business.
The TenantCloud's Starter Plan includes extensive functionality for landlords such as online rent payments (ACH, credit and debit cards), tenant communication, document management, maintenance tracking, key & lock management, key & lock management, financial insights and the ability to receive and sign lease agreements online with E-signature.
With the Growth Plan, landlords and property managers gain access to an exclusive set of features of our all-in-one property management software: landlord forms, rent balance tracking, lead-tracking CRM, lease builder, and simplify your property communication with the property message board. These advanced features allow you to increase rental income, minimize vacancies, and much more.
Discover our brand-new Pro Plan and gain access to our exclusive features that will take your business to the next level. With our Pro Plan, you can simplify your financial management with our fees and distribution tools, elevate your brand presence with a professional listing website and a custom logo, take advantage of our property manager tools, sync with QuickBooks Online, track and report expenses with a 1099 Form, communicate easily with the owner, and attract the best long-term tenants with our premium leads.
Sign up today to make your job easier!
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