Business Management

SimplifyEm vs Stessa: Which Property Management Software is Best for You?

Filed Under: Business Management, Features, Property Management, Property Management Software

In 2025, property managers and landlords alike are relying on software to streamline their operations, automate financial tasks, and prepare for growth. Two recognized platforms—SimplifyEm and Stessa—serve different audiences, but both aim to make managing rentals easier.
So how do they compare? Below, we break down features, pricing, support, and ideal use cases to help you decide which software is the right fit.

SimplifyEm vs Stessa: Feature Comparison Table

Designed to Help You Scale—Starting Small

SimplifyEm is built for both small landlords and mid-sized property managers. Whether you manage 5 units or 500, the system scales with your business. It provides robust tools like accounting, CRM, and automated communications—all without overwhelming you with complexity.

Stessa, by contrast, is purpose-built for individual real estate investors focused on portfolio performance and financial tracking. It’s ideal for landlords who need high-level income/expense insights without managing a large number of tenants.

If you’re a small landlord today, but plan to grow, SimplifyEm is built to grow with you—unlocking features as your portfolio expands without switching platforms.

Ease of Use and Setup

SimplifyEm can be set up in a few minutes. With a streamlined interface and automation baked into everyday workflows, you’ll spend less time in the software—and more time running your business.

Stessa also emphasizes ease of use, especially for tracking property-level finances and preparing for tax season. Its dashboard is tailored to investor metrics, not tenant management.

Pricing Comparison

SimplifyEm starts at just $25/month with no extra charge for core features like trust accounting, CRM, or support.
Stessa is free for most users, with optional paid features like rent collection via Stripe, premium banking, or document storage.

Explore SimplifyEm’s pricing here.

Communication & CRM Capabilities

SimplifyEm includes a powerful CRM and Communication Hub to help you:

Track leads and prospects
Automate lease renewals and follow-ups
Send SMS and email reminders
Keep all conversations in one timeline

While Stessa excels in financial reporting, it doesn’t include built-in communication tools or CRM features.

See how SimplifyEm helps with tenant communication.

Accounting Features

SimplifyEm offers full General Ledger (GL) accounting, trust fund tracking, bank reconciliation, and owner statements.
Stessa focuses on financial insights, including income/expense tracking and tax-ready reporting.

For detailed accounting needs and compliance (especially trust accounting), SimplifyEm provides stronger support for those use cases.

Explore SimplifyEm’s accounting capabilities.

Online Rent Collection

SimplifyEm enables rent collection through ACH or credit card, with features like:

Recurring payments
Automatic late fee calculation
Instant ledger updates

Stessa offers rent collection through Stripe integration, which may require setup and processing fees.

Learn more about SimplifyEm’s payment tools.

Customer Support and the “Customer WOW” Experience

One of SimplifyEm’s standout advantages is its live support. Users can get help via:

Phone
Email
Chat
Even tenants can call in for assistance on the tenant portal

This is part of what SimplifyEm calls its “Customer WOW” experience—prioritizing real human help over ticket queues. It’s one of the reasons customers stay loyal.

Stessa offers support via email and a help center designed for self-service, which works well for users comfortable managing everything solo.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose SimplifyEm if you:

Are a small landlord planning to grow
Need full accounting, CRM, and communication tools
Value phone support and hands-on help
Want predictable, affordable pricing

Choose Stessa if you:

Are an individual investor focused on tracking ROI and property finances
Prefer a free tool with optional premium add-ons
Don’t require CRM or in-app communication

For property managers and landlords ready to scale operations and simplify management, SimplifyEm is the best long-term partner.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) SimplifyEm Stessa Comparison

Is SimplifyEm good for small landlords too?
Yes! SimplifyEm is perfect for small landlords who want to scale, offering powerful tools without complexity.
Does Stessa have built-in tenant communication?
No, Stessa does not include CRM or messaging tools. Communication must be handled externally.
Can tenants call SimplifyEm for help?
Yes! Tenants can call SimplifyEm for assistance with their portals—part of their Customer WOW support model.
Is SimplifyEm easier to scale with than Stessa?
Yes. SimplifyEm is designed to grow with you, with features that unlock as your portfolio expands.
Is rent collection available on both platforms?
Yes. SimplifyEm offers built-in rent collection, while Stessa offers it through Stripe integration.

Sources:

U.S. Small Business Administration – Rental Property Management Guide
https://www.sba.gov/blog/how-manage-residential-rental-property

HUD – Resources for Landlords and Property Managers
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/hsgrent

Property Management Software for Apartments vs Condos vs Commercial Units: What’s the Difference?

Filed Under: Business Management, Features, Property Maintenance, Property Management, Property Management Software, Tenant Management

Not all properties are managed the same way—and not all software is built to handle every property type equally well. Whether you’re managing an apartment building, a self-managed condo association, or a handful of commercial spaces, the tools you use need to match your operational and reporting needs.

This article breaks down the differences between managing apartments, condos, and commercial units—and how software like SimplifyEm, built for long-term residential property management, can still support HOAs and small commercial portfolios with ease.

Key Differences in Property Management Software for Apartments, Condos, and Commercial Properties

Apartments – Lease-Driven Residential Management

Managing apartments means focusing on tenants, lease cycles, and rent collection. These properties often have:

High tenant turnover
The need for lease renewals and rent reminders
Frequent unit-level maintenance
Automated late fees and recurring charges

Condos – Association-Focused and Owner-Driven

Condominium management usually involves working with owners and HOA boards rather than tenants. Key needs include:

Monthly or quarterly HOA dues
Shared area maintenance
Document sharing (rules, CC&Rs, financials)
Transparent communication with board members and owners

Commercial Units – Complex Lease Terms and Vendor Coordination

Commercial property managers deal with unique challenges like:

Triple Net (NNN) leases, CAM charges, and rent escalations
Managing tenants like offices, retail, or warehouse users
Suite-level reporting and lease abstraction
Vendor coordination for long-term contracts

Software Requirements for Each Property Type

Property Management Software: SimplifyEm’s Strength in Residential, HOA & Light Commercial Use Cases

Best-Fit: Long-Term Residential Property Management

SimplifyEm is purpose-built for landlords and property managers overseeing long-term residential properties. Ideal for:

Apartments, single-family homes, duplexes, and multifamily units
Lease tracking, rent collection, recurring charges
Automated late fees, rent reminders, and GL-level financial reporting

Explore all residential features

HOA and Condo Managers Use SimplifyEm for Simplicity

While SimplifyEm is not an HOA-specific system, many small condo associations and self-managed HOAs use it due to:

Easy dues tracking and payment collection
Common area maintenance and service requests
Owner communication via message templates
No steep learning curve or high costs

Small Commercial Portfolios Can Use It—With Caveats

SimplifyEm isn’t built for institutional commercial portfolios, but many users with 5–30 commercial units use it successfully thanks to:

Custom fields for rent escalations or utility charges
Basic GL accounting and suite-specific rent tracking
Vendor tracking for maintenance and compliance

If you need CAM reconciliation, lease abstraction, or complex escalations, a commercial-specific platform may be better.

One Dashboard for Mixed Residential + HOA or Commercial

SimplifyEm offers flexibility to manage mixed portfolios with:

Custom property types, tags, and reporting filters
Combined rent rolls and owner statements
Role-based access for different types of stakeholders

FAQs – Using Property Management Software for Mixed Portfolios

Can I manage condos and apartments in the same system?
Yes. SimplifyEm lets you manage both through configurable fields and tags. You can track rent, HOA dues, and communication in one place.
What does SimplifyEm offer for HOA and small commercial portfolios?
For small HOAs: dues tracking, messaging, and shared maintenance. For commercial: rent tracking and suite-level customization.
Is SimplifyEm ideal for retail/industrial properties?
Not for large-scale use, but for small portfolios or single-building commercial managers, it’s a cost-effective and easy-to-use option.
What are the limitations for commercial lease tracking in SimplifyEm?
SimplifyEm does not support lease abstraction, CAM reconciliations, or advanced percentage rent modeling.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Property Management Software for Your Property Type

Each property type has unique management needs:

Apartments need tools for tenants, leases, and maintenance.
Condos/HOAs need dues tracking, document sharing, and owner communication.
Commercial properties require advanced lease and financial handling.

SimplifyEm is the right choice for long-term residential management and is often used by small HOAs and commercial portfolios because of its simplicity, flexibility, and value.

Try SimplifyEm free

Can You Use QuickBooks for Property Management? Here’s What You Need to Know

Filed Under: Business Management, Property Management, Property Management Software

Many landlords and property managers wonder if they can use QuickBooks to manage rental properties. After all, it’s one of the most popular accounting platforms for small businesses. But when it comes to property management—tracking tenants, collecting rent, handling maintenance, and producing owner statements—QuickBooks shows its limits.

This article compares QuickBooks directly to SimplifyEm, a platform built specifically for small landlords and mid-sized property managers.

What QuickBooks Does Well for Business Owners

General Accounting Strengths

QuickBooks offers solid features for general business bookkeeping:

Double-entry accounting with a full Chart of Accounts (COA)
Financial reports and bank reconciliation
CPA-friendly exports and tax categorization

These features make QuickBooks a powerful tool—for users with a deep understanding of accounting principles.

Why It’s Not Built for Property Management

QuickBooks was designed for freelancers, consultants, and retail businesses—not property managers or landlords. That means:

No built-in tenant or lease tracking
No online rent collection tools
No maintenance requests or rent reminder workflows

Users must manually customize fields, reports, and ledgers to “fit” rental workflows—often with limited success.

Can Small Landlords and Property Managers Actually Use QuickBooks Effectively?

The Accounting Barrier

To use QuickBooks well for rentals, you need to understand:

Chart of Accounts (COA) setup
General Ledger (GL) principles
Journal entries and double-entry accounting

Most small landlords and even many property managers don’t have that background. Mistakes are common—and costly.

The Result: Confusion and Errors

Without property-specific workflows, users often:

Track rent payments manually
Forget to post late fees
Struggle to reconcile security deposits
Rely on spreadsheets outside the system

In the end, many hire bookkeepers just to manage QuickBooks—or abandon it altogether.

QuickBooks vs. SimplifyEm: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Why SimplifyEm Is Better for Landlords and Property Managers

Start Simple, Grow With Ease

SimplifyEm lets you start with just the tools you need—like rent tracking and lease reminders—and grow into full GL accounting and CRM as your portfolio expands.

Built for Property Workflows

You can:

Track leases and tenants
Send rent reminders and charge late fees
Accept online payments
Generate 1099s, rent roll reports, and owner statements

All without needing accounting training.

Transparent Pricing, Customer Support that WOWs

Plans start at $25/month for up to 10 units
No per-unit fees or forced upgrades
Support via phone, email, and chat

Explore property management accounting features
Compare pricing plans

FAQs – QuickBooks vs. SimplifyEm

Can I use QuickBooks to track rental income?

Yes, but it requires custom setup, manual tracking, and strong accounting knowledge.

Is there a QuickBooks template for landlords or property managers?

Some third-party templates exist, but they don’t include lease tracking, rent automation, or late fees.

Do I need an accountant to use QuickBooks for rentals?

Most landlords and property managers do. It’s not designed for property management out-of-the-box.

What’s the best alternative to QuickBooks for managing rentals?

SimplifyEm—it includes property accounting, tenant management, and reminders, all without needing accounting experience.

Final Thoughts: Is QuickBooks Right for Managing Rental Properties?

QuickBooks is a powerful accounting platform—but not for rental property management. Landlords and property managers who try to make it work often spend more time customizing or fixing mistakes than actually managing their business.

SimplifyEm is the smarter choice. It’s designed specifically for small landlords and mid-sized property managers. You can start simple and grow into full-featured GL accounting and CRM—no accounting degree required.

Start your free trial

Sources:

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Choosing the Right Accounting Software

Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – Tax Information for Rental Property Owners

Affordable Property Management Software: Top Picks for 2025

Filed Under: Business Management, Property Management, Property Management Software

Managing rental properties shouldn’t cost a fortune. Whether you’re just starting with a few units or managing a growing portfolio, the right software can save you hours and improve tenant satisfaction—without breaking your budget. In this guide, we’ll review the top affordable property management software options for 2025, balancing pricing with essential features, support, and scalability.

What to Expect From Affordable Property Management Software

Core Features That Should Be Included

Even budget-friendly platforms should provide the basics:

Online rent collection
Maintenance tracking
Tenant screening and lease management

Look for tools that simplify everyday tasks while keeping costs predictable.

Where Low-Cost Platforms Cut Corners

Some free or low-tier platforms limit support or remove key features like accounting. Others make you upgrade just to access reports or automate rent reminders.

Why “Affordable” Can Still Mean “Scalable”

Affordable doesn’t mean you should outgrow it. Tools like SimplifyEm offer tiered pricing that starts small, but includes features mid-sized property managers rely on—like GL accounting, CRM, and rent roll reports—without requiring expensive upgrades.

Best Affordable Property Management Software for 2025

SimplifyEm – Best Tiered Pricing with Full CRM and Accounting

Best For: Small landlords scaling to mid-sized portfolios (10–200+ units)

Overview: SimplifyEm is designed to grow with you. You can start with a plan for up to 10 units at $25/month, and scale seamlessly with transparent pricing tiers. Unlike many competitors, even base plans include full property accounting, tenant and lease management, and CRM functionality.

Key Highlights:

Tiered pricing starting at $25/month for 10 units
Rent tracking, GL accounting, CRM, and reminders included
Full support via phone, email, and chat
No setup fees or forced feature upgrades
Scales with you as you grow—hundreds of units supported

View all features
See pricing
Schedule a demo

TurboTenant – Best Free Option for Basic Landlords

Free and easy to use, TurboTenant is ideal for landlords with one or two units who only need basic tools like online applications and screening. It lacks accounting or live support.

Avail – Best Free Tool with Custom Lease Templates

Avail lets landlords customize lease documents based on local laws and includes basic rent tracking. Customer support is limited to email.

TenantCloud – Best Budget Option with Automation

TenantCloud offers free and paid tiers with invoicing, tenant communications, and maintenance requests. Its UI requires a learning curve.

RentRedi – Best Affordable Mobile App Experience

Designed for mobile-first landlords, RentRedi includes ACH rent payments and integrations. Plans are around $20/month, but support is limited to chat.

DoorLoop – Best Flat-Rate Option for Mid-Sized Portfolios

DoorLoop offers flat monthly pricing with full-suite features, but is better suited to portfolios with 50+ units.

Buildium – Best Starter Plan for HOAs and Professionals

Buildium includes accounting, leasing, and HOA tools, starting around $55/month. Pricing is per-unit and may not be ideal for small landlords.

Comparison Table – Affordable Software Options at a Glance

What Makes SimplifyEm the Best Value in 2025

SimplifyEm offers small landlords a clear path to scale. You don’t need to switch platforms as your portfolio grows. The pricing is transparent, support is included, and key features like GL accounting, CRM, and automated rent reminders are built in—even at lower tiers.

Whether you’re managing 5 or 150 units, you’ll have access to:

Rent tracking with recurring billing and late fee automation
Full general ledger accounting and reports
CRM tools to manage leads and tenant follow-ups
1099 reporting and Schedule E exports

Start your trial or schedule a demo

FAQs About Low-Cost Property Management Software

What is the cheapest property management software with accounting?
SimplifyEm offers accounting features starting at just $25/month.
Are free landlord software tools safe to use?
Many are safe, but lack accounting, support, or scalability. Paid tools like SimplifyEm or TenantCloud offer more functionality.
Can I scale with affordable software?
Yes. SimplifyEm is specifically built for landlords who start small but plan to grow into mid-sized portfolios.
What’s the best value software under $30/month?
SimplifyEm offers the best feature-to-cost ratio for landlords who want support, accounting, and CRM.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Budget Software for Your Rentals

Not all affordable tools are created equal. If you’re looking for a platform that grows with you, SimplifyEm stands out. It offers small landlords an entry point at just $25/month—and mid-sized managers a path to full-featured functionality without ever switching platforms.

See SimplifyEm pricing plans
Try SimplifyEm free

Sources
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Rental Housing Assistance

IRS – Tax Information for Landlords (Schedule E)

Top 10 Rental Property Management Software Tools for 2025 (Ranked & Compared)

Filed Under: Business Management, Features, Property Maintenance, Property Management

Whether you’re managing a single-family home or a growing portfolio of rental properties, the right property management software can save you hours each week and help you stay organized, profitable, and compliant. In 2025, software options for landlords and property managers continue to evolve—some built for DIY simplicity, others designed for professional-grade accounting and communication.

This article compares the 10 best rental property management software tools for 2025, with rankings based on affordability, features, scalability, support, and ease of use. Whether you’re starting with one unit or managing hundreds, there’s a platform that fits your needs.

What to Look for in Rental Property Management Software

Essential Features for Landlords and Mid-Sized Managers

Rental property software should help you:

Collect rent online (ACH, card, or cash-based payments)
Screen tenants with background and credit checks
Manage leases and renewals
Handle maintenance requests and tenant communication

Platforms like SimplifyEm check all these boxes while offering tools you can grow into.

Full Accounting and Reporting Capabilities

Some platforms stop at rent tracking. Others, like SimplifyEm, offer full general ledger accounting, income and expense reports, and tax-ready exports—ideal for mid-sized property managers who need professional reporting.

CRM and Communication Tools to Scale

As you grow, it’s critical to manage interactions with tenants, prospects, and owners. Look for built-in CRM tools to handle follow-ups, automate reminders, and centralize communication.

Customer Support That Actually Helps

Good support prevents costly mistakes. Phone, chat, and email support, like what SimplifyEm offers, is a must—especially for landlords who wear multiple hats.

Start Simple, Scale When You’re Ready

Platforms like SimplifyEm allow you to start with just the features you need today. When you’re ready to grow, you already have access to full GL accounting, CRM, and automation tools. No migration. No re-training.

Top 10 Rental Property Management Software Tools for 2025

1. SimplifyEm – Best for Landlords and Mid-Sized Managers Who Want to Scale Efficiently

Best For: Landlords and property managers with 1–500+ units

Overview: SimplifyEm is designed for both small landlords and growing property managers. You can start simple (rent tracking, reminders, screening), then scale into full CRM and general ledger accounting as your business grows.

Pros:

Flat-rate pricing from $25/month (no per-unit fees)
Full GL accounting, built-in CRM
Online rent collection, late fee automation, recurring charges
Phone, email, and chat support
Premium features available without forced upgrades

Cons:

No advanced marketing syndication (not critical for most)

🔗 See pricing

2. AppFolio – Best for Larger Portfolios and Mixed Asset Classes

Best For: PMs managing 200+ units

Overview: AppFolio is a robust platform with strong automation and reporting. It offers advanced tools, but comes with a steeper learning curve and pricing model.

Pros:

Strong mobile app
Advanced automation and dashboards
Owner portals and maintenance tracking

Cons:

$298 minimum monthly spend
May require onboarding support

3. Buildium – Best for Associations and Traditional Managers

Best For: Property managers overseeing residential or HOA portfolios

Pros:

HOA tools, budgeting, and accounting
eLeasing, resident portals
Scalability for 50+ units

Cons:

Per-unit pricing
Support prioritization varies by tier

4. TurboTenant – Best Free Tool for DIY Landlords

Best For: Landlords managing 1–5 units

Pros:

Free for landlords
Online applications and screening
Lease templates included

Cons:

Monetizes tenants
No built-in accounting
Email-only support

5. Avail – Best for Lease Customization and Screening

Best For: Landlords who want local lease templates and tracking

Pros:

Free tier available
Lease builder with local clauses
Maintenance request system

Cons:

Basic financial tools
Limited scalability

6. RentRedi – Best Mobile App for Small Landlords

Best For: Tech-savvy landlords with mobile-first workflows

Pros:

Intuitive app for both landlord and tenant
Accepts ACH, credit card, and cash via PayNearMe

Cons:

$19.95/month (annual commitment)
Reporting more suitable for smaller portfolios

7. TenantCloud – Best for Automation on a Budget

Best For: DIY landlords with 5–20 units

Pros:

Free tier with optional paid upgrades
Custom branding, invoicing, maintenance requests

Cons:

Learning curve
Limited support at free tier

8. DoorLoop – Best for Speed and Modern Design

Best For: Landlords who value fast UI and feature-rich software

Pros:

Fast setup
Full-feature dashboard (rent, maintenance, reports)

Cons:

Per-unit pricing
Best suited for PMs with 50+ units

9. Hemlane – Best for Hybrid Local-Remote Management

Best For: Out-of-state investors

Pros:

Hybrid property manager coordination
Leasing and repair coordination included

Cons:

High pricing for premium tiers
Niche use case

10. Rentec Direct – Best for Basic Bookkeeping and Reports

Best For: Bookkeeping-focused landlords

Pros:

Accounting-focused interface
Strong QuickBooks alternative

Cons:

Less modern interface
Traditional-style tenant portals

Comparison Table: Which Rental Software Fits Your Needs?

How to Choose the Right Property Management Software in 2025

Are You Managing 1 Property or 100?

Start with your unit count. If you’re just getting started, you want a tool that’s intuitive and easy to set up. But if you’re growing, you need a solution that includes CRM, full accounting, and multi-user permissions.

Do You Need Full Accounting or Just Rent Collection?

Rent collection is great—but eventually you’ll need GL-level accounting, owner statements, and tax reports. SimplifyEm provides this out of the box, even if you only start with 5 units.

Why SimplifyEm Works for Both New and Growing Managers

Unlike tools that lock key features behind unit minimums, SimplifyEm lets you use only what you need today—then scale to full functionality later. No painful migrations.

FAQs About Rental Property Management Software

What is the best rental software for a small portfolio?
SimplifyEm and TurboTenant are great for 1–20 units. SimplifyEm wins if you need accounting.
Can I scale my business with property management software?
Yes—especially with platforms like SimplifyEm and Buildium that support CRM, accounting, and automation.
What features do mid-sized property managers need?
- General ledger accounting
- CRM and communication tracking
- Support for multiple users and properties
How is SimplifyEm different from enterprise platforms like Yardi?
SimplifyEm offers enterprise-grade features with no per-unit pricing, ideal for growing teams who want simplicity + power.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Property Management Software in 2025?
Choosing the right rental software depends on your size, goals, and need for scalability. If you’re a landlord or property manager looking for:
- Flat-rate pricing
- Ease of use<
- Full functionality when you’re ready for it
- Real human support
Then SimplifyEmis a smart choice for 2025 and beyond.

📍Explore pricing

Sources:

https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/finances

https://www.nmhc.org/research-insight/

Best Property Management Software for Small Landlords in 2025

Filed Under: Business Management, Property Management, Property Management Software

Managing just a few rental units may seem simple—until you’re chasing late payments, handling maintenance requests at midnight, or misplacing lease agreements. Small landlords often juggle everything themselves, which makes reliable property management software not just helpful—but essential.

Whether you own one duplex or a handful of rental homes, the right software can save hours each week, improve tenant relationships, and help you stay compliant. In this guide, we’ll compare the best property management software options for small landlords in 2025 and highlight the must-have features to look for—especially if you’re seeking simplicity, affordability, scalability, and outstanding support.

What Is the Best Property Management Software for Small Landlords?

Many small landlords don’t need complex tools designed for enterprise property managers. But that doesn’t mean you should settle for spreadsheets or outdated systems. Here’s what you should expect from modern property management software:

Essential Features Small Landlords Should Look For

Look for software that covers the core tasks every landlord faces:

Online rent collection with auto-payment options
Lease tracking and digital document storage
Tenant screening built into the application workflow
Automated reminders for rent due dates and renewals
Maintenance request tracking from tenants

SimplifyEm, for example, includes all of these essential tools in its base plan—without requiring complicated setup or expensive add-ons. And if you’re a small landlord planning to grow your portfolio, SimplifyEm can scale with you by offering full accounting and a robust CRM to manage more properties and tenants efficiently.

Why Customer Support Matters for Small Landlords

Support often gets overlooked—until you’re stuck trying to figure something out on your own.

Unlike many platforms that rely on bots or email-only support, SimplifyEm provides live phone, email, and chat support as part of its commitment to delivering a WOW customer experience. Their support team is known for going above and beyond to help landlords resolve issues quickly.

This level of support is especially valuable for small landlords who don’t have in-house staff or IT teams—and it’s even more important if you’re expanding your rental business and need fast answers while onboarding new units.

Best Pricing Models for Property Management Software

Small landlords should avoid tools that charge per unit or hide fees behind “premium” features. Look for software that offers:

Flat-rate pricing
No setup fees
Free trials or demos

SimplifyEm’s pricing starts at just $25/month with flat-tiered pricing and no per-unit charges, making it one of the most affordable options for growing landlords. If you expand beyond a few properties, you can stay on the same platform and unlock advanced features like GL-level accounting and multi-user CRM tools as needed.

Ease of Use and Setup Time: What to Expect

Time is money, and you shouldn’t need weeks of training to use your software. The best platforms offer:

Intuitive dashboards
Mobile-friendly design
Easy import of existing data
Onboarding support when needed

SimplifyEm is consistently rated as one of the easiest-to-use property management tools for small landlords. And when you’re ready to grow, its scalable architecture allows you to add features without switching software.

7 Best Property Management Software Options for Small Landlords in 2025

Here are the best tools for landlords managing between 1–50 units. Each has strengths, but only a few are truly designed with small landlords in mind.

Is SimplifyEm the Best Property Management Software for Small Landlords?

Best for: Small landlords who want full functionality, top-tier support, and the ability to scale

Pros:

Flat-rate pricing as low as $25/month
Includes rent tracking, accounting, lease management, CRM
Full accounting and CRM tools available for growing portfolios
Phone, email, and chat support
No hidden fees or contracts

Cons:

Marketing syndication limited (not typically needed for small landlords)

🔗 Explore all SimplifyEm features »

TurboTenant Review: Free Property Management Software for Landlords

Best for: Landlords who want a free tool with basic features

Pros:

Free basic plan
Lease templates and tenant screening

Cons:

No accounting or full CRM
Email-only support
Monetized through tenant charges

Is Avail a Good Property Management Software for DIY Landlords?

Best for: Independent landlords who want state-specific lease templates

Pros:

Free tier available
Local lease builder
Rent tracking

Cons:

Limited support
Not scalable beyond a few units

TenantCloud Review: Property Management Tools for Small Portfolios

Best for: DIY landlords who want accounting and automation

Pros:

Cloud-based dashboard
Maintenance tracking and rent payments

Cons:

Requires technical confidence
Inconsistent user experience

RentRedi: Mobile-First Property Management Software for Landlords

Best for: Mobile-first landlords

Pros:

Clean mobile interface
ACH and credit card rent collection

Cons:

Pricing higher than average
Fewer support channels

Is DoorLoop a Good Fit for Growing Rental Property Owners?

Best for: Landlords scaling into midsize portfolios

Pros:

Accounting, CRM, and reporting included
Good UI and performance

Cons:

Higher starting price
Per-unit pricing adds up

Buildium for Small Landlords: Is It Worth the Cost?

Best for: Tech-savvy landlords aiming to scale

Pros:

Enterprise-grade features
Integration options

Cons:

Requires training
Per-unit pricing and annual contract

How to Choose the Right Property Management Software for Your Portfolio

Ask yourself:

How many units am I managing now—and in a year?
Do I need built-in rent tracking and accounting?
How important is live support?
Do I plan to grow into a small portfolio?

If you’re looking for a simple, powerful, and well-supported platform—without worrying about per-unit charges—SimplifyEm is the clear choice. And when you grow from 3 to 30+ units, you’ll still be in the right place—SimplifyEm supports your expansion with full CRM and accounting tools built-in.

Why SimplifyEm Is the Best Property Management Software for Growing Landlords

SimplifyEm is built specifically for landlords managing fewer units—but it doesn’t stop there. It’s one of the few tools that scales from one unit to hundreds, offering more advanced tools only when you need them.

Transparent flat pricing
Full general ledger accounting (optional as you grow)
Multi-user CRM and lead tracking
Rent reminders, reports, and late fee automation
Best-in-class customer support

🌟 Start your free trial or schedule a demo »

FAQs About Property Management Software for Small Landlords

What is the easiest property management software for small landlords?
SimplifyEm is highly rated for ease of use and minimal setup time.
Can I use property management software with just one rental?
Yes. SimplifyEm and TurboTenant both work well for single-unit landlords.
Is there free software for small landlords?
TurboTenant and Avail offer free versions, though they lack advanced tools or support.
What software is better than QuickBooks for landlords?
SimplifyEm includes property-specific accounting tools, rent roll reports, and lease tracking—none of which QuickBooks offers natively.

Sources:

https://www.hud.gov/topics/rental_assistance

https://www.naahq.org/news-publications