Property Maintenance

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

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/

SimplifyEm vs TenantCloud: Which Property Management Software is Best for You in 2025?

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

Note: For latest information on TenantCloud feature set and capabilities please contact TenantCloud

Property management software has become essential for landlords and property managers looking to streamline operations, improve tenant relations, and stay on top of finances. Two popular solutions in 2025 are SimplifyEm and TenantCloud—each offering distinct approaches to property management.

Whether you’re a small landlord managing a few units or a mid-sized property manager overseeing a growing portfolio, choosing the right software can make all the difference. This side-by-side comparison will help you decide which platform best suits your needs.

Quick Comparison Table of SimplifyEm and TenantCloud

Here’s a snapshot of how SimpifyEm and TenantCloud stack up:

SimplifyEm Overview

SimplifyEm is built for property managers and landlords who value simplicity, transparency, and flexibility. Whether you’re managing 5 units or 500, SimplifyEm lets you use only the subsystems you need—like rent tracking, tenant management, or maintenance—without unnecessary complexity.

Key Strengths:

Transparent flat-rate pricing starting at $25/month.
Full accounting suite: General Ledger, Chart of Accounts, Journal Entries.
Integrated online rent collection.
Efficient maintenance management.
WOW Customer Support via phone, email, and chat.
Scalable for small landlords and mid-sized property managers.

Learn more about SimplifyEm’s features
SimplifyEm Pricing
Contact Support

TenantCloud Overview

TenantCloud offers a cloud-based, flexible platform designed for landlords and property managers who prefer a modular, customizable solution. With a freemium model, users can start for free and add features as their needs evolve.

Key Highlights:

Tiered plans with optional add-ons.
Modern, customizable interface.
Basic accounting tools with QuickBooks Online integration.
Tenant portal supporting online payments.
Maintenance request management with service bidding.
Integration options for expanded functionality.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Pricing

SimplifyEm: Flat-rate pricing includes all core features.
TenantCloud: Free basic plan; advanced features require paid tiers or add-ons.

Ease of Use

SimplifyEm: Intuitive interface—activate only what you need.
TenantCloud: Customizable but may involve a learning curve.

Accounting Functionality of SimplifyEm vs TenantCloud

SimplifyEm:
Offers a comprehensive accounting system tailored for property management:
- General Ledger (GL) for tracking all transactions.
- Customizable Chart of Accounts.
- Journal Entries for precise financial adjustments.
- Automated rent charges, late fees, and real-time payment tracking.
- Owner statements, expense tracking, vendor payments, bank reconciliation.
- 1099 tax reporting.

No need for third-party accounting software—everything is built-in.

TenantCloud:
Basic income and expense tracking. For advanced accounting, integration with QuickBooks Online is required.

CRM Functionality of SimplifyEm vs TenantCloud

SimplifyEm:
Integrated CRM tools designed to manage tenant, owner, and vendor relationships:
- Centralized contact management.
- Automated reminders for leases, payments, and maintenance.
- Communication logs, task management, document storage.
- Integrated email & SMS via Communication Hub.
- Custom notes and alerts to personalize tenant/owner interactions.
TenantCloud:
Provides basic contact management and messaging through the tenant portal but lacks a full CRM suite.

Online Payments of SimplifyEm vs TenantCloud

SimplifyEm: Fully integrated rent collection and reporting.
TenantCloud: Tenant portal-based payments with varying options by plan.

Maintenance Management of SimplifyEm vs TenantCloud

SimplifyEm: Simple work order tracking and vendor coordination.
TenantCloud: Maintenance request system with service bidding.

Customer Support of SimplifyEm Vs TenantCloud

SimplifyEm: WOW support—phone, email, and chat for all users.
TenantCloud: Support depends on subscription level.

Who Should Choose SimplifyEm?

SimplifyEm is perfect for:

Small landlords wanting simplicity and flexibility.
Mid-sized managers needing full accounting, CRM, maintenance, and tenant management.

Those who appreciate transparent pricing and responsive customer support.

Who Might Prefer TenantCloud?

TenantCloud fits:

DIY landlords looking for a free or low-cost starting point.
Users who enjoy customizing their software setup.

Property managers comfortable integrating third-party tools.

Conclusion

Both SimplifyEm and TenantCloud offer strong property management solutions in 2025:

Choose SimplifyEm for simplicity, full accounting, integrated CRM, transparent pricing, and top-tier support.
Choose TenantCloud if you prefer modular customization and a freemium entry point.

Your ideal choice depends on your portfolio size, desired features, and how hands-on you want to be with integrations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on SimplifyEm TenantCloud Comparison

Does TenantCloud have full accounting features like General Ledger and Chart of Accounts?
TenantCloud provides basic accounting tools and integrates with QuickBooks for advanced needs.
Can I use SimplifyEm for just basic rent tracking?
Yes, SimplifyEm allows landlords to activate only the features they need.
Is TenantCloud really free?
The basic version is free, but advanced features require payment.
Does SimplifyEm offer a free trial?
Yes, SimplifyEm offers a trial period.
Which software has better customer support?
SimplifyEm offers phone, email, and chat support for all plans, while TenantCloud’s support varies by subscription.

Sources:

https://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/

https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/mfh/mfhpm

SimplifyEm vs. Yardi: Which Property Management Software Is Right for You?

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

Note: For latest information on Yardi feature set and capabilities please contact Yardi.

Selecting the appropriate property management software is crucial for efficient operations and tenant satisfaction. Two prominent solutions in the market are SimplifyEm and Yardi, each catering to different segments of property managers. Yardi offers two main products: Yardi Breeze, designed for small to mid-sized portfolios, and Yardi Voyager, tailored for large enterprises. SimplifyEm, traditionally favored by small property managers, has recently expanded its feature set to support mid-sized portfolios, introducing full General Ledger (GL) accounting and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) capabilities. This article provides an in-depth comparison to help you determine which software aligns best with your property management needs in 2025

Company Background of Yardi and SimplifyEm

SimplifyEm Overview

SimplifyEm is a web-based property management solution designed for small to mid-sized landlords and property managers. The platform offers features like property accounting, tenant management, lease tracking, bank reconciliation, maintenance scheduling, and vendor management.

Yardi Overview

Yardi offers two primary property management solutions:

Yardi Breeze: A cloud-based property management software suitable for companies of all sizes. It offers comprehensive tools for managing leasing, payments, maintenance, and accounting, helping landlords streamline their operations effectively.
Yardi Voyager: A comprehensive property management and accounting software designed for large portfolios. It offers features such as lease tracking, tenant services, and operational management, enabling property managers to streamline their workflow efficiently. Its cloud-based platform allows access from any device, enhancing flexibility for users.

Features Comparison of SimplifyEm and Yardi

Here is a quick comparison of the three products

Accounting Functionality of SimplifyEm and Yardi

SimplifyEm now includes full general ledger (GL) accounting, making it a powerful choice for both small and mid-sized property managers. The software supports:

Automated income and expense tracking
Bank reconciliation
Custom financial reports (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow)
1099 tax reporting for vendors
Audit trails for transaction history

It’s built to handle growing portfolios without needing a CPA to navigate the system.

Yardi Breeze includes solid basic accounting tools suitable for small portfolios. It offers:

Property-level accounting
Payment tracking
Limited customization of reports
Optional integration with Breeze Premier for advanced features

Yardi Voyager is designed for enterprise operations and includes robust accounting capabilities like:

Multi-entity financial management
Budgeting and forecasting
Advanced custom reports
Intercompany transactions
GAAP compliance

Voyager’s complexity, while powerful, usually requires training or accounting staff to implement effectively.

CRM Functionality Comparison of SimplifyEm and Yardi

SimplifyEm now includes a full CRM platform—a major enhancement for mid-sized managers looking to scale. Key features include:

Prospect tracking and lease pipeline management
Automated follow-ups for leads and tenants
Centralized contact history
Drip campaigns and lease renewal reminders
SimplifyEm Communication Center with all Email, SMS, Phone messaged handled from one place to individual and in bulk

This functionality helps property managers improve retention and reduce vacancies with minimal manual work.

Yardi Breeze provides basic communication tools, including:

Message templates
Email/SMS capabilities
Owner and tenant portals

However, it lacks robust CRM tools like lead tracking, automated workflows, or marketing funnels unless users upgrade to Breeze Premier or transition to Voyager.

Yardi Voyager includes a comprehensive CRM suite, often used by marketing and leasing teams. It integrates with property websites, call centers, and customer service platforms. While robust, Voyager CRM features often come at a premium and may require setup assistance from Yardi or consultants.

Pricing Breakdown of SimplifyEm and Yardi

SimplifyEm: Offers transparent pricing with various subscription plans to accommodate different portfolio sizes.

Yardi Breeze: Pricing is based on a per-unit, per-month basis, with costs generally ranging from $1 to $5 per unit.

Yardi Voyager: Pricing is customized based on the specific needs and scale of the enterprise.

Customer Support & Onboarding of SimplifyEm and Yardi

SimplifyEm: Provides email, text message, and live phone support, ensuring users receive timely assistance.

Yardi Breeze: Offers support resources, including an activity feed for tracking events and communications.

Yardi Voyager: Provides comprehensive support and training resources, though the complexity of the system may require.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on SimplifyEm and Yardi Comparison

What is the primary difference between Yardi Breeze and Yardi Voyager?
Yardi Breeze is designed for small to mid-sized property management companies, offering an intuitive and user-friendly interface for managing residential and commercial properties. In contrast, Yardi Voyager is tailored for larger enterprises with complex portfolios, providing advanced features and customization options to meet more intricate property management needs.
Can SimplifyEm handle accounting tasks for property managers?
Yes, SimplifyEm offers robust property accounting features, including accounts payable and receivable, bank reconciliation, and the ability to track recurring charges. These tools help property managers maintain accurate financial records and generate detailed reports.
Is there a mobile application available for SimplifyEm?
Yes SimplifyEm provides a mobile App that is available on Iphone and Android based phones. So you have full access to key tasks and data while you’re out of the office.
How does pricing compare between SimplifyEm and Yardi Breeze?
SimplifyEm offers transparent pricing with various subscription plans to accommodate different portfolio sizes, starting at $40 per month. Yardi Breeze operates on a per-unit, per-month pricing model, with costs generally ranging from $1 to $5 per unit, making it essential to assess your portfolio size to determine the most cost-effective option.
Does SimplifyEm offer tenant screening services?
Yes, SimplifyEm provides tenant screening services, allowing property managers to conduct background checks and assess potential tenants effectively.
Can I migrate from Yardi Breeze to Yardi Voyager as my business grows?
Yes, Yardi offers a migration path from Breeze to Voyager, facilitating scalability as your property management needs evolve. This transition allows you to retain your data and adapt to more advanced features as required.
What types of properties can be managed using SimplifyEm?
SimplifyEm is versatile and can manage various property types, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties, accommodating the needs of diverse property portfolios.
How does customer support compare between SimplifyEm and Yardi?
SimplifyEm offers email, text message, and live phone support, ensuring timely assistance. Yardi Breeze provides support resources, including an activity feed for tracking events and communications, while Yardi Voyager offers comprehensive support and training resources, though the complexity of the system may require more extensive training.

Sources:

NMHC 2023 Industry Technology Report

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/publications/rental-housing.html

Buildium Vs SimplifyEm: Property Management Software Comparison

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

Note: For latest information on Buildium feature set and capabilities please contact Buildium.

Choosing the right property management software in 2025 can make or break your rental business—especially when juggling accounting, rent collection, maintenance, and tenant communications. Two of the most recognized tools in the space are Buildium and SimplifyEm, each with strengths tailored to different types of property managers.

Whether you’re an independent landlord with 20 units or a property manager overseeing thousands, this guide compares Buildium vs SimplifyEm on key factors to help you find the best fit for your needs.

Quick Comparison: SimplifyEm Vs Buildium

For a quick side-by-side look at features, pricing, support, and best use case, see the table below:

Tenant Management: SimplifyEm vs Buildium

Both SimplifyEm and Buildium offer solid tenant management tools. Buildium includes Tenant portals, eLeases, Automated communication workflows, and lease tracking, It’s designed for high-volume property operations and supports more complex tenant needs.

SimplifyEm has all those capabilities to support the large property manager as well.

SimplifyEm can also keep things simple and highly usable for independent landlords and small portfolios. It offers automated rent reminders, easy lease tracking, and a tenant portal that simplifies communication and rent collection. For landlords who want straightforward tools without the bloat, SimplifyEm delivers powerful functionality in a user-friendly package.

CRM Capabilities: SimplifyEm vs Buildium

When it comes to CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Buildium stands out with a full-featured lead-to-lease system designed to support leasing agents. It offers pipeline tracking from lead to lease, automated follow-ups, and integration with marketing platforms—perfect for teams managing lots of properties and multiple prospects.

SimplifyEm has all those capabilities to support large property managers as well. SimplifyEm is also unique in providing a communication center that centralizes all communication across email, SMS and Phone.

SimplifyEm can also provide a simpler experience for the smaller property manager. Its CRM capabilities are streamlined for solo landlords or small teams who want to track basic prospect and tenant contact information without managing a complex sales funnel.

Accounting Functionality: SimplifyEm vs Buildium

Accounting is a core strength for both platforms. Both Buildium and SimplifyEm offer built-in trust accounting, automatic rent tracking, 1099 eFiling, and DRE-compliant reports—critical for landlords operating in regulated states like California. Its reports are clean, clear, and easy to generate without an accounting background. Both SimplifyEm and Buildium provide a more customizable and robust accounting system that supports bank reconciliations, owner statements, and detailed transaction histories. Both SimplifyEm and Buildium provide a thorough and customizable chart of accounts and audit tracking of all transactions.

Summary of Buildium functionality

Buildium is a feature-rich solution for mid-sized property managers. It has all the features and support needed for any situation with automated and customizable workflows. Buildium’s accounting, CRM, Tenant, and online payment functionality are comprehensive and can meet the needs of mid-sized property managers.

Summary of SimplifyEm Functionality

SimplifyEm is also a feature-rich solution, but it can support small and large property managers equally. It has all functionality required for large property managers including a full accounting, CRM, Tenant Management, Online Payment capabilities.

The one difference is SimplifyEm can also be used by smaller property managers with simpler needs. One of the distinguishing features of SimplifyEm is you don’t have to setup nor use all the features provided for the software to be useful.

If you’re a large property manager managing thousands of units and you need to set up your own customized chart of accounts, have an audit log of all activities, do monthly automated 3 way reconciliations, you can fully setup SimplifyEm and use it equally well.

SimplifyEm’s customer WOW support is here to help you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Buildium and SimplifyEm Product Comparison

Which software is better: Buildium or SimplifyEm?
While both SimplifyEm and Buildium are great for mid-sized property management businesses. SimplifyEm is also appropriate for smaller property managers with simpler needs at a lower price point.
What is property management software?
Property management software helps property managers manage the financials for rental properties, along with managing the tenants, owner, vendor and trust bank accounts. Including managing their financials and also communications.

Sources:

https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework

https://www.irs.gov/filing/information-returns

Appfolio vs SimplifyEm: Property Management Software Comparison

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

Note: For latest information on Appfolio feature set and capabilities please contact Appfolio.

Choosing the right property management software in 2025 can make or break your rental business—especially when juggling accounting, rent collection, maintenance, and tenant communications. Two of the most recognized tools in the space are Appfolio and SimplifyEm, each with strengths tailored to different types of landlords.

Whether you’re an independent landlord with 20 units or a property manager overseeing thousands, this guide compares Appfolio vs SimplifyEm on key factors to help you find the best fit for your needs.

Quick Comparison: SimplifyEm Vs Appfolio

For a quick side-by-side look at features, pricing, support, and best use case, see the table below:

Tenant Management: SimplifyEm vs Appfolio

Both SimplifyEm and Appfolio offer solid tenant management tools. Appfolio includes advanced lease tracking, automated communication workflows, and robust tenant portals that allow residents to submit maintenance requests, view payment history, and message managers directly. It’s designed for high-volume property operations and supports more complex tenant needs.

SimplifyEm has all those capabilities to support the large property manager as well.

CRM Capabilities: SimplifyEm vs Appfolio

When it comes to CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Appfolio stands out with a full-featured system designed to support leasing agents and large property teams. It offers pipeline tracking from lead to lease, automated follow-ups, and integration with marketing platforms—perfect for teams managing dozens of properties and multiple prospects.

Accounting Functionality: SimplifyEm vs Appfolio

Accounting is a core strength for both platforms. Both Appfolio and SimplifyEm offer built-in trust accounting, automatic rent tracking, 1099 eFiling, and DRE-compliant reports—critical for landlords operating in regulated states like California. Its reports are clean, clear, and easy to generate without an accounting background. Both SimplifyEm and Appfolio provide a more customizable and robust accounting system that supports bank reconciliations, owner statements, and detailed transaction histories. Both SimplifyEm and Appfolio provide a thorough and customizable chart of accounts and audit tracking of all transactions.

Summary of Appfolio functionality

Appfolio is a feature-rich solution for large-scale property managers. It has all the features and support needed for any situation with automated and customizable workflows. Appfolio’s accounting, CRM, Tenant, and online payment functionality are comprehensive and can meet the needs of large property managers.

Summary of SimplifyEm Functionality

If you’re a small property manager that wants to keep track of income, expense, tenant balances and send automated owner reports. You can just set up those modules and not worry about banking, accounting and other modules if you so choose.
If you’re a large property manager managing thousands of units and you need to set up your own customized chart of accounts, have an audit log of all activities, do monthly automated 3 way reconciliations, you can fully setup SimplifyEm and use it equally well.

SimplifyEm’s customer WOW support is here to help you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about SimplifyEm and Appfolio Comparison

Which software is better: Appfolio or SimplifyEm?
While both SimplifyEm and Appfolio are great for large property management businesses. SimplifyEm is also appropriate for smaller property managers with simpler needs at a lower price point.
What is property management software?
Property management software helps property managers manage the financials for rental properties, along with managing the tenants, owner, vendor and trust bank accounts. Including managing their financials and also communications.

Sources:

https://www.federalreserve.gov/paymentsystems/fr-payments-study.htm

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/08/02/as-national-eviction-ban-expires-a-look-at-who-rents-and-who-owns-in-the-u-s/