Property Management

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 But that doesn’t mean you should settle for spreadsheets or outdated systems.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

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 DoorLoop: Which Property Management Software is Right for You in 2025?

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

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

Finding the right property management software can transform how you run your business in 2025. Whether you’re managing a handful of units or scaling to hundreds, choosing a solution that balances functionality, ease of use, and affordability is key.

Two popular options in today’s market are SimplifyEm and DoorLoop. Both offer valuable tools for property managers, but they cater to different needs and preferences. In this comparison, we’ll explore how each platform supports property managers—and why SimplifyEm stands out for those seeking powerful features without unnecessary complexity.

Quick Comparison: SimplifyEm vs DoorLoop

Designed for Property Managers: Focused vs Flexible

SimplifyEm is purpose-built for small to mid-sized property managers (up to a 1000 units), focusing on residential rental management. It delivers enterprise-level functionality in a user-friendly package, helping property managers streamline daily tasks without a steep learning curve.

DoorLoop offers flexibility for managing residential, commercial, HOA, and mixed-use properties. Its broad approach is ideal for those needing a customizable platform that adapts to various property types.

Ease of Use and Quick Setup

SimplifyEm lives up to its name by offering a straightforward, intuitive interface. Property managers can get started within hours—no technical expertise required. Features like automated reminders, accounting, and online payments are ready to use out-of-the-box.

DoorLoop provides a clean, modern interface with customizable workflows. It’s designed for users who prefer tailoring their experience, though some features may require initial configuration depending on the selected plan.

Pricing Transparency and Value

With SimplifyEm, what you see is what you get. Pricing starts at less than $25/month, and core features—like accounting, CRM, and online payments—are included without forcing upgrades.

DoorLoop uses a tiered pricing model, offering flexibility based on business size and feature needs. While this allows property managers to choose a plan that fits, certain advanced features are reserved for higher tiers.

Explore SimplifyEm’s transparent pricing here.

CRM and Communication Tools

SimplifyEm includes a robust CRM and its signature Communication Hub, allowing property managers to:

Automate tenant and owner follow-ups
Send bulk emails and SMS messages
Track conversations in one place

These tools come standard, helping managers improve tenant relations without extra costs.

DoorLoop also provides CRM capabilities, which expand depending on the chosen plan. Its CRM supports lead tracking and tenant communication, ideal for managers who want flexibility in how they manage interactions.

Learn more about SimplifyEm’s CRM and communication features.

Accounting and Financial Management

SimplifyEm offers full General Ledger (GL) accounting, trust accounting, owner statements, and QuickBooks integration—ensuring compliance and financial clarity for property managers of all sizes.

DoorLoop includes accounting features with seamless QuickBooks integration, making it easy for managers familiar with that ecosystem to handle finances efficiently.

Online Payments Made Simple

With SimplifyEm, property managers can quickly enable ACH and credit card payments without needing a separate merchant account. Tenants can set up recurring payments, reducing late payments and improving cash flow.

DoorLoop also supports integrated online payments, providing tenants with flexible payment options through its partnerships.

Discover how SimplifyEm simplifies rent collection.

Customer Support

SimplifyEm is known for its Customer WOW approach, offering U.S.-based phone and email support. Whether it’s onboarding assistance or daily troubleshooting, property managers can count on personalized service.

DoorLoop provides customer support through email, chat, and a comprehensive resource center to guide users through setup and feature use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on SimplifyEm Doorloop Comparison

Does SimplifyEm offer a free trial?
Yes, SimplifyEm provides a free trial so you can explore all features before committing.
How does DoorLoop’s pricing compare to SimplifyEm?
DoorLoop uses tiered pricing, while SimplifyEm offers transparent, all-inclusive pricing starting under $1/unit.
Can both SimplifyEm and DoorLoop integrate with QuickBooks?
Yes, both platforms support QuickBooks integration for streamlined accounting.
Which software is easier to set up for small property managers?
SimplifyEm is designed for quick, hassle-free setup without technical expertise.
Do both platforms support online rent payments?
Yes, both SimplifyEm and DoorLoop offer online payment options for tenants, including ACH and credit card payments.

Sources:

https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/manage-your-business/understand-property-management

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

Is Entrata Better Than SimplifyEm? See the 2025 Side-by-Side Comparison

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

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

Choosing the right property management software in 2025 can make or break your ability to scale efficiently. While enterprise solutions like Entrata offer a robust ecosystem for large multifamily operators and student housing providers, SimplifyEm has emerged as a powerhouse designed specifically for small and mid-sized property managers—with features that rival the big players, minus the complexity.

In this article, we compare SimplifyEm and Entrata side-by-side across core areas like tenant management, CRM, accounting, online payments, and security, helping you decide which platform aligns best with your business.

Quick Comparison: SimplifyEm vs Entrata (2025)

Why SimplifyEm Works for Growing Property Managers

Although SimplifyEm is known for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, it’s not a lightweight solution. It delivers enterprise-grade capabilities such as full GL accounting, CRM, online payments, and automated communications—but with a user-friendly interface tailored to small and mid-sized teams.

Unlike Entrata, which often requires dedicated onboarding teams, technical admins, and custom development for setup, SimplifyEm provides:

Minimal learning curve
No IT staff required
Quick setup in hours, not weeks
Instant access to features with no hidden layers

Whether you’re managing 20 or 500+ units, SimplifyEm scales with you—without forcing you to navigate through bloated menus or enterprise-only workflows.

Tenant Management: Powerful and Intuitive Entrata Vs SimplifyEm

SimplifyEm’s tenant management tools give you a complete lease lifecycle toolkit—from lease tracking and automated rent reminders to maintenance coordination and document storage.

Entrata is designed for large portfolios with complex workflows, but for smaller operators, it can be overly technical and require formal training to use effectively.

With SimplifyEm, you can:

Send automated reminders
Attach leases, inspections, and other tenant docs
Track rent, late fees, and delinquencies at a glance

Learn more about SimplifyEm’s tenant features.

CRM and Communication Hub: Enterprise Automation, Simplified Entrata vs SimplifyEm

SimplifyEm’s built-in CRM was developed to help property managers:

Track prospects and leads
Automate communication with tenants and owners
Send bulk messages through SMS, email, or both
Keep all conversations centralized with the Communication Hub

Entrata does offer a CRM, but it’s deeply embedded within its enterprise platform, requiring system configuration and time-consuming setup. SimplifyEm, by contrast, lets you start nurturing relationships from day one, using automation that’s intuitive, not intimidating.

Accounting Functionality: Full GL Power Without the Complexity Entrata vs SimplifyEm

SimplifyEm’s accounting suite offers:

General Ledger (GL) accounting
Trust accounting with bank reconciliation
1099 generation, owner statements, and tenant ledgers
Seamless QuickBooks integration

While Entrata’s accounting system is powerful, it caters more toward enterprise accounting teams with steep onboarding curves. SimplifyEm puts accounting power directly in the hands of owners and managers—no CPA needed to get started.

Online Payments: Simple, Fast, and Flexible Entrata vs. SimplifyEm

Rent collection is smoother with SimplifyEm:

Tenants can pay via credit card or ACH
No separate merchant account setup needed
Auto-pay and recurring payments supported
Payments sync directly to ledgers

Entrata supports robust payment workflows, but the setup is longer and more technical. SimplifyEm enables you to start collecting online rent in minutes—even if you’re just getting started.

Explore how SimplifyEm simplifies rent collection.

Security and Compliance: Enterprise Standards Made Accessible Entrata vs SimplifyEm

Security and compliance aren’t reserved for large corporations. SimplifyEm offers:

256-bit SSL encryption
PCI-compliant payment infrastructure
U.S.-based secure data centers
User role controls for staff and managers
Audit logs for transparent tracking

While Entrata also provides enterprise-grade security, it often requires IT involvement to configure access or customize data policies. SimplifyEm ensures you’re secure by default—without needing a tech team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Entrata and SimplifyEm Comparison

Is Entrata good for small property managers?
Entrata is designed primarily for large-scale property managers, student housing providers, and enterprise-level portfolios. While powerful, it may be too complex and costly for small or mid-sized property managers without dedicated IT resources.
Does SimplifyEm offer features similar to enterprise software like Entrata?
Yes, SimplifyEm provides enterprise-level functionality—such as full GL accounting, CRM, trust accounting, and secure online payments—but in a simplified and more accessible format tailored to small and mid-sized property managers.
What makes SimplifyEm easier to use than Entrata?
SimplifyEm is built with simplicity in mind. There’s no need for custom onboarding or complex setups. You can start using features like accounting, CRM, and online rent collection right away, without specialized training or a dedicated tech team.
Can I try SimplifyEm before subscribing?
Yes, SimplifyEm offers a free trial so you can test all features before committing. Entrata, on the other hand, typically requires a demo with a sales team and does not offer a public free trial.
Is there a big pricing difference between Entrata and SimplifyEm?
Absolutely. SimplifyEm starts at under $1/unit, with transparent pricing listed publicly. Entrata requires a custom quote, which can vary significantly based on portfolio size, making it less predictable for smaller property managers.
Does SimplifyEm handle both ACH and credit card rent payments?
Yes, SimplifyEm supports both ACH and credit card payments and even allows recurring payments without needing a separate merchant account. It’s quick to set up and easy for tenants to use.
Can I switch from Entrata to SimplifyEm easily?
Yes. SimplifyEm offers customer support and data migration assistance to help property managers transition from other platforms like Entrata with minimal disruption.

Sources
U.S. Small Business Administration – Guide on Managing Rental Properties

HUD – Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

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/