Free property management software has become an invaluable tool for landlords and property managers. It automates and streamlines essential tasks like collecting rent, tracking maintenance requests, screening tenants, and generating reports. Using a property management platform can save countless hours compared to managing properties manually.
This article focuses specifically on the top free property management software options available in 2024. While paid solutions offer more robust features, free platforms provide core functionality for basic property management needs. We evaluated and ranked the free tools based on:
- User-friendliness: Easy to navigate and use, even for beginners
- Core feature set: Includes must-have tools like online rent collection, maintenance tracking, accounting, and tenant screening
- Customer support: Quality and availability of customer service for users
- Mobile access: Ability to manage on-the-go with iOS and Android apps
- Scalability: Can accommodate portfolios of varying sizes from a few to hundreds of units
- Data security: Measures taken to protect sensitive tenant and financial data
The free property management platforms below represent the top options that balance powerful features with an intuitive interface at no cost.
1. Hemlane
Hemlane is a free property management software designed for individual landlords and small property management companies. Hemlane was founded in 2018 by two former real estate investors looking to simplify property management. The software is targeted at landlords with 1-100 units who want an easy-to-use and affordable option.
Key Features
- Online applications and tenant screening
- Rent collection via ACH or credit cards
- Maintenance request tracking
- Accounting for income and expenses
- Customizable reports and statements
Pros
- Simple and easy to use
- Affordable pricing starts free
- Integration with reporting software
- Streamlined workflows
Cons
- Limited customization compared to larger platforms
- Less robust features for large portfolios
- Limited accounting functionality
Pricing
Users can have unlimited units on the free plan and connect 1 financial institution to any unit. For additional features, paid plans start at $30 / month.
2. Avail
Avail is a cloud-based property management software designed for independent landlords and property managers. Founded in 2003, Avail is headquartered in Provo, Utah and services over 2 million rental units across the US and Canada.
Key Features
- Online rental applications and tenant screening
- Integrated accounting for tracking income and expenses
- Maintenance request tracking
- Online rent collection via ACH or credit cards
- Lease generation and e-signing
- Real-time property performance dashboard
Pros
- User-friendly interface optimized for property managers
- Robust tenant screening and credit checks
- Customizable workflows to match business needs
- 24/7 live chat and phone support
Cons
- Limited integration with other software compared to competitors
- Mobile app has fewer features than web platform
- Can be pricey for smaller property managers
Pricing
Avail offers landlords a free account where they can use their rental pricing analysis. For comprehensive property management software, Avail starts at $99 per month.
3. RentRedi
RentRedi is a cloud-based property management software designed for individual landlords and small-to-mid-sized property management companies. Founded in 2003, RentRedi aims to help rental property owners streamline operations and maximize revenue.
Key Features
- Online rental applications with built-in screening tools
- Digital lease agreements and e-signing
- Online rent collection with automatic reminders
- Accounting tools for managing income and expenses
- Maintenance request tracking system
- Customizable tenant/owner portals
- Integrations with listing sites like Zillow and Apartments.com
Pros
- Affordable pricing scaled for individual investors or small companies
- User-friendly interface and intuitive tools
- Automates many routine management tasks to save time
- Mobile app allows on-the-go access and management
- Customizable platform to suit your specific needs
Cons
- Less property and unit management features compared to some competitors
- Limited ability to handle large portfolios
- Support options not as robust as more expensive platforms
- Third-party integration is limited
Pricing
RentRedi offers four main pricing plans:
- Basic - $49/month for up to 75 units
- Professional - $99/month for 150 units
- Premium - $199/month for 400 units
- Enterprise - Custom pricing for unlimited units
Discounts available for annual contracts. All plans include unlimited users, websites, and accounting capabilities.
4. Rentec Direct
Rentec Direct is a cloud-based property management software designed for individual landlords and small to mid-sized property management companies. Founded in 2003, Rentec Direct aims to help property managers streamline operations and maximize revenue.
Key Features
- Online rental applications with tenant screening
- Maintenance and work order tracking
- Accounting with financial reporting
- Tenant and owner portals
- Marketing tools like website builders and syndication services
Pros
- Affordable pricing suitable for individual landlords
- User-friendly interface
- Customizable reports and accounting
- Integrations with screening services and payment processors
- Strong customer support
Cons
- Limited mobile app capabilities
- Less property and unit management features compared to some competitors
- More suited for conventional rentals vs short-term rentals
Pricing
Rentec Direct offers four main pricing plans:
- Basic - $49/month for up to 75 units
- Professional - $89/month for 150 units
- Premium - $169/month for 400 units
- Enterprise - Custom pricing
It also provides a 30-day free trial to test the software.
5. TurboTenant
TurboTenant is a cloud-based property management software designed for independent landlords and property managers. Founded in 2015, TurboTenant aims to provide an all-in-one solution to simplify rental property management.
TurboTenant offers easy-to-use tools for listing vacancies, screening tenants, collecting rent online, and generating reports. The software is optimized for use on mobile devices, enabling remote property management on-the-go. With features tailored to independent landlords, TurboTenant competes directly with other rental management platforms like Avail and TenantCloud.
Key Features
- Online rental applications and tenant screening
- Digital lease signing and rent collection
- Maintenance request tracking
- Accounting and financial reporting
- Property website builder and online listings
- Mobile apps for landlords and tenants
Pros
- Designed for independent landlords and small portfolios
- User-friendly interface and navigation
- Customizable rental listings and applicant forms
- Robust screening reports provided by TransUnion SmartMove
- Digital lease signing and online rent payments
- Mobile access for remote property management
Cons
- Limited functionality for large or enterprise portfolios
- No built-in maintenance vendor dispatching
- Limited accounting features compared to other platforms
- Web-based only, no desktop application
Pricing
TurboTenant offers four pricing tiers:
- Basic: Free for one property
- Starter: $10/month for up to 10 properties
- Professional: $30/month for up to 150 properties
- Enterprise: Custom pricing for unlimited properties
Additional fees apply for credit reports, electronic payments, and other services. TurboTenant offers month-to-month contracts with no long-term commitments.
6. Apartments.com Rental Manager
Apartments.com Rental Manager is a cloud-based property management software designed for independent landlords and small to mid-sized property management companies. It's offered by CoStar Group, the company behind Apartments.com, Apartment Finder, and other rental listing sites.
Key Features
- Online rental applications
- Tenant screening
- Lease generation
- Maintenance request tracking
- Accounting and reporting
- Mobile apps
Pros
- Integration with Apartments.com and Apartment Finder listing sites
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Robust screening and leasing tools
- Mobile access for remote management
- No long-term contracts
Cons
- Fewer features than some competitors
- Limited customization options
- Minimal property and unit data management
- No resident portal
Pricing
Apartments.com Rental Manager offers a basic free plan. Advanced features are available at varying costs based on the number of units managed.
7. Innago
Innago is a cloud-based property management software designed for independent landlords and property managers. Founded in 2017, Innago aims to simplify the property management process through an intuitive and user-friendly platform.
Key Features
- Online rental applications and tenant screening
- Rent collection via ACH or credit cards
- Maintenance request tracking
- Customizable lease agreements and e-signing
- Expense tracking and reporting
- Tenant and lease management
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Free for landlords with basic features
- Strong tenant screening and lease management tools
- Mobile-friendly interface
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- Limited advanced features for larger portfolios
- Basic accounting features
- No built-in marketing tools for listing vacancies
Pricing
Innago is free for landlords with basic features. Premium features are available at additional costs based on the number of units managed.
8. Rentler
Rentler is a cloud-based property management software designed for independent landlords and small property management companies. Rentler aims to provide a simple and effective solution for managing rental properties.
Key Features
- Online rental applications and tenant screening
- Rent collection via ACH or credit cards
- Maintenance request tracking
- Customizable lease agreements and e-signing
- Expense tracking and reporting
- Tenant and lease management
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Free to use with essential property management features
- Robust tenant screening and background checks
- Easy online rent collection
- Customizable lease agreements
Cons
- Limited advanced features for larger portfolios
- Basic accounting tools
- No mobile app for on-the-go management
Pricing
Rentler is free for landlords with basic features. Additional premium features and services are available at extra costs based on the specific needs of the landlord.
Competitors Offering Free Trials
While the primary focus of this article is on free property management software, there are several robust platforms that, although they do not offer a free version, provide a free trial for new customers. These platforms often include more advanced features and scalability options suitable for larger portfolios and professional property management companies.
AppFolio
AppFolio is a robust cloud-based property management software designed for residential and commercial real estate businesses. Founded in 2006, AppFolio aims to help property managers streamline operations and deliver exceptional service.
Key Features
- Online portal for owners and tenants
- Maintenance and work order management
- Accounting and financial reporting
- Screening tools for tenants
- Marketing and website integrations
- Mobile apps for property managers and tenants
Pros
- User-friendly interface and intuitive workflows
- Scales easily as portfolio grows
- Robust integrations with accounting, marketing, and utility software
- 24/7 customer support via phone, email, and chat
Cons
- Can be pricey for smaller property managers
- Limited customization options for forms and workflows
- Mobile apps lack some functionality of desktop platform
Pricing
AppFolio offers tiered pricing based on the number of units managed:
- Up to 150 units: $200/month
- 151-300 units: $300/month
- 301-1000 units: $400/month
- 1001+ units: Custom pricing
Setup fees start at $2,000. Discounts available for annual contracts. AppFolio offers a free trial for new customers.
Buildium
Buildium is a well-established property management software company founded in 2004. They provide solutions for residential and commercial real estate owners and managers to handle operations, accounting, maintenance, and communication.
Key Features
- Accounting - Built-in accounting with bank-level security helps manage funds and expenses. Automates tasks like owner disbursem*nts.
- Maintenance - Maintenance tracking and preventative maintenance scheduling. Mobile access for technicians and status alerts.
- Leasing - Tools for the entire leasing lifecycle from listings to applications, e-signing, screening, and move-ins.
- Tenant portal - Branded portals for tenants to pay rent, submit maintenance requests, get documents and more.
- Mobile apps - iOS and Android apps help property managers and tenants stay connected on the go.
Pros
- Depth of features
- Strong accounting
- High configurability
- Excellent mobile access
Cons
- Relatively high pricing
- Somewhat dated interface
- Involved setup/learning curve
- Ongoing support fees add to long-term costs
Pricing
Buildium has a reputation for excellent customer support. Pricing starts at $499/month for up to 250 units, with custom quotes available for larger portfolios. Buildium offers a free trial for new customers.
DoorLoop
DoorLoop is a cloud-based property management software designed for small to mid-sized property management companies. Launched in 2016, DoorLoop aims to provide an intuitive and affordable solution to help property managers streamline operations.
Key Features
- Online rental applications and tenant screening
- Maintenance and work order management
- Accounting tools for managing income and expenses
- Built-in reporting and analytics
- Online tenant portal for payments and communication
- Integrations with accounting, utility billing, and screening services
Pros
- Affordable pricing suitable for small companies
- Easy to learn and use platform
- Customizable workflows
- Mobile access and tenant apps
- Solid core property management features
Cons
- Less specialized functionality than some competitors
- Limited payment processing capabilities
- Support for larger portfolios may be lacking
- Fewer integrations than other platforms
Pricing
DoorLoop starts at $99/month. DoorLoop offers a free trial for new customers.
TenantCloud
TenantCloud is a leading property management software designed for individual landlords and small-to-midsize property management companies. Founded in 2011, TenantCloud aims to help rental property owners streamline operations through an all-in-one platform.
Key Features
- Online rental applications and tenant screening
- Online rent collection with automated reminders
- Maintenance request tracking
- Accounting tools for managing income and expenses
- Customizable lease agreements and documents
- Real-time property performance reporting
- Integrations with listing sites to advertise vacancies
Pros
- User-friendly interface and easy to learn
- Affordable pricing suitable for individual landlords
- Mobile apps for managing properties on-the-go
- Quick implementation and onboarding
- Excellent customer support via phone, email, and chat
Cons
- Limited functionality compared to enterprise platforms
- Cannot handle large portfolios 1000+ units
- No built-in renter's insurance
- Limited accounting capabilities
Pricing
TenantCloud offers several pricing tiers:
- Basic - $99/month up to 150 units
- Professional - $199/month up to 300 units
- Enterprise - Custom pricing for portfolios over 300 units
TenantCloud provides a free trial to test the software. Overall, TenantCloud provides an affordable and easy-to-use solution for smaller landlords and property managers.
