Managing rental properties used to involve stacks of paperwork, countless phone calls, and close relationships with local property management companies. But with the rise of real estate technology, an increasing number of investors and landlords are turning to apps that not only help with buying and selling properties but also offer full-fledged property management services. The question is: are there real estate apps that truly deliver on property management needs? The answer is a resounding yes—and the options are getting better all the time.
From rent collection and maintenance coordination to tenant screening and accounting, today’s most innovative real estate apps bring a wide range of features right to your fingertips. Below, we dive into some of the best options and what they offer, helping property owners streamline operations and maximize profits.
Top Real Estate Apps That Offer Property Management Features
Not all real estate apps are created equal. While some focus solely on buying, selling, or listing properties, others include robust tools for managing rental units. Here are some of the most popular apps that cater specifically to property management:
- Buildium: This cloud-based platform is designed for property managers overseeing residential and association properties. It offers features such as rent and fee collection, online leasing, maintenance requests, and expense tracking.
- AppFolio: Used by landlords and managers alike, AppFolio supports residential and commercial properties. Its features include tenant screening, accounting, mobile inspections, and online owner reports for transparency.
- TenantCloud: Ideal for smaller landlords or those just starting in real estate, TenantCloud offers rental advertising, lease management, rent collection, and tenant screening. Plus, it includes a free basic plan for individual landlords.
- Avail: Designed with DIY landlords in mind, Avail enables users to advertise vacancies, screen tenants, create and sign leases, and collect rent—all from their mobile device.
Key Features to Look For in a Property Management App
When choosing a real estate app focused on property management, it’s important to consider the following capabilities:
- Tenant Screening: A good app allows landlords to run credit checks, criminal background checks, and eviction reports to find quality tenants.
- Online Rent Collection: Automated rent reminders and secure payment gateways make life easier for both tenants and landlords.
- Maintenance Requests: Tenants should be able to log issues via the app, and landlords should be able to dispatch repair services in real time.
- Accounting and Reporting: Built-in accounting features help track income and expenses, generate reports, and simplify tax prep.
- Document Management: Securely store leases, inspection reports, receipts, and communication history in one centralized location.
The right app can save landlords hours of time each month and create a significantly better experience for their tenants.
How These Apps Benefit Different Users
Whether you’re a first-time landlord or a seasoned property manager, real estate apps provide value in a variety of ways:
- Solo Property Owners: Apps like Avail and TenantCloud give individual landlords access to tools that were once only available through property management companies, without the high costs.
- Professional Property Managers: Platforms such as Buildium and AppFolio offer scalable solutions with features tailored for managing dozens—or even hundreds—of rental units.
- Real Estate Investors: With multi-property tracking and financial analytics, these apps help investors stay informed and make smarter decisions.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
While property management apps can greatly enhance efficiency, they’re not perfect. For instance:
- Some advanced features, like automated lease renewals or full-service maintenance coordination, may only be available on paid plans.
- There can be a learning curve for those unfamiliar with tech platforms.
- Not all apps are optimized for every market or property type—so research is key.
Nonetheless, the value they deliver often outweighs these limitations, especially for those managing multiple properties.
The Bottom Line
Yes, there are real estate apps that offer comprehensive property management services—and they’re reshaping the way landlords and property managers operate. By automating tasks, enhancing communication, and organizing data in one place, these apps can simplify every aspect of property management. Whether you’re managing a single rental unit or an entire apartment complex, there’s likely an app that fits your needs.
As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative features to enter the market, making property management more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective than ever before.
