Best Accounting Software for Rental Properties Shortlist
Manually tracking rent, expenses, and maintenance costs isn’t just time-consuming—it increases the risk of costly errors.
With years of experience in financial operations, I know how important it is to have a system that keeps everything organized. Rental property accounting isn’t just about tracking income and expenses—it’s about managing deposits, handling tax deductions, and keeping detailed records for audits, and the right software makes this process seamless..
This guide rounds up the best accounting software for rental properties, whether you need automated rent collection, expense tracking, or easy tax reporting. Find the perfect tool to keep your finances running smoothly!
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Best Accounting Software for Rental Properties Summary
Time is of the essence. So, to help you save time, I created this quick summary of the costs and trial information for my top accounting software for rental properties.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for tracking property values | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for customizable workflow tools | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for property-specific banking | 30-day free trial | From $20/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for fast software setup | Free demo available | From $1/unit/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for report organization | 14-day free trial | From $50/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for integrated AI automation | Free demo available | From $69/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for DIY landlords | Free plan available | From $9/unit/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for autonomous operations management | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for comprehensive rental management | 14-day free trial | From $12/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for property-based accounting | Free trial available | From $15/user/month | Website |
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Creatio CRM
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7 -
DealHub AI
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7 -
LiveFlow
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.9
Best Accounting Software for Rental Properties Reviews
This in-depth analysis provides overviews of each accounting software for rental properties. We will review each tool’s pros and cons, features, and best use cases.
DualEntry is an AI-native enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform designed to automate and optimize financial operations. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for managing general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, and cash management.
Why I picked DualEntry: DualEntry's fixed asset management feature is particularly beneficial for rental property accounting. It allows you to automate the management of fixed assets, including straight-line depreciations and amortizations, as well as more complex custom rate curves. This automation ensures accurate tracking of property values over time, which is crucial for maintaining precise financial records and preparing for tax obligations.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include end-to-end reconciliation management, utilizing AI to match transactions and identify discrepancies. It also has automated lease data entry, which reduces manual work by capturing complex lease information. The platform even provides real-time reporting and analytics, allowing you to customize and share reports with unlimited classifications and dynamic pivots.
Integrations include BambooHR, Bill.com, Brex, Deel, Google SSO, Gusto, HubSpot, Ramp, Rippling, Salesforce, Stripe Billing, and Stripe Invoicing.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Automated revenue recognition ensures compliance with standards
- Supports multi-entity and multi-currency operations
- Advanced AI features help with complex accounting tasks
Cons:
- No option to try the system before buying
- Initial data migration could be complex depending on existing systems
Rent Manager is a property management and accounting platform that combines general ledger accounting, rent tracking, bank reconciliation, and customizable workflow automation for rental property portfolios.
Who Is Rent Manager Best For?
Property managers at midsize or large portfolios who need robust control over workflow customization and accounting processes.
Why I Picked Rent Manager
I picked Rent Manager because I can create custom workflows for rent collection, work orders, and invoice approvals right from the accounting dashboard. I like being able to automate accounting and property management tasks to match our firm’s unique processes.
Rent Manager Key Features
- General ledger accounting: Tracks income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and equity for all properties.
- Bank reconciliation: Matches transactions between your bank statements and accounting records.
- Online tenant portal: Lets tenants submit payments and maintenance requests online.
- Customizable financial reports: Generates profit and loss, balance sheet, and rent roll reports by property or portfolio.
Rent Manager Integrations
Rent Manager offers native integrations with Zego, AvidXchange, PayLease, Blue Moon, HappyCo, AmRent, Rhino, LeadSimple, and DocuSign. An API is available for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Detailed reporting by property and tenant
- Supports multi-entity and property portfolios
- Customizable automation for accounting workflows
Cons:
- Setup process can require third-party help
- Mobile app features are limited
Baselane is a banking and accounting platform designed for rental property owners that combines property-specific bank accounts, rent collection, bookkeeping tools, and financial reporting in one system.
Who Is Baselane Best For?
Baselane is a strong choice for individual landlords and small property management companies seeking integrated banking and accounting for their rental properties.
Why I Picked Baselane
I picked Baselane because I like being able to open separate, property-specific bank accounts quickly and then link them to granular accounting, rent collection, and expense tracking features. I use its built-in accounts to automate rent payments and keep transactions neatly organized.
Baselane Key Features
- Automatic rent collection: Lets you set up recurring rent payments and reminders for tenants.
- Invoice and receipt management: Uploads, organizes, and stores property-related invoices and receipts for easy access.
- Financial reporting dashboard: Gives an at-a-glance view of property income, expenses, and trends.
- Security deposit management: Tracks and manages tenant security deposits within each property account.
Baselane Integrations
Native integrations are not clearly documented. Baselane provides an API for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Integrated income and expense dashboards
- Automated rent payment tracking and notifications
- Property-specific accounts for each rental property
Cons:
- No built-in native integrations with accounting tools
- Limited tax prep features for accountants
Yardi Breeze is a property management and accounting software platform built for landlords and property managers, offering online rent payments, financial reporting, maintenance management, and tenant screening features.
Who Is Yardi Breeze Best For?
Yardi Breeze is a good fit for property managers at small to midsize rental businesses who need an all-in-one solution for managing multiple properties.
Why I Picked Yardi Breeze
I picked Yardi Breeze because I can get set up within a day, quickly enter property and tenant data, and start collecting rent online without a long onboarding. I rely on its guided setup wizard and built-in templates to make onboarding property portfolios easy.
Yardi Breeze Key Features
- Rent payment tracking: Tracks all rent payments made online or manually and applies them directly to tenant ledgers.
- Bank reconciliation: Connects bank accounts and auto-matches transactions for fast account balancing.
- Owner statement reporting: Generates detailed owner statements covering income, expenses, and property balances.
- Maintenance request management: Lets tenants submit maintenance requests and tracks work order completion.
Yardi Breeze Integrations
Native integrations are not clearly documented. An API is available for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lease management with document storage
- Automated late fee calculation and application
- Fast onboarding for new users and properties
Cons:
- Reporting export options are restricted
- Owner portal customization is limited
Rentec Direct is a property management software platform that offers tools for landlords and property managers to manage their rental properties effectively.
Why I picked Rentec Direct: Rentec Direct offers advanced financial tools, including rent tracking, expense management, and automatic late fee calculations. The platform’s intuitive interface allows users to access key data, such as income statements, tenant payment histories, and expense reports, all neatly categorized and exportable in various formats. This level of flexibility and organization simplifies tracking financial performance across multiple properties.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include a complete accounting system with full general ledger accounting, tenant screening with access to credit, criminal, and eviction reports, and online rent payments.
Integrations include Sure, Dropbox Sign, Dwellsy, PetScreening, PayNearMe, Payscore, ZInspector, Twilio, Plaid, and CSGForte.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive support
- Robust accounting features
- Tenant screening
Cons:
- Learning curve
- Limited customization options
DoorLoop is a cloud-based property management platform for rental property accounting that lets landlords and managers automate payments, manage leases and tenants, track expenses, and generate financial reports from one system.
Who Is DoorLoop Best For?
DoorLoop is a great match for landlords and small to midsize property management companies who want all-in-one rental property accounting with built-in automation.
Why I Picked DoorLoop
I picked DoorLoop as one of the best because I can use its built-in AI to automate rent reminders, payment categorization, and maintenance request tracking. My team also takes advantage of AI-powered insights for revenue forecasting and lease management.
DoorLoop Key Features
- Chart of accounts: Assign and manage income and expense categories for each property.
- Bank account reconciliation: Match transactions against bank statements to simplify month-end closing.
- Customizable financial reports: Generate profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow statements by property or portfolio.
- Built-in vendor payments: Pay contractors, suppliers, and service providers directly from the platform.
DoorLoop Integrations
DoorLoop offers native integrations with QuickBooks Online, Stripe, PayPal, and Zillow. An API is available for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Customizable reporting for multiple portfolios
- Tracks property-specific income and expenses
- Automated late fee and rent posting
Cons:
- Limited mobile app accounting functions
- Annual tax form processing costs extra
Avail is a landlord software that provides tools and resources for DIY landlords to manage their rental properties. It offers property advertising, tenant screening, lease customization, rent collection, maintenance tracking, and accounting management.
Why I picked Avail: Avail stands out as an advanced tool designed explicitly for DIY landlords. It offers an all-in-one platform for managing rent payments, tracking expenses, and generating financial reports. With this design, landlords can easily automate rent collection and gain clear insights into property finances, making it easy to manage both small and large portfolios.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include property advertising on top rental sites, customizable lease agreements, online rent collection, and maintenance tracking.
Integrations include Zumper, Padmapper, Walkscore, Realtor.com, Doorsteps.com, Apartments.com, Rentable, ApartmentList, TransUnion, and Lemonade Inc.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strategic data insights
- Accounting management
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Basic customer support
Entrata is a property management platform for rental properties that includes centralized accounting, rent tracking, payments, and maintenance management tools built for multifamily portfolios.
Who Is Entrata Best For?
Entrata suits property management teams handling large multifamily portfolios who need unified control across accounting, operations, and tenant engagement.
Why I Picked Entrata
I picked Entrata because I like its ability to automate recurring accounting and operations tasks, like rent collection and invoice approvals, with little manual intervention. I’ve used its unified dashboard to monitor property financials while allowing automated workflows to handle routine follow-ups.
Entrata Key Features
- General ledger accounting: Tracks all property income, expenses, and allocations in a centralized ledger.
- Vendor management: Lets you store, approve, and pay vendor invoices directly in the system.
- Resident portal: Allows tenants to pay rent and submit requests online.
- Custom financial reporting: Generates detailed property- and portfolio-level financial statements.
Entrata Integrations
Entrata has native integrations with Blue Moon, HappyCo, CredHub, Axela Technologies, RealPage, and Nexus. An API is available for custom integrations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Custom financial reporting by property or tenant
- Automated rent collection and late fee tracking
- Centralized accounting for multiple property types
Cons:
- Some core modules require additional setup fees
- Limited flexibility for small portfolio managers
Landlord Studio is a rental management software designed to streamline property management tasks. It’s best for comprehensive rental management because of its all-in-one platform, which covers everything from tenant screening to tax reporting.
Why I picked Landlord Studio: Landlord Studio provides extensive features that cater to every aspect of rental property management. Unlike other software, it offers a holistic solution that includes tenant screening, rent collection, and detailed financial reporting. On top of these features, Landlord Studio consolidates multiple tools into one platform, making it easier for landlords to manage their properties efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated bank feeds, tenant screening, online rent collection, and detailed tax reporting.
Integrations include Xero, QuickBooks, Stripe, Plaid, TransUnion, Zillow, Realtor.com, Apartments.com, Zumper, and RentPath.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive feature set
- Automated bank feeds
- Tenant screening
Cons:
- Interface can feel cluttered for some
- Limited automation for lease renewals
REI Hub is accounting software for rental property owners and real estate investors. It offers features like tracking income and expenses, handling tax time, and managing properties.
Why I picked REI Hub: REI Hub is known for its specialized focus on property-based accounting, which sets it apart from more general accounting software. Its pre-configured real estate features and property-specific reporting make it uniquely suited for rental property owners. Alongside these features, REI Hub also offers detailed property-level financial tracking and reporting, which is essential for real estate investors.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automatic importation, rule-based transaction matching, and property-specific dashboards.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Xero, Stessa, AppFolio, Buildium, TenantCloud, Rentec Direct, Property Matrix, FreshBooks, and Landlord Studio.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Property-specific reporting
- Automatic transaction importing
- Built-in Schedule E reports
Cons:
- Limited integrations
- No mobile app
Other Accounting Software for Rental Properties
Below is a list of additional accounting software for rental properties that I shortlisted. While they didn’t make the top 10, they’re still valuable and worth further research.
- Xero
For automated rent tracking
- Spacebase
For managing rental expenses
- QuickBooks Online
For multi-industry compatibility
- AppFolio
For large property portfolios
- Buildium
For portfolio customization
- Stessa
For real-time financial reporting
- Sage Intacct
For multi-entity financial management
- Planful
For sound financial planning and analysis
- QuickBooks
For quick and easy setup for businesses
- Nimble Property
For hotel accounting
How I Evaluate Accounting Software for Rental Properties
I split my evaluation into two layers: the baseline a tool must meet to track rent rolls and file Schedule E, and the differentiators that make one option a better fit than another.
Core Functionality (Table Stakes For This List)
When I'm selecting tools for my list, I rank each one on a scale from 0 (does not offer the functionality) to 5 (excels in this area) for each core functionality listed below. Then, I calculate the tool's total score into a percentage. Each tool needs to achieve a minimum total score of 55% to be considered for inclusion.
- Property-Level Accounting: I check whether each tool lets you segment your chart of accounts and run a P&L down to the individual unit, not just the property.
- Rent & Tenant Ledger: Each tool should track lease-driven charges, late fees, and payment history so you can pull a tenant's full balance in seconds.
- Rent Collection & Payments: I look for native ACH or card acceptance that auto-posts to the correct tenant and property ledger without manual journal entries.
- Bank & Trust Account Reconciliation: Separating operating funds from security deposits matters, so I evaluate how each tool handles trust accounts and bank feed matching.
- Rental-Specific Reporting: The tool should produce reports landlords and investors actually need, like Schedule E summaries, owner statements, and cash flow by property.
- Expense & Vendor Management: I look at how each tool handles contractor bills, links costs to work orders, and supports 1099 tracking at year-end.
Once I have a list of tools that meet this criteria, I consider what sets each platform apart.
Differentiating Factors (What Sets Vendors Apart)
Here's how I compare and contrast different vendors:
Standout Features
An owner portal is a big differentiator. It lets investors pull their own statements and distribution details without emailing you every month. I also evaluate whether a tool syncs with short-term rental channels like Airbnb and Vrbo, which matters when you need to reconcile nightly payouts and occupancy taxes automatically. Built-in maintenance work orders are worth a close look too, since linking repair costs directly to a unit's expense ledger saves real time at year-end.
Beyond Features
Portfolio size shapes which tool fits best. A solo landlord with five units needs a different pricing model and interface than a property manager running hundreds. I also evaluate tax and CPA readiness, specifically whether the tool offers an accountant seat and can generate Schedule E and 1099 filings without exporting to a separate system. Trust accounting compliance matters just as much. I look at whether a platform supports three-way reconciliation and maintains audit trails that hold up during regulatory reviews.
How to Choose Accounting Software for Rental Properties
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Scalability | Ensure the software can grow with your portfolio, handling more properties and users without compromising performance. |
| Integrations | Look for software that seamlessly connects with other tools you use, like CRM systems or payment gateways, to streamline your operations. |
| Customizability | Choose a solution that lets you tailor features to fit your specific rental management needs, such as custom reporting or tenant communication tools. |
| Ease of Use | Opt for user-friendly software that your team can learn quickly, minimizing the time spent on training and support. |
| Budget | Consider the total cost, including setup fees and ongoing expenses, and ensure it aligns with your financial plan. |
| Security Safeguards | Protect tenant and financial data with robust security features like encryption and regular backups. |
Trends in Accounting Software for Rental Properties
Here are some trends I’ve noticed for accounting software for rental properties, plus what they might mean for the future. I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs to tease out the most important insights.
- Cloud-Based Solutions: Cloud-based accounting software is becoming the norm for rental property management. These solutions offer real-time access to financial data from any location, facilitating better decision-making and collaboration among team members.
- Mobile Accessibility: More accounting software is offering robust mobile applications, allowing property managers to perform essential tasks such as rent collection, expense tracking, and maintenance management on the go. The convenience of mobile access ensures that property managers can stay connected and responsive, improving overall operational efficiency.
- Integration with Property Management Systems: Integration capabilities are an important feature of modern accounting software, especially with property management solutions. This allows for the synchronization of financial data with other property management functions, such as tenant communication and maintenance scheduling.
- Advanced Reporting and Analytics: Advanced reporting and analytics tools are becoming standard in rental property accounting software. These features provide property managers with detailed insights into financial performance, helping them make informed decisions.
- Automation of Routine Tasks: Automation is a growing trend, with accounting software increasingly automating routine tasks such as invoicing, rent collection, and bank reconciliation. This reduces the risk of human error and frees up time for property managers to focus on strategic activities.
What Is Accounting Software for Rental Properties?
Accounting software for rental properties is designed to help property managers and landlords manage their financial transactions, track income and expenses, and generate financial reports. Property managers, landlords, and real estate investors commonly use this software to streamline their accounting processes, ensure accurate financial records, and comply with tax regulations.
This type of software typically includes features for tracking rent payments, managing expenses, generating invoices, and producing financial statements. It often integrates with other property management tools to efficiently provide a comprehensive solution for managing rental properties.
Features of Accounting Software for Rental Properties
Like any other financial solution, accounting software for rental properties has key features that help property owners manage their finances. This includes:
- Automated Rent Collection: This feature allows landlords to collect rent, send reminders, and update payment statuses. It reduces the need for manual tracking and ensures timely payments.
- Expense Tracking: Tracking and categorizing property maintenance, repairs, and other expenses is vital. This feature helps maintain accurate financial records and prepare for tax deductions.
- Financial Reporting: Generating detailed financial reports, such as profit and loss statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets, is essential for understanding the economic health of your rental properties.
- Tenant Management: Recording tenant details, payment history, and lease agreements in one place helps manage tenant relationships and ensure compliance with lease terms.
- Bank Reconciliation: This feature automatically reconciles bank transactions with recorded income and expenses, ensuring that your financial records are accurate and up-to-date.
- Tax Preparation: Software that categorizes income and expenses according to tax requirements and generates tax reports simplifies tax season preparation.
- Integration Capabilities: Integrating with other software, such as property management systems or banking platforms, ensures that all your financial data is centralized and easily accessible.
- Mobile Access: A mobile app allows landlords to manage their properties on the go, making it easier to track income and expenses, send invoices, and communicate with tenants.
- Secure Data Storage: Ensuring your financial data is securely stored and encrypted helps protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
- Scalability: Whether you manage a single rental unit or an extensive portfolio, the software should scale according to your needs, providing the necessary features and support as your business grows.
Benefits of Accounting Software for Rental Properties
Accounting software designed specifically for rental properties can streamline these processes, making it easier for property managers and landlords to keep track of their finances. Along with these benefits, users may experience the following perks:
- Automated Financial Tracking: The software automatically tracks income and expenses, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring accurate financial records.
- Simplified Tax Preparation: By organizing all financial data in one place, the software makes it easier to prepare for tax season, ensuring compliance and saving money on tax preparation services.
- Enhanced Reporting Capabilities: Users can generate detailed financial reports with just a few clicks, providing valuable insights into the economic health of their rental properties.
- Improved Tenant Management: The software often includes features for tracking tenant payments and lease agreements, helping to ensure timely rent collection and reducing the likelihood of missed payments.
- Time and Cost Efficiency: By automating many financial tasks associated with managing rental properties, the software saves users time and reduces the need for additional staff or external accounting services.
Costs & Pricing of Accounting Software for Rental Properties
Selecting accounting software for rental properties requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in accounting software for rental properties solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Accounting Software for Rental Properties
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic income and expense tracking, limited number of properties, and basic reporting. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Income and expense tracking, tax preparation, reporting, and support for multiple properties. |
| Business Plan | $50-$100/month | Advanced reporting, property management, tenant management, and online payment collection. |
| Enterprise Plan | Custom pricing | Full suite of features, custom integrations, priority support, and multi-user access. |
Accounting Software for Rental Properties FAQs
u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHere are some commonly asked questions about accounting software for rental properties.u003c/spanu003e
How do I integrate my accounting software with property management systems?
u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eTo integrate your accounting software with property management systems, you’ll typically use built-in APIs or integration tools provided by the software. Check if your accounting software offers direct integration with your property management system or if you’ll need a third-party connector. This setup helps sync data like rent payments and expenses across platforms, ensuring everything stays up-to-date without manual input.u003c/spanu003e
Can accounting software handle multiple properties and tenants?
u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eYes, most accounting software for rental properties can manage multiple properties and tenants. You can track each property’s income, expenses, and tenant details separately. This feature helps you monitor financials for different properties and generate consolidated reports, making it easier to oversee your entire portfolio.u003c/spanu003e
How do I ensure accurate tax reporting with my accounting software?
u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eTo ensure accurate tax reporting, configure your accounting software to categorize income and expenses correctly according to tax requirements. Utilize the software’s reporting features to generate tax-ready financial statements and summaries. Regularly review and update your financial data to avoid discrepancies and ensure compliance with tax regulations.u003c/spanu003e
What should I do if my accounting software doesn't support specific expense categories?
u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eIf your accounting software doesn’t support specific expense categories, you can create custom categories or tags within the software. Check if you can adjust the chart of accounts or expense tracking settings. If customizations aren’t possible, consider using additional software or tools that integrate with your primary system to handle those categories.u003c/spanu003e
How can I generate reports for rent collection and overdue payments?
u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eUse your accounting software’s reporting features to generate reports for rent collection and overdue payments. Look for options that allow you to create detailed reports on payment history, outstanding balances, and overdue notices. Customize these reports to include relevant date ranges and property-specific details to track better and manage collections.u003c/spanu003e
What are the data backup options for my accounting software?
u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eData backup options vary by software but often include automated cloud or local storage solutions. Check if your software provides regular, automatic backups to ensure your data is safe. You may also have the option to manually back up your data periodically or export it to an external drive for added security.u003c/spanu003e
How can I automate recurring payments and expenses?
u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eSet up automatic transactions or scheduled payments within your accounting software to automate recurring payments and expenses. Look for features that let you define the frequency and amount of these payments. This automation helps ensure that bills and rent are paid on time without manual intervention.u003c/spanu003e
What’s Next?
If you're in the process of researching accounting software for rental properties, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations..
