Looking for the best property management software in 2025? Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right platform for better user experience, efficiency, and cost savings. These tools simplify tasks like tenant communication, rent collection, and maintenance management, all while offering mobile accessibility and automation.
Key Highlights:
- Buildium: Best for large portfolios, with easy onboarding and robust mobile apps.
- AppFolio: Ideal for tech-savvy managers; offers powerful tools and seamless onboarding.
- TenantCloud: Great for small to medium portfolios; user-friendly and quick to set up.
- Guesty: Focused on short-term rental management with multi-platform integration.
- Renting Well: Perfect for multi-family and short-term rentals; cloud-based and intuitive.
- Yardi Breeze: Designed for enterprise-level operations with strong onboarding support.
Quick Comparison:
| Software | Best For | Mobile App Quality | Setup Time | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buildium | Large portfolios | Highly rated | Moderate | Mobile apps for managers and tenants |
| AppFolio | Tech-savvy managers | Excellent | Streamlined | Powerful tools and automation |
| TenantCloud | Small to medium portfolios | User-friendly | Quick | Free plan available, intuitive interface |
| Guesty | Short-term rental management | Reliable | Moderate | Multi-platform booking synchronization |
| Renting Well | Multi-family, condos, etc. | Cloud-based | Straightforward | Tailored for diverse property types |
| Yardi Breeze | Enterprise-level operations | Feature-rich | 6 weeks of support | Custom dashboards, CRM integration |
Pro Tip: Test free trials to find the software that fits your needs, whether you’re managing a few units or a large portfolio. Each platform offers unique features to save you time and reduce costs.
5 Best Property Management Software for Landlords & Rental Owners (Don’t Choose Wrong)
1. Buildium
Buildium stands out as a property management software that prioritizes ease of use and functionality, making it a go-to tool in 2025. By blending a straightforward interface with robust mobile features, it ensures property managers have access to critical information whenever and wherever they need it.
Dashboard Clarity and Customization
The Buildium dashboard is designed to simplify property management by bringing all essential metrics into one place. Its tile-based layout offers real-time updates on key data like rent payment statuses, late fees, contractor activities, employee tasks, and occupancy rates, which are even displayed visually through a pie chart.
"That dashboard is my lifeline, because it’s got all these tiles that keep me up to date. I didn’t even know I needed that."
– Beau Miles, Essential Property Management
This seamless experience carries over to Buildium’s mobile apps, ensuring managers can stay informed on the go.
Mobile App Usability and Responsiveness
Buildium offers two dedicated mobile apps: one for property managers and landlords, and the Resident Center app for tenants. Both are available on iOS and Android, with high user ratings (4.7–4.8 stars) reflecting their reliability and ease of use.
Instead of merely duplicating desktop features, these apps focus on streamlining specific tasks. As Michael Monteiro, Buildium Co-founder, puts it:
"Property managers can now access all of their property data whether they’re in the office, out at a property, or on the go."
The Resident Center app simplifies tenant interactions, allowing them to submit work orders or make payments effortlessly. One property manager shared their enthusiasm:
"I really like the [Resident Center]. Huge difference. I’m overly excited, it is just so easy to navigate, no question about where to submit work orders or how to make a payment."
– Ashley Simonelli, Owner Royal Palm Property Management INC
Onboarding Experience for New Users
Buildium goes beyond offering a user-friendly interface by ensuring a smooth onboarding process for new users. Its 14-day free trial includes personalized support, such as kickoff calls, data migration help, and self-paced learning through Buildium Academy. This commitment to customer success has earned Buildium eight consecutive Stevie Awards for Outstanding Customer Service.
"As your trusted partner from day one, we minimize risk and ensure a smooth transition to our platform."
– Buildium
To further ease the setup process, Buildium provides tailored onboarding templates for various property types, such as associations and rentals. These templates help users get up and running quickly, reducing the time needed to fully integrate the platform into their operations.
2. AppFolio Property Manager
AppFolio Property Manager merges powerful tools with an easy-to-use design, managing 7.7 million units and earning a 4.5/5 rating on Software Advice.
Dashboard Clarity and Customization
The platform’s dashboard is designed with simplicity in mind, bringing key features like tenant profiles, rent rolls, maintenance requests, and accounting tools into one central hub. This setup minimizes the need for excessive navigation and makes managing properties more efficient. With just a few clicks, property managers can toggle between properties, filter tenant statuses, and create detailed financial reports.
Users often highlight how this setup streamlines their work:
"Overall Appfolio really does make it simple, the platform is user friendly, and the support is great."
– Jordan, April 2025 review
"AppFolio is a user friendly program…it was easy to switch between the different properties."
– Marilyn, March 2025 review
In addition to its desktop functionality, AppFolio’s mobile app ensures users can stay productive on the move.
Mobile App Usability and Responsiveness
The mobile app, available on both iOS and Android, offers full database access around the clock. Its straightforward design supports real-time tasks like inspections, managing work orders, uploading photos, capturing notes, and handling lease management.
Danielle Miner, Chief Operating Officer at Sunbelt Properties, emphasized how the app has transformed daily operations:
"AppFolio has changed the day-to-day dynamic of our property managers. It’s allowed them to be away from their desks more than they usually would be."
– Danielle Miner, Chief Operating Officer, Sunbelt Properties
The app’s impact is clear, with 92% of reviewers praising its navigation and usability. Consistently, users rate the app 4.5 out of 5 stars.
This user-friendly approach extends to its onboarding process, making it easy for new users to get started.
Onboarding Experience for New Users
AppFolio ensures a smooth start for new users with a dedicated onboarding team that handles secure data migration. Self-paced training programs are tailored to fit different roles and workflows, helping teams quickly adapt to the platform. Expert coaching and personalized advice further guide businesses in focusing on the features most relevant to their needs.
Justin Liggitt from DJE Texas Management Group shared his experience:
"It was literally the easiest transition I have ever experienced as far as technology is concerned."
– Justin Liggitt, DJE Texas Management Group
Kevin Bishop from RCP Community Management also praised the training process:
"The training in AppFolio is great. We have our new hires immediately watch all of the how-to videos. They are able to get up and running quickly."
– Kevin Bishop, RCP Community Management
To ensure continued success, AppFolio provides ongoing support through dedicated customer care representatives, helping users make the most of the platform at every stage.
3. TenantCloud
TenantCloud stands out in property management by offering an updated dashboard and mobile app, blending simplicity with functionality. With a 4.5/5 rating from 121 reviews, it aims to streamline property management tasks through a user-friendly interface and customizable features tailored to individual needs.
Dashboard Clarity and Customization
In early 2024, TenantCloud introduced a redesigned dashboard with an improved navigation panel, enhanced header layout, and a more streamlined interface. This overhaul brings essential tools into one central hub, making property management more efficient.
The platform also allows users to personalize their workspace by selecting widgets that best suit their needs. Options include Calendar, Recently Viewed, Lease Funnel, Tasks, and Accounting features. While some widgets remain fixed, this flexibility helps property managers focus on what matters most in their daily workflow.
David L., a TenantCloud user, appreciates the platform’s simplicity:
"TenantCloud keeps it simple and easy to understand. Their intuitive interface makes everything visually accessible, and you can collect rent straight from the app!!"
The dashboard also includes quick-access buttons for common tasks, addressing a key concern for landlords, 76% of whom spend up to 40 hours a month on property monitoring. This streamlined experience transitions smoothly to the mobile app, ensuring convenience across devices.
Mobile App Usability and Responsiveness
TenantCloud’s mobile app, rated 4.7/5 on the App Store by 1.5K users, offers essential features like maintenance tracking, direct chat, and instant notifications. These functions enable landlords and tenants to stay connected and address issues promptly. Users can create and monitor maintenance requests directly from their phones, ensuring faster response times.
Recent user feedback highlights the app’s effectiveness. In August 2024, Uglyusername commented:
"The general UI of the app is intuitive and easy to navigate. It has everything a user needs and nothing more to clutter the view. Good job"
Another user, Dcruz93, shared in March 2025:
"Good App for Tenants… Simple payment plus processing fee but it gives you the option for bank ACH or Card. Btw, card fee is higher, but manageable"
The app maintains a clean and straightforward design, focusing on core functionality without unnecessary distractions.
Accessibility and Compliance with Standards
TenantCloud goes beyond ease of use by emphasizing compliance and accessibility. The platform provides state-specific legal forms to help landlords adhere to various laws, such as eviction and security deposit regulations, across different jurisdictions. Additionally, TenantCloud continues to enhance accessibility by improving tenant communication features, like displaying office hours for each property.
Charles H., a satisfied user, praised the document management tools:
"The platform enables custom lease creation with e-signatures. The ability to create other template forms such as notices is going to do wonders for streamlining my PM processes."
TenantCloud’s commitment to accessibility and compliance is crucial in a rental market where 42.9 million U.S. households – 34.5% of the total – rent their homes. This ensures the software meets the diverse needs and varying technical skills of its users while keeping them compliant with legal requirements.
4. Guesty
Guesty focuses on simplifying short-term rental management with a user-friendly platform. With a 4.4/5 rating and 97% positive reviews, it’s clear that this tool plays a significant role in helping businesses expand and operate more efficiently. At its core, Guesty relies on an intuitive dashboard to streamline daily tasks.
Dashboard Clarity and Customization
Guesty’s centralized dashboard is designed to manage short-term rental properties seamlessly across platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo. By synchronizing listings across multiple booking channels, it consolidates key functions into one space, allowing users to oversee bookings and communicate with guests effortlessly. The dashboard also offers customizable business reports, enabling property managers to tailor metrics to their specific needs.
Jordan Jacobs, a manager, shared his thoughts on how the platform has supported his business growth:
"I really enjoy using Guesty. It enabled me to take my company to the next level professionally and is one of the key tools I needed in order to grow."
- Jordan Jacobs, Manager
Similarly, Mike Zecchino, Co-Founder, highlighted the time-saving advantages:
"Guesty has allowed us to grow exponentially and save us tons of time on operations at the same time."
- Mike Zecchino, Co-Founder
Users frequently praise the dashboard for its ability to scale operations, manage multiple OTAs, and save valuable time. Regular updates keep the platform competitive in the ever-changing short-term rental industry. This emphasis on an efficient dashboard sets the stage for Guesty’s focus on mobile functionality.
Mobile App Usability and Responsiveness
Guesty extends its capabilities to mobile devices with a dedicated app, ensuring property managers can stay connected even when they’re on the move. The app supports essential management tasks, including a Task Management feature that lets managers assign and track tasks in real time. This functionality simplifies task delegation and progress monitoring. However, some users have noted occasional glitches that require restarting the app.
Accessibility and Compliance with Standards
Guesty also prioritizes accessibility, adhering to WCAG 2.2 AA standards to ensure its platforms are inclusive and user-friendly. The company regularly reviews its designs to align with these guidelines, conducting audits and tests to maintain compliance. Guesty provides VPATs (Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates) and accessibility statements for its platforms, offering transparency about current features and areas for improvement.
Ric Kenworthy highlighted the importance of staying adaptable in a dynamic industry:
"There are a lot of options when it comes to property management software, but having one that grows with the industry has been super helpful for us."
- Ric Kenworthy
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5. Renting Well
Renting Well is a cloud-based property management platform designed with landlords and property managers in mind. It caters to a variety of property types, including multi-family units, condos, and short-term rentals. Whether you’re managing a single property or an entire portfolio, Renting Well brings all essential tasks together in one intuitive platform. From the dashboard to the mobile app and onboarding features, every element is built to deliver a smooth and consistent experience.
Dashboard Clarity and Customization
The Renting Well dashboard acts as a central hub for property management, using smart design principles to help users make quick, informed decisions. It’s clean, organized, and avoids overwhelming users with unnecessary details. Instead, it highlights the most critical metrics, which can be tailored to fit individual needs. Whether you’re handling a small portfolio or managing dozens of properties, the dashboard can be customized to display the data that matters most to you. Plus, its responsive design ensures it works seamlessly across desktops, tablets, and other devices.
Mobile App Usability and Responsiveness
Renting Well’s mobile app is built for landlords and managers who need flexibility. It focuses on features that simplify property management on the go, like financial tracking, tenant communication tools, and property listing management. Considering that 62% of landlords prioritize filling vacant units, the app makes it easier to manage listings efficiently. From tracking rent payments to responding to tenant inquiries or updating property details, the mobile app mirrors the clarity and usability of the desktop version, giving users complete control no matter where they are.
Onboarding Experience for New Users
Getting started with Renting Well is straightforward, thanks to its thoughtful onboarding process. Research shows that strong onboarding programs can improve new hire retention by 82% and increase productivity by over 70%. Renting Well takes this to heart by offering clear instructions, role-specific guidance, and step-by-step setup processes. New users have access to training materials and regular check-ins, ensuring they quickly become comfortable with the platform. This structured approach means users can confidently manage their properties while having ongoing support whenever needed.
6. Yardi Breeze
Yardi Breeze is designed to simplify property management tasks, earning a 4.2 out of 5 rating for ease of use. Its features aim to make complex processes more manageable.
Dashboard Clarity and Customization
The platform’s dashboard is built for efficiency, offering quick access to key functions. With the introduction of Yardi Breeze Premier in Fall 2023, users can now create custom dashboards tailored to their needs. These dashboards can display vital metrics like active appointments by age, follow-ups categorized by type, and maintenance requests sorted by priority. Switching between configurations and adding widgets is straightforward, giving users full control over their data visualization.
For added convenience, property managers can personalize their experience with the favorites feature. By clicking the star icon on frequently used pages, they can organize and prioritize these pages, choosing whether they appear under the favorites menu or directly on the main dashboard.
"The attributes feature allows you to filter financial reports based on different property characteristics…This process offers a highly customizable way to analyze financial data by property features that are important to you." – Michael Alleyne, Manager, Yardi
This level of customization extends to Yardi Breeze’s mobile platform, ensuring a seamless experience across devices.
Mobile App Usability and Responsiveness
Understanding the need for mobile functionality, Yardi launched the RentCafe CRM IQ Mobile App on May 13, 2025, for both iOS and Android. This app brings the full power of desktop tools to mobile devices, allowing property managers to handle tasks like inbound and outbound communication via text, calls, and email. It also features quick search options for residents and prospects, real-time activity logging, and lead management capabilities. Managers can add new prospects, schedule appointments, and keep track of daily tasks with ease, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
"The CRM IQ Mobile App gives onsite teams the freedom to manage their leasing tasks with the same power and efficiency they’re used to on their computers. Only now, they can do it on the go." – Paul Yount, Industry Principal at Yardi
These mobile features are complemented by a user-friendly onboarding process, making it easier for new users to get started.
Onboarding Experience for New Users
Yardi Breeze offers a streamlined onboarding process, including six weeks of hands-on support for data conversion, implementation, and training. This approach helps new users get up and running in weeks instead of months. On-screen tutorials and videos allow users to learn at their own pace, while live chat support boasts a 17-second average response time and a 4.75-star rating. The setup process is straightforward, guiding users step-by-step through property, unit, and resident setup. The support team is frequently praised for their patience and expertise, ensuring a smooth transition.
"Breeze does 99% of what we need to do and is user friendly that it really does not require any significant training." – Adam W, Senior Accountant, Real Estate
Feature Comparison Chart
Here’s a side-by-side look at key UX elements to help you pick the right property management software. The table below highlights essential details, including overall ratings, mobile app quality, setup process, and accessibility features:
| Software | Overall Rating | Mobile App Quality | Setup Time | Key Accessibility Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buildium | 3.1 stars (Trustpilot) | Basic functionality | May require advanced setup | Standard web accessibility | Large property portfolios |
| AppFolio Property Manager | 4.6 stars (G2) | Highly rated experience | Streamlined onboarding | Screen reader compatibility | Tech-savvy managers |
| TenantCloud | 4.3 stars (Capterra) | User-friendly interface | Quick setup process | Multilingual support options | Small to medium portfolios |
| Guesty | Not specified | Not specified | Moderate setup complexity | Basic accessibility features | Short-term rental management |
| Renting Well | Not specified | Cloud-based mobile access | Straightforward implementation | Standard web accessibility | Multi-family, condo, & short-term rentals |
| Yardi Breeze | Not specified | Not specified | 6 weeks of dedicated support | Not specified | Enterprise-level operations |
This chart highlights the differences in ratings, mobile experiences, and ease of setup among the platforms. For instance, AppFolio stands out with its high ratings, seamless onboarding, and strong mobile app support, making it ideal for tech-savvy users. On the other hand, Buildium caters to larger portfolios but may require a more advanced setup, which could be challenging for beginners. Yardi Breeze offers extended support during setup, while Renting Well provides cloud-based mobile access paired with standard accessibility features.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right property management software can make a world of difference in how efficiently you manage your properties. Recent data shows that 84% of property managers report saving significant time on daily tasks with the help of such software, and 63% highlight cost savings as a major advantage. Whether you’re managing a handful of units or an extensive portfolio, there’s a solution tailored to your needs.
For landlords with just 1–3 units, TenantCloud offers a free plan and an intuitive interface, making it an accessible entry point into digital property management. If you’re managing 4–15 units, AppFolio Property Manager stands out with its 4.6-star G2 rating and an easy onboarding process. For larger portfolios of 15+ units, platforms like Buildium and Yardi Breeze are designed to handle the complexities of extensive operations.
Short-term rental managers can benefit from Renting Well, which provides cloud-based mobile access tailored for multi-family, condo, and short-term rental properties. This flexibility ensures you can manage a variety of property types with ease. With such diverse options, there’s a solution to streamline operations no matter the size or type of your portfolio.
Strong tenant communication is another critical factor. Platforms with integrated messaging systems and mobile apps can significantly improve the tenant experience.
"Effective tenant communication is fundamental to successful property management. When selecting property management software, prioritize features that streamline tenant interactions, such as integrated messaging systems and mobile applications." – TenantCloud Team
To make the best decision, create a tiered list of "must-have" and "nice-to-have" features. Focus on tools that address time-consuming processes and directly impact your bottom line. Many platforms, like TenantCloud, offer free trials – TenantCloud provides a 14-day trial – so you can test the features before committing.
Ultimately, the goal is to find software that grows with your business while simplifying tenant communication and daily operations. Let the right tools work for you, not against you.
FAQs
What should I look for in property management software to handle a large portfolio in 2025?
When managing a large property portfolio in 2025, choosing the right software can make a world of difference. The ideal platform should simplify daily operations while adapting to your growing needs. Features like automation are a must – they can take care of repetitive tasks such as rent collection, maintenance scheduling, and tenant communication, saving you time and effort. Plus, AI-powered tools can provide insights that help you make smarter decisions and streamline processes.
Strong financial management tools are another essential. Look for software that handles automated invoicing, generates detailed reports, and simplifies bank reconciliation. These features make it easier to keep accurate records and maintain steady cash flow. An intuitive interface is equally important. A user-friendly design means less time spent on training and smoother day-to-day operations for your team. And don’t forget scalability – the software should be able to grow alongside your portfolio without compromising on performance or ease of use.
How do mobile apps improve the experience for property managers and tenants using modern property management software?
Mobile apps bring a new level of convenience for both property managers and tenants by providing on-the-go access to critical features. For property managers, these apps make it easier to handle tasks like collecting rent, scheduling maintenance, and conducting property inspections – all from the palm of their hand. This not only streamlines their workflow but also frees up valuable time.
Tenants benefit just as much. Mobile apps allow them to communicate effortlessly with property managers, make secure rent payments online, and receive real-time updates on maintenance requests. This ease of use strengthens the relationship between tenants and property managers, promotes accountability, and keeps everyone in the loop. In today’s fast-paced world, mobile apps have become an integral tool for making property management more efficient and user-friendly for all parties involved.
What are the advantages of using cloud-based property management software for multi-family and short-term rentals?
Cloud-based property management software brings convenience and efficiency to managing multi-family and short-term rentals. These platforms let you access your system from anywhere, whether you’re tracking finances, approving leases, or handling maintenance requests. This means you can stay on top of tenant needs and keep operations running smoothly, no matter where you are.
Another major advantage is automation. Tasks like rent collection and tenant communication are often automated, cutting down on manual errors and saving you valuable time. This gives you the freedom to focus on bigger-picture decisions that can grow your rental business. By simplifying daily responsibilities, cloud-based tools not only make property management easier but also help improve tenant satisfaction.