If you're in the property management business, having reliable accounting software is non-negotiable.
Managing properties involves countless financial transactions, from collecting rent to paying vendors, and not every property manager has a background in accounting.
This is where property management accounting software comes to the rescue: these tools simplify complex financial operations, allowing you to focus on managing properties rather than getting bogged down in spreadsheets.
No specialized accounting skills are required—these software solutions handle the complicated stuff for you. With innovative features and user-friendly interfaces, managing your property's finances has never been easier.
I spent considerable time analyzing various property management accounting software options, and here are the very best ones for 2024.
QuickBooks delivers sophisticated accounting solutions tailored explicitly to small businesses, covering areas such as bookkeeping, invoicing, expense monitoring, and payroll management. Its scalable plans are developed to streamline business finance management, along with offerings like live expert assistance to facilitate setup and ongoing tasks.
Key features include automated bookkeeping, income and expense tracking, invoice management, and more. Users can generate several types of reports to monitor sales, track taxes, or analyze financial plans and project profitability. The functionality of QuickBooks extends with its capability to collaborate and integrate with popular apps, ensure on-the-go access through mobile apps, and customizable user access controls. It also offers full-service payroll functions and provides continuous support to its users.
QuickBooks offers a variety of pricing plans starting from $35 per month, however, discounted rates are available for the initial months of usage. Each plan offers different access to features, catering to varying needs of businesses of all sizes. Additional benefits are granted with premium plans, which can include access to advanced features like workflow automation.
With a dynamic range of features and dedicated support for business’s financial management, QuickBooks is a trusted choice for small businesses and teams worldwide, offering a repertoire of services aimed at streamlining operations and promoting growth.
Xero accounting software offers an array of features designed to streamline business accounting processes, making it an indispensable tool for modern enterprises. This comprehensive platform provides automated functions that save time and effort, allowing businesses to focus on what they do best.
Xero is built to cater to a wide range of industries, from construction and real estate to retail. The tool facilitates seamless setup, making it easy for new users to get started, and offers professional advisory services to ensure business processes run smoothly. One standout feature is its automatic data capture utility, Hubdoc, which simplifies record maintenance for small businesses.
Start with a 30-day free trial of Xero to explore all its features. Following the trial, choose from three plans based on your business needs, with a limited-time offer of 75% off the first three months:
- Early Plan: Typically $15/month, now $3.75/month for the first three months.
- Growing Plan: Typically $42/month, now $10.50/month for the first three months.
- Established Plan: Typically $78/month, now $19.50/month for the first three months.
Xero also integrates with other business tools such as Gusto payroll, facilitating a cohesive and efficient financial management system. By offering a range of customizable features and expert support, Xero helps businesses at various stages—from startups to well-established enterprises—manage their finances more effectively.
Buildium property management software is a comprehensive, cloud-based property management solution designed to streamline the operations of residential and association property managers.
Trusted by numerous property managers, Buildium offers an array of features to manage your properties efficiently and effectively. Key functionalities include rent cycle management with automated rent and late fee reminders, vacancy cycle management with online tenant screening, and comprehensive maintenance and work order systems. The platform also excels in communication with tenant and owner portals, detailed financial reporting, accounting features, and rental listing syndication to popular websites.
Essential Plan: Starts at $55 per month, includes core features such as accounting, maintenance tracking, task management, and online portals for tenants and owners.
Growth Plan: Starts at $174 per month, includes everything in the Essential Plan plus unlimited eSignatures, property inspections, and access to Analytics Hub.
Premium Plan: Starts at $375 per month, includes all features from the Growth Plan plus access to Buildium’s Open API, Priority Support, and a dedicated growth consultant.
LandlordStudio is a robust property management software designed to streamline the various tasks involved in managing small to medium-sized rental portfolios. The platform offers a myriad of features, including income and expense tracking, detailed reporting, lease and tenant management, maintenance tracking, document storage, and online rent collection. Specifically geared towards landlords and property managers, it supports integration with bank feeds in select regions and is accessible via both desktop and mobile apps, ensuring seamless property management from any location.
LandlordStudio’s interface is intuitive and user-friendly, featuring a dashboard that provides an overview of cash flow and property metrics. The software offers a range of pricing plans, including a free plan for up to three units, and a PRO plan starting at $12 per month for more advanced features. A solution designed for those managing anywhere between 4 to 50 units, its global availability and straightforward setup process make it an appealing choice for property managers around the world.
With its extensive range of features designed to simplify property management, LandlordStudio is an essential tool for landlords aiming to enhance their efficiency and monitor their rental properties effortlessly.
Yardi Breeze property management software Yardi Breeze is a robust, cloud-based property management software designed to streamline and simplify various aspects of property management. Yardi Breeze supports a diverse array of property types, including residential, commercial, self-storage, manufactured housing, and affordable housing, offering a versatile solution for different management needs.
One of Yardi Breeze's standout features is its cloud-based accessibility, allowing users to manage properties from anywhere on any device with internet access, including smartphones. The software enhances marketing and leasing efforts through automated vacancy listings, online application submissions, and ILS syndication.
Financial management is made easier with built-in accounting functions, instant financial packet generation, and online payment portals for tenants. Tenant management is simplified through online payment portals, electronic maintenance requests, and effective communication via SMS text and email. Additionally, the software allows for real-time tracking of maintenance tasks, assignment of work orders, and attachment of relevant documentation such as invoices and photos for comprehensive task management.
Yardi Breeze offers comprehensive onboarding tools, including help videos, tutorials, and live chat support, to ensure a smooth setup experience. It also boasts features like task assignment, media capture for maintenance documentation, and robust security backed by Yardi’s 30+ years of industry experience.
Yardi Breeze uses a straightforward pricing model with different tiers based on property type and feature level. For residential properties, pricing starts at $1 per unit per month, with a minimum monthly charge of $100 for Yardi Breeze and $400 for Yardi Breeze Premier. There are no setup or training fees, and live support is available during business hours, with additional features offered as optional add-ons.
With its extensive array of features, focus on operational efficiency, and user-friendly design, Yardi Breeze is an affordable and reliable solution trusted by property managers and owners to improve their property management operations.
For those managing residential properties, Yardi Breeze is priced at $1 per unit per month with a minimum monthly charge of $100, whereas the advanced Yardi Breeze Premier is also priced at $1 per unit per month but comes with a minimum monthly charge of $400.
For affordable housing management, Yardi Breeze Premier is available at $3 per unit per month with a minimum monthly charge of $400.
Commercial property managers are offered Yardi Breeze Premier at $1 per unit per month with a minimum monthly charge of $400.
For self-storage property management, Yardi Breeze Premier is priced at $1 per unit per month with a minimum monthly charge of $400.
Associations such as HOA/Condo can utilize Yardi Breeze Premier at $1 per unit per month with a minimum charge of $400 per month.
For manufactured housing (MH), Yardi Breeze Premier is priced similarly at $1 per unit per month with a minimum monthly charge of $400.
Yardi Breeze does not charge for setup or training, and live chat support is included at no additional cost during business hours. There's also optional phone support available at a billable rate.
Optional add-ons such as resident screening and full-service check scanning may incur per-transaction costs.
AppFolio is a sophisticated property management software designed to streamline and automate numerous aspects of real estate management. Tailored to suit various real estate portfolios, AppFolio offers different plans—Core, Plus, and additional premium features—each equipped with a comprehensive set of tools aimed at enhancing property management efficiency. With integrated functionalities such as property accounting, end-to-end marketing, work order management, and mobile access, the Core plan provides a solid foundation for handling day-to-day property management tasks. The Plus plan builds upon the Core plan by incorporating advanced features like affordable housing capabilities, detailed leasing metrics, and AppFolio Stack™ Premium Integrations.
Additionally, it offers enhanced support to ensure seamless operation and scalability. Premium features such as Leasing CRM, custom fields, and a dedicated database API provide further customization and control, making AppFolio an adaptable choice for varied property management needs. AppFolio excels in several key functional areas including maintenance and work orders, marketing and leasing, accounting and reporting, communication and portals, inspections and unit turns, and mobility and convenience.
Tools for online maintenance requests, virtual showings, mobile inspections, and real-time GPS tracking enhance productivity and service quality. The software’s customization options, including custom fields and configurable workflows, enable property managers to tailor the platform to their specific needs. Transparent pricing plans starting at around $250 per month for smaller portfolios, with scalable costs for larger portfolios, ensure that users only pay for the features they need.
By providing a centralized system that supports the entire property portfolio, AppFolio allows property managers to focus on high-value tasks and efficiently grow their business. Recognized for its automation capabilities and exceptional customer service, AppFolio remains a trusted choice for property management professionals.
What makes property management accounting software essential for property managers in 2024?
Property management accounting software is essential in 2024 because it automates and streamlines financial operations, making it easier to manage multiple properties. This software integrates accounting, tenant management, lease tracking, and maintenance management, enabling property managers to efficiently handle financial transactions, ensure timely rent payments, track expenses, generate financial reports, and comply with tax regulations.
How does property management accounting software improve financial tracking and reporting?
Property management accounting software improves financial tracking and reporting by centralizing all financial data in one system. It provides real-time access to financial information, generates detailed and customizable reports, and offers tools for budgeting and forecasting. This ensures accurate tracking of income, expenses, and profitability across different properties, making it easier to make informed business decisions.
What features should I look for in the best property management accounting software in 2024?
When looking for the best property management accounting software in 2024, consider features like: - Integration with banking and payment systems - Automated rent collection and lease management - Expense tracking and vendor management - Comprehensive reporting and analytics tools - Mobile accessibility and user-friendly interface - Robust security measures to protect financial data - Scalability to accommodate portfolio growth - Customer support and training resources
Can property management accounting software integrate with other business tools?
Yes, property management accounting software in 2024 is designed to integrate seamlessly with other business tools and applications. This includes customer relationship management (CRM) systems, maintenance management software, tax preparation tools, e-signature services, and various payment processing platforms. Integration ensures a smoother workflow and eliminates the need for manual data entry, reducing the risk of errors.
How secure is property management accounting software?
Leading property management accounting software in 2024 prioritizes security to protect sensitive financial and tenant data. These platforms typically offer features such as data encryption, two-factor authentication, regular security updates, and role-based access controls. Additionally, they comply with industry-standard security protocols to safeguard against data breaches and cyber threats.
Is property management accounting software suitable for small property managers?
Absolutely. Many property management accounting software solutions are designed to be scalable and cater to both small and large property managers. Small property managers can benefit from the software's ability to streamline accounting tasks, manage tenants, and generate reports, all of which reduce the administrative burden and free up time to focus on growth and client relations.
How much does property management accounting software typically cost?
The cost of property management accounting software varies widely based on the features, number of users, and scalability. Some solutions offer tiered pricing models based on the number of units managed, with plans starting as low as $30 per month and can go up to several hundred dollars per month for more comprehensive packages. Many providers also offer custom pricing for large enterprises or specific needs.
Can I transition my existing data into new property management accounting software?
Yes, most property management accounting software solutions provide tools and support to import and transition your existing data seamlessly. This often includes integration with your current software, data migration services, and setup assistance to ensure a smooth transition without data loss or disruption to your operations.
What kind of support and training is available for property management accounting software?
Leading property management accounting software providers offer various support and training options, including: - Comprehensive online help centers and knowledge bases - Live chat and email support - Phone support for critical issues - Webinar and video tutorials - On-site training sessions - Forum and community-based support These resources help users to fully leverage the software’s features and ensure a smooth operational experience.
Can the software handle multi-currency and international properties?
Many advanced property management accounting software solutions in 2024 are equipped to handle multi-currency transactions and international properties. They offer features to manage different currencies, tax laws, and reporting requirements, making them suitable for property managers with a diverse portfolio spread across different regions.
What improvements can we expect in property management accounting software in the future?
As technology advances, we can expect further innovations in property management accounting software, such as: - Enhanced AI and machine learning for predictive analytics and automated decision-making - Greater integration with IoT for real-time property monitoring - More advanced data visualization tools for better insights - Increased focus on sustainability reporting and compliance - Continued improvements in user interface and user experience design - Enhanced mobile app functionalities for on-the-go management These improvements will drive even greater efficiency and convenience for property managers.