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What is property management software?

Learn about what property management software does and what to consider if you’re searching for a solution.

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  • Selected: What and Why
  • Challenges
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What does property management software do, and why should you use it?

Property management software helps you better manage your properties by automating routine tasks like year-end taxes, storing all your data, and keeping track of workflows on one digital platform. By implementing property management software, you can boost efficiency, maximize profitability, and meet your renters' needs. There are various solutions built for a diverse range of property types, including single-family homes, multifamily apartment buildings, affordable housing, and student housing. Whether you're an established business looking to upgrade your technology, or starting a new property management company, choosing the right property management software will set you up for success.

Frequently asked questions

What is rental property management software?

Rental property management software helps landlords and property managers manage rental properties, residents, and payments. It typically includes features like tenant screening, lease agreement management, rent collection, tenant communication, work order management, and financial reporting. The software can be cloud-based or installed on a local server.

How much does property management software cost?

The cost of property management software varies based on the needs of your business and the features of the software you choose. 

How can you find property management software for property managers?

To find property management software for property managers, you can search online for reviews and recommendations and contact other property managers who are already using property management software to get their opinions. Additionally, you can check out specific property management software websites to see what features they offer and their pricing structure.

How can you automate property management?

Property management can be automated in numerous ways. Some of the most common ways to automate property management include using property management software, implementing automated payment systems, using online scheduling software, and automating data entry and workflow processes. Additionally, you can use AI-powered tools to automate tasks such as tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance requests.

What does a property management company do?

A property management company is responsible for managing rental properties, including marketing and advertising available properties, screening tenants, collecting rent, responding to tenant requests, maintaining properties, and managing finances.

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Common challenges of not having property management software

Many problems can arise if you’re not using property management software to run your business. Below are a few of the common signs that it may be time to change your business strategy and adopt technology. 

Wasted time and money

Manual and paper-based processes take up valuable time that could be better spent on high-value work.

Lack of visibility

Without a single system of record to enter data and track critical workflows, it’s hard to maintain transparency and accuracy.

No mobility

You have to be in the office to work and can’t access data or complete tasks in the field or at home.

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“Before adopting property management software, rent collection was cumbersome and error-prone. We had to go back and reconcile and fix everything at the end of every single month. Now everything is easier and more accurate because many of our processes are automated.”

Josh Wilson
Founder & COO, JW Property Services, 330+ units
Read the Story

What are the benefits of property management software?

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How to find the best property management software

When you have the right tech partner that understands your business, the long-term benefits to your operations and customers make the initial discomfort of adopting new technology worthwhile. Below are some things to look for when selecting property management software.

Intuitive user experience

The system should be easy to use with a clear, consistent user experience that your team can easily learn and navigate. It should also be responsive on multiple devices (desktops, mobile phones, and tablets).

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Robust set of features

From accounting to leasing and maintenance, you should have access to a comprehensive set of mobile features, automated tools, and integrations.

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Comprehensive onboarding

A comprehensive onboarding process includes a detailed onboarding plan with a  dedicated timeline outlining what will happen at each step and how long it will take.

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Fully mobile

Workflows should be accessible from anywhere on any device so you can keep communication lines open and teams connected while improving efficiency.

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Dedicated support resources

A true technology partner provides more than just occasional support; they’re an extension of your team and should provide things like ongoing training, on-demand support resources, and regular check-ins.

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Forward-thinking mindset

The provider should have a finger on the pulse of the market and a passion for innovation, with continual announcements for feature enhancements and releases to maximize your technology investment.

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How property management software streamlines your workflows

Marketing and leasing

Efficient leasing tools, like online applications, tenant screening, and virtual showings, allow you to quickly fill vacancies with the right renters and minimize turn time.

Maintenance

Centralized, automated, and digitized processes for things like maintenance requests, work orders, and vendor payments make it easy to resolve maintenance issues quickly and offer a better resident and vendor experience.

Accounting and reporting

Having automated tools for bill entry and rent and owner payments, along with a single system of record, enables you to get more work done in less time and make smarter decisions while maintaining oversight. 

Communication and service

Modern, on-demand communication tools, like texting and email, and personalized service enable you to exceed residents’ and owners’ expectations and build credibility.

Frequently asked questions

What is property management accounting software?

Property management accounting software helps property managers manage their properties more efficiently and keep track of their finances, rent payments, tenant information, and other financial information related to property management. It can also provide features such as creating reports, tracking expenses, and setting budgets.

What is property management maintenance software?

Property management maintenance software helps property managers organize and maintain their properties. It can help with tasks such as tracking tenant and lease information, calculating rent, and monitoring maintenance requests. It also typically provides reporting features that enable property managers to make informed decisions about their business.

What is property management leasing?

Property management leasing refers to the process of managing leasing agreements between property owners and renters. This typically includes activities such as negotiating the terms of the lease, collecting rent payments, handling resident inquiries and maintenance issues, and ensuring residents are complying with the terms of the lease. Property management software can help automate and streamline this process.

What is tenant screening for property management?

Tenant screening for property management is the process of gathering and analyzing information about potential renters in order to determine whether they are suitable for the property. This includes conducting background checks, verifying income and employment, and assessing credit history. Tenant screening helps ensure that residents meet the requirements to lease the property.

How can you find a tenant screening form?

You can find a tenant screening form online by searching for "property management tenant screening form" or looking for property management software that offers a tenant screening form as one of its features. Some property management software may offer a customizable tenant screening form, allowing you to tailor it to your needs.

How do you screen tenants for landlords?

Screening tenants for landlords can be a tricky process. The first step is to create a tenant application that includes questions about the tenant's credit score, employment history, and rental history — this should be the same for every renter and abide by fair housing laws. Once the application is completed, management should objectively review the tenant's answers and supporting documentation. If the tenant passes the initial screening process, management should conduct a background check to verify the information provided in the application. Additionally, property owners should consider requiring a security deposit from the resident to protect themselves from any potential damages or unpaid rent.

How do you screen Section 8 tenants?

To screen Section 8 tenants, you should follow the same steps as screening renters for other properties and ensure you’re following fair housing laws. Additionally, it is important to review the guidelines provided by the federal and local housing authorities to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations specific to Section 8 housing.

How do you screen tenants?

Screening tenants is a critical part of property management. You should collect detailed information about potential tenants, such as credit reports, criminal background checks, and rental history. Finally, make sure you comply with all relevant fair housing laws.

What is the difference between property management software solutions?

With all the software options on the market today, it’s hard to know which one would be a good fit for your business. We’ve broken down the key differences between the most popular solutions on the market today.

AppFolio Property Manager unlocks new possibilities for your business all on one powerful platform. No matter your needs, our personalized partnership and intuitive software open every closed door along the way, helping you uncover new efficiencies and grow your business.

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A leader in property management

AppFolio Property Manager has been identified as the leader in property management software across various
review sites. These awards are based on high levels of customer satisfaction and the likeliness-to-recommend
ratings from real users.

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Our customers’ success, in their own words

“With AppFolio, I’m not wasting my time on paperwork. So I’m able to go look at new properties, assist renters and owners, and do the hands-on things that I’m really proud of as a property manager.”

Tami Simeona

Tami Simeona

Two Seas Property Management
90+ Units

Read the Story

“I struggled so much with the accounting on my previous software. I started shopping around, and AppFolio was the frontrunner. We really liked the user experience: it was cleaner, more user-friendly, and the renter portal looked better.”

Jessica

Jessica Watts

Blue Key Property Management

81+ Units

Read the Story

“In transitioning to AppFolio, we eliminated a lot of human error because most of the processes were automated. It was a huge relief for us. Plus, we were able to take vacations and actually go and enjoy life.”

Josh

Josh Wilson

JW Property Services

330+ Units

Read the Story

Frequently asked questions

What is customer relationship management (CRM) property management software?

CRM property management software helps property managers manage their day-to-day operations. It often includes features such as customer relationship management, tenant management, accounting, reporting, and analytics. This type of software can help property managers streamline operations, save time and money, and provide better customer service.

Why should you use CRM software?

CRM software can help your property management business by providing tools to help you better manage customer relationships. CRM tools can help you better understand customer needs, track customer interactions, and automate marketing and customer service tasks. By using CRM software, you can improve customer service, optimize customer acquisition, and increase customer loyalty.

How do you lease commercial property?

To lease commercial property, you will need to find a suitable property, negotiate the terms of the lease, and finalize the lease agreement. You may need to consult a lawyer or other legal expert to help with this process. Additionally, you may want to consider using property management software to help streamline the leasing process and manage your properties.

How do you file taxes as a landlord?

Filing taxes as a landlord is a complex process, and you must know the various rules and regulations that apply to your situation. Generally speaking, you will need to report your rental income on your tax return and deduct any expenses related to the rental property, such as mortgage interest, repairs, and insurance. You may also be eligible for certain deductions and credits that can help reduce your tax liability. Depending on your situation, you may need to file additional forms such as Schedule E, Form 1099-MISC, and Form 8582. Additionally, you may need to pay self-employment tax if you are considered a real estate professional. It is best to consult a tax professional or use tax preparation software to ensure you are filing correctly.

How do you file property taxes?

Filing property taxes depends on the jurisdiction in which the property is located. Generally, you will need to contact the county, parish, or other local taxing authority to obtain the necessary forms for filing the taxes. In some cases, you may be able to file the taxes online or through your property management software.

What is a good return on investment (ROI) on vacation rental property?

The ROI for vacation rental properties can vary greatly depending on various factors, such as the location, occupancy rate, rental rate, and expenses. Generally, a good ROI for a vacation rental property is 8-15% net profit after all expenses.

What software can replace Quicken for rental property managers?

There are many software options available that can replace Quicken. Some popular solutions include AppFolio Property Manager, Propertyware, PropertyBoss, Buildium, and Rentec Direct. Each of these solutions offers different features and pricing options, so it is best to research each in order to determine which one will best meet your needs.

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