Quick Overview
- 1#1: Stessa - Automates rental property bookkeeping with bank integrations, expense tracking, and tax-ready reports for real estate investors.
- 2#2: Landlord Studio - Provides mobile-first bookkeeping for landlords with automated rent collection, expense categorization, and profit/loss reporting.
- 3#3: Baselane - Offers integrated banking and bookkeeping for landlords with automated transaction categorization and Schedule E tax reports.
- 4#4: Buildium - Delivers comprehensive property management accounting including tenant ledgers, AP/AR, and financial reporting for landlords.
- 5#5: QuickBooks Online - Handles landlord bookkeeping with customizable invoicing, bank feeds, and rental property-specific reporting via integrations.
- 6#6: AppFolio - Manages property accounting with automated rent posting, vendor payments, and detailed financial statements for portfolios.
- 7#7: DoorLoop - Streamlines landlord bookkeeping through trust accounting, expense tracking, and real-time financial dashboards.
- 8#8: Rentec Direct - Supports rental bookkeeping with lease tracking, online payments, and customizable financial reports for small to mid-sized landlords.
- 9#9: Yardi Breeze - Provides cloud-based accounting for residential properties including general ledger, budgeting, and compliance reporting.
- 10#10: Avail - Facilitates basic landlord bookkeeping with rent tracking, maintenance expense logging, and simple financial summaries.
We ranked these tools by evaluating core features like automation capabilities, tax readiness, and portfolio scalability, balanced with ease of use, reliability, and overall value, prioritizing solutions that cater to both new and seasoned landlords.
Comparison Table
Navigating landlord bookkeeping software can be overwhelming, but tools like Stessa, Landlord Studio, Baselane, Buildium, QuickBooks Online, and more simplify tracking income, expenses, and properties. This comparison table breaks down their key features, helping readers identify the best fit for their rental management needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stessa Automates rental property bookkeeping with bank integrations, expense tracking, and tax-ready reports for real estate investors. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 2 | Landlord Studio Provides mobile-first bookkeeping for landlords with automated rent collection, expense categorization, and profit/loss reporting. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | Baselane Offers integrated banking and bookkeeping for landlords with automated transaction categorization and Schedule E tax reports. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 4 | Buildium Delivers comprehensive property management accounting including tenant ledgers, AP/AR, and financial reporting for landlords. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | QuickBooks Online Handles landlord bookkeeping with customizable invoicing, bank feeds, and rental property-specific reporting via integrations. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 6 | AppFolio Manages property accounting with automated rent posting, vendor payments, and detailed financial statements for portfolios. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 7 | DoorLoop Streamlines landlord bookkeeping through trust accounting, expense tracking, and real-time financial dashboards. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Rentec Direct Supports rental bookkeeping with lease tracking, online payments, and customizable financial reports for small to mid-sized landlords. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | Yardi Breeze Provides cloud-based accounting for residential properties including general ledger, budgeting, and compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 10 | Avail Facilitates basic landlord bookkeeping with rent tracking, maintenance expense logging, and simple financial summaries. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
Automates rental property bookkeeping with bank integrations, expense tracking, and tax-ready reports for real estate investors.
Provides mobile-first bookkeeping for landlords with automated rent collection, expense categorization, and profit/loss reporting.
Offers integrated banking and bookkeeping for landlords with automated transaction categorization and Schedule E tax reports.
Delivers comprehensive property management accounting including tenant ledgers, AP/AR, and financial reporting for landlords.
Handles landlord bookkeeping with customizable invoicing, bank feeds, and rental property-specific reporting via integrations.
Manages property accounting with automated rent posting, vendor payments, and detailed financial statements for portfolios.
Streamlines landlord bookkeeping through trust accounting, expense tracking, and real-time financial dashboards.
Supports rental bookkeeping with lease tracking, online payments, and customizable financial reports for small to mid-sized landlords.
Provides cloud-based accounting for residential properties including general ledger, budgeting, and compliance reporting.
Facilitates basic landlord bookkeeping with rent tracking, maintenance expense logging, and simple financial summaries.
Stessa
specializedAutomates rental property bookkeeping with bank integrations, expense tracking, and tax-ready reports for real estate investors.
AI-driven automatic categorization of rental transactions from bank feeds, eliminating manual data entry for most users
Stessa is a free, cloud-based bookkeeping and financial management platform tailored for real estate investors and landlords. It automates income and expense tracking by syncing directly with bank accounts, credit cards, and payment platforms like Zelle or Venmo, using AI to categorize transactions accurately. Users can generate detailed P&L statements, cash flow reports, and tax-ready schedules, while monitoring portfolio performance across unlimited properties. Its investor-focused dashboards provide key metrics like cap rate, cash-on-cash return, and net operating income at a glance.
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited properties and units with core bookkeeping features
- Automatic bank syncing and AI-powered transaction categorization saves significant time
- Investor-grade reporting including performance analytics and tax preparation tools
- Mobile app for on-the-go expense logging and approvals
Cons
- Advanced multi-entity support and custom reports require paid Pro upgrade
- Limited integrations with some property management software
- Occasional delays in transaction syncing from certain banks
- Less suited for commercial properties or very large portfolios
Best For
Real estate investors and landlords with 1-50 rental properties seeking automated, cost-free bookkeeping and performance insights.
Pricing
Free forever for core features on unlimited properties; Pro plan starts at $12/month (billed annually) for advanced tools like 1099 filing and multi-entity management.
Landlord Studio
specializedProvides mobile-first bookkeeping for landlords with automated rent collection, expense categorization, and profit/loss reporting.
AI-powered automatic categorization of bank transactions into IRS-compliant categories for effortless Schedule E tax reporting
Landlord Studio is a comprehensive property management platform designed specifically for landlords, offering automated bookkeeping, rent collection, and expense tracking tailored to real estate investors. It simplifies financial management by automatically categorizing bank transactions, generating tax-ready reports like Schedule E, and providing insights into portfolio performance. The mobile-first app makes it easy to manage properties on the go, from tenant screening to maintenance requests.
Pros
- Automated bank reconciliation and transaction categorization saves hours on bookkeeping
- Robust reporting tools including profit/loss and tax schedules
- Intuitive mobile app with photo upload for receipts and inspections
Cons
- Pricing increases with number of units, which can add up for larger portfolios
- Limited advanced customization for enterprise-level users
- Customer support is primarily email-based without live chat
Best For
Small to medium-sized landlords and real estate investors seeking an all-in-one bookkeeping and management solution without needing a full property management company.
Pricing
Starts at $12/month for up to 3 units (Essentials plan), $24/month for up to 10 units (Pro), $48/month for up to 25 units (Premium), with annual discounts and a 14-day free trial.
Baselane
specializedOffers integrated banking and bookkeeping for landlords with automated transaction categorization and Schedule E tax reports.
Real-time automated bookkeeping directly integrated with FDIC-insured business banking accounts
Baselane is a comprehensive financial platform tailored for landlords and real estate investors, offering FDIC-insured banking alongside automated bookkeeping tools. It automatically syncs bank transactions, categorizes rent income and expenses, generates property-specific financial statements like P&L and cash flow reports, and prepares tax documents such as Schedule E. The software also supports online rent collection via ACH, tenant screening, and portfolio management to streamline landlord operations.
Pros
- Free core banking and bookkeeping with high-yield savings (up to 4.19% APY)
- Real estate-specific automation for expense categorization, reporting, and tax prep
- Unlimited properties and bank accounts with seamless integrations
Cons
- Limited advanced property management features like maintenance requests
- US-only availability and fewer third-party integrations than competitors
- Customer support primarily email-based with no phone option
Best For
Small to mid-sized landlords and real estate investors looking for cost-free, automated bookkeeping integrated with high-yield banking.
Pricing
Core banking and bookkeeping free; Baselane Pro ($29/month) adds advanced tax tools and team features.
Buildium
enterpriseDelivers comprehensive property management accounting including tenant ledgers, AP/AR, and financial reporting for landlords.
Automated bank integration with AI-powered transaction categorization and matching for effortless reconciliations
Buildium is an all-in-one property management software with robust bookkeeping features tailored for landlords and property managers. It automates rent collection, expense tracking, bank reconciliations, and generates detailed financial reports including Schedule E for taxes. The platform integrates accounting seamlessly with tenant screening, maintenance requests, and leasing tools, making it a comprehensive solution for rental property finances.
Pros
- Comprehensive accounting tools with automated rent collection and reminders
- Detailed financial reporting and tax preparation including 1099s and Schedule E
- Strong bank sync and transaction categorization for easy reconciliation
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger portfolios, less ideal for single-unit landlords
- Initial learning curve for advanced bookkeeping features
- Occasional reporting glitches reported by some users
Best For
Mid-sized landlords and property managers with 20+ units seeking integrated property management and bookkeeping.
Pricing
Starts at $58/month (billed annually) for Essential plan (up to 20 units), up to $348/month for Premium (150+ units); 14-day free trial available.
QuickBooks Online
enterpriseHandles landlord bookkeeping with customizable invoicing, bank feeds, and rental property-specific reporting via integrations.
Class and location tracking for segregating income/expenses across multiple rental properties
QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting platform that excels in general bookkeeping, invoicing, and financial reporting, making it adaptable for landlords through custom classes and locations to track income and expenses per property. It supports bank reconciliations, automated rent invoicing, and tax-ready reports, but lacks native property management tools like tenant portals or maintenance tracking. While powerful for financial oversight, it requires manual setup for rental-specific workflows.
Pros
- Robust bank feeds and automatic reconciliation for tracking rent deposits and expenses
- Class and location tracking to separate finances by property
- Comprehensive reporting and tax tools tailored for Schedule E filings
Cons
- No built-in tenant management, rent collection, or late fee automation
- Requires add-ons or manual workarounds for full rental bookkeeping
- Higher pricing tiers needed for multi-property tracking features
Best For
Landlords with multiple properties who need strong general accounting and are comfortable with custom setups.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced), with annual discounts; Plus ($90/month) recommended for landlords.
AppFolio
enterpriseManages property accounting with automated rent posting, vendor payments, and detailed financial statements for portfolios.
Automated bank reconciliation that matches transactions across properties in real-time
AppFolio is a full-featured property management platform with integrated bookkeeping tools designed for landlords and property managers. It automates rent collection, expense tracking, bank reconciliations, and generates detailed financial reports like profit/loss statements and 1099s. The software provides a centralized dashboard for accounting, ensuring compliance and real-time financial insights across multiple properties.
Pros
- Robust accounting automation including bank feeds and AP/AR
- Comprehensive financial reporting and tax tools
- Seamless integration with property management workflows
Cons
- Expensive for small-scale landlords with minimum fees
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features
- Custom pricing lacks transparency
Best For
Mid-sized property management companies or landlords with 50+ units seeking integrated bookkeeping and operations.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting around $1.40 per unit/month with a $250+ minimum; scales with portfolio size.
DoorLoop
specializedStreamlines landlord bookkeeping through trust accounting, expense tracking, and real-time financial dashboards.
Automated two-way QuickBooks sync for real-time bookkeeping without manual data entry
DoorLoop is an all-in-one property management software with strong bookkeeping capabilities designed for landlords and property managers. It automates rent collection via ACH and credit cards, tracks income and expenses, reconciles bank accounts, and generates detailed financial reports like P&L statements and balance sheets. The platform integrates with QuickBooks for seamless accounting and offers tax-ready tools such as 1099 generation, making it suitable for portfolio management.
Pros
- Robust automated bookkeeping with bank sync and QuickBooks integration
- Comprehensive financial reporting including P&L, cash flow, and 1099s
- User-friendly interface with mobile app for on-the-go management
Cons
- Pricing scales steeply with number of units, less ideal for single-property owners
- Some advanced accounting features require higher-tier plans
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Landlords and small property management firms with 10+ units seeking integrated bookkeeping and tenant management.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for Essential (up to 10 units), $99/month for Pro, $159/month for Premium, billed annually with per-unit scaling on higher plans.
Rentec Direct
specializedSupports rental bookkeeping with lease tracking, online payments, and customizable financial reports for small to mid-sized landlords.
Built-in bank reconciliation and automatic transaction import for effortless bookkeeping
Rentec Direct is an all-in-one property management platform with strong bookkeeping capabilities designed for landlords and small property managers. It streamlines rent collection, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting, including profit/loss statements and tax forms like 1099s. The software integrates online payments and tenant portals, making it suitable for handling bookkeeping alongside daily operations for portfolios up to hundreds of units.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for small portfolios
- Comprehensive financial reports and tax tools including 1099 generation
- Seamless online rent collection and expense categorization
Cons
- Interface feels somewhat dated compared to modern competitors
- Limited advanced customization for complex accounting needs
- Customer support can be slower for non-premium users
Best For
Small to mid-sized landlords seeking an integrated property management and bookkeeping solution without needing separate accounting software.
Pricing
Free for up to 10 units; paid plans start at $45/month for 11-25 units, with pricing scaling by portfolio size up to enterprise levels.
Yardi Breeze
enterpriseProvides cloud-based accounting for residential properties including general ledger, budgeting, and compliance reporting.
Integrated AP/AR automation with bank reconciliation that syncs transactions in real-time across multiple properties
Yardi Breeze is a cloud-based property management software that includes robust bookkeeping tools tailored for landlords and small to mid-sized property managers. It automates rent collection, tracks expenses, handles accounts payable/receivable, and generates detailed financial reports like profit/loss statements and 1099 forms. The platform integrates seamlessly with tenant portals and maintenance tracking, providing a holistic view of property finances.
Pros
- Automated rent collection and online payments with bank integration
- Comprehensive financial reporting and tax compliance tools
- Scalable for multi-property portfolios with real-time dashboards
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for single-property landlords
- Steeper learning curve for advanced accounting features
- Some customizations require additional modules or support
Best For
Small to mid-sized landlords or property managers handling residential portfolios who need integrated bookkeeping with property operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $1-2 per unit per month plus setup fees; starts around $100/month for small portfolios.
Avail
specializedFacilitates basic landlord bookkeeping with rent tracking, maintenance expense logging, and simple financial summaries.
Automated Schedule E report generation for easy tax filing, integrated directly with rental income and expense data
Avail is an all-in-one property management platform tailored for individual landlords, featuring tenant screening, online rent collection, maintenance tracking, and integrated bookkeeping tools. Its bookkeeping capabilities include bank account syncing via Plaid, automatic transaction categorization, expense tracking, and generation of landlord-specific reports like profit/loss statements and Schedule E forms for taxes. While not a dedicated accounting software, it provides straightforward financial management embedded within its rental operations workflow.
Pros
- Free basic plan with core rent collection and bookkeeping for up to 15 units
- Automatic bank sync and AI-powered expense categorization simplifies tracking
- Generates tax-ready reports like Schedule E at no extra cost
Cons
- Lacks advanced accounting features like multi-entity support or custom invoicing
- Reporting customization is basic, better for small portfolios
- Premium features needed for larger properties or advanced maintenance integration
Best For
DIY landlords with small to mid-sized portfolios (under 50 units) seeking affordable, integrated rent collection and basic bookkeeping.
Pricing
Free for basic features (up to 15 units); Premium plans start at $7/unit/month (billed annually) for unlimited units and advanced tools.
Conclusion
Stessa stands out as the top choice for landlords, offering robust automated bookkeeping, bank integrations, and tax-ready reports that streamline property management. Landlord Studio and Baselane follow closely, with mobile-first design and integrated tools that suit distinct needs—whether for quick setup or advanced tax support. Every tool in the top 10 simplifies landlord bookkeeping, but Stessa excels in balancing automation and ease for comprehensive property financial management.
Take the first step to effortless bookkeeping: try Stessa to leverage automated tracking, accurate reports, and a simplified way to keep your rental finances in order.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison