Quick Overview
- 1#1: Stessa - Automates bookkeeping, income/expense tracking, and tax-ready reports for rental property investors.
- 2#2: Buildium - Comprehensive property management software with integrated accounting, tenant screening, and financial reporting for rentals.
- 3#3: AppFolio - Cloud-based platform offering accounting, leasing, and maintenance tools for real estate rental portfolios.
- 4#4: Baselane - All-in-one banking and automated bookkeeping solution designed for landlords and small property managers.
- 5#5: DoorLoop - Modern property management system with advanced accounting, ACH payments, and investor portals.
- 6#6: Rentec Direct - Affordable rental management software featuring accounting, online payments, and trust accounting compliance.
- 7#7: Yardi Breeze - Cloud property management for small to mid-sized portfolios with full accounting and reporting capabilities.
- 8#8: Entrata - Integrated platform for multifamily rentals including accounting, resident portals, and analytics.
- 9#9: Landlord Studio - Mobile-first app for tracking rental income, expenses, and generating profit/loss reports.
- 10#10: QuickBooks Online - General accounting software with real estate templates, bank integrations, and rental property tracking.
These tools were meticulously ranked based on core features (including automation, reporting, and tenant integration), user-friendliness, technical reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver exceptional utility for diverse rental portfolios.
Comparison Table
Real estate rental accounting software simplifies managing rental properties, and this comparison table examines top tools like Stessa, Buildium, AppFolio, Baselane, DoorLoop, and more. Readers will discover key features, pricing structures, and usability to identify the best platform for their portfolio.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stessa Automates bookkeeping, income/expense tracking, and tax-ready reports for rental property investors. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | Buildium Comprehensive property management software with integrated accounting, tenant screening, and financial reporting for rentals. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | AppFolio Cloud-based platform offering accounting, leasing, and maintenance tools for real estate rental portfolios. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Baselane All-in-one banking and automated bookkeeping solution designed for landlords and small property managers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 5 | DoorLoop Modern property management system with advanced accounting, ACH payments, and investor portals. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | Rentec Direct Affordable rental management software featuring accounting, online payments, and trust accounting compliance. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 7 | Yardi Breeze Cloud property management for small to mid-sized portfolios with full accounting and reporting capabilities. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 8 | Entrata Integrated platform for multifamily rentals including accounting, resident portals, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Landlord Studio Mobile-first app for tracking rental income, expenses, and generating profit/loss reports. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 10 | QuickBooks Online General accounting software with real estate templates, bank integrations, and rental property tracking. | other | 7.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.5/10 |
Automates bookkeeping, income/expense tracking, and tax-ready reports for rental property investors.
Comprehensive property management software with integrated accounting, tenant screening, and financial reporting for rentals.
Cloud-based platform offering accounting, leasing, and maintenance tools for real estate rental portfolios.
All-in-one banking and automated bookkeeping solution designed for landlords and small property managers.
Modern property management system with advanced accounting, ACH payments, and investor portals.
Affordable rental management software featuring accounting, online payments, and trust accounting compliance.
Cloud property management for small to mid-sized portfolios with full accounting and reporting capabilities.
Integrated platform for multifamily rentals including accounting, resident portals, and analytics.
Mobile-first app for tracking rental income, expenses, and generating profit/loss reports.
General accounting software with real estate templates, bank integrations, and rental property tracking.
Stessa
specializedAutomates bookkeeping, income/expense tracking, and tax-ready reports for rental property investors.
AI-powered automatic bank transaction categorization and reconciliation that eliminates manual data entry for rental income and expenses
Stessa is a free, cloud-based rental property accounting software tailored for real estate investors managing single-family homes, multifamily properties, and portfolios. It automates bank transaction syncing, income/expense tracking, and generates performance dashboards, profit/loss statements, and tax-ready reports. Designed to simplify bookkeeping, it integrates seamlessly with tools like QuickBooks and property management systems for comprehensive financial oversight.
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited properties and core accounting features
- Automated bank syncing and AI-driven transaction categorization for effortless bookkeeping
- Real-time dashboards and investor-grade reports including IRR, cash flow, and tax packages
Cons
- Limited built-in property management tools like tenant screening or maintenance tracking
- Less flexibility for highly complex commercial real estate accounting
- Customer support relies heavily on self-service resources rather than 24/7 live assistance
Best For
Real estate investors and landlords with rental portfolios who want automated, cost-free accounting without sacrificing professional-grade reporting.
Pricing
100% free for all users with unlimited properties; no paid tiers or hidden fees.
Buildium
specializedComprehensive property management software with integrated accounting, tenant screening, and financial reporting for rentals.
Smart Accounting with one-click bank reconciliation and automated ledger postings that minimize manual data entry.
Buildium is a cloud-based property management platform specializing in residential rentals, offering robust accounting tools for rent collection, expense tracking, and financial reporting. It automates key accounting tasks like bank reconciliations, AP/AR management, and tax form generation (e.g., 1099s), while integrating seamlessly with tenant screening, leasing, and maintenance workflows. Designed for property managers, it provides real-time financial insights to streamline operations and ensure compliance.
Pros
- Comprehensive rental accounting with automated rent payments and bank sync
- Over 50 customizable financial reports for detailed insights
- Strong compliance tools including 1099 filing and audit trails
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with portfolio size, less ideal for tiny operations
- Steeper learning curve for advanced accounting customizations
- Limited third-party integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Mid-sized property managers and landlords with 50-500 rental units needing integrated accounting and operations.
Pricing
Starts at $58/month for Essential plan (up to 20 units); Growth ($195/month for 50 units) and Premium tiers scale by unit count with add-ons for advanced features.
AppFolio
enterpriseCloud-based platform offering accounting, leasing, and maintenance tools for real estate rental portfolios.
Intelligent Accounting Automation that automatically categorizes transactions, reconciles banks, and generates accurate financials with minimal manual input
AppFolio is a comprehensive cloud-based property management platform with robust accounting features tailored for real estate rental operations, including automated rent collection, expense tracking, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting. It integrates property management tasks like tenant screening, maintenance requests, and leasing with a full accounting suite supporting AP/AR, general ledger, and tax compliance. Designed for scaling businesses, it provides real-time insights and mobile access for efficient rental accounting management.
Pros
- Advanced automated accounting tools including bank feeds and transaction categorization
- Comprehensive financial reporting with customizable dashboards and 1099 filing
- Seamless integration with payment processors and strong scalability for growing portfolios
Cons
- Higher per-unit pricing that may not suit very small landlords
- Steep learning curve for non-accounting users due to feature depth
- Limited flexibility in custom reporting compared to dedicated accounting software
Best For
Mid-sized property management firms with 50+ rental units needing integrated accounting and operations management.
Pricing
Tiered pricing starting at ~$1.40 per unit/month (Essentials plan) up to $3+ per unit for advanced tiers; minimum fees apply, custom quotes for larger portfolios.
Baselane
specializedAll-in-one banking and automated bookkeeping solution designed for landlords and small property managers.
Direct integration of FDIC-insured business banking with AI-powered automatic categorization of rental transactions for instant, accurate bookkeeping.
Baselane is an all-in-one platform tailored for landlords and real estate investors, offering free banking, automated accounting, and property management tools specifically for rental properties. It automatically categorizes bank transactions into rental income and expenses, providing real-time profit/loss statements, balance sheets, and tax-ready books. Additional features include online rent collection, tenant portals for maintenance requests, and automated 1099 filings, making it a streamlined solution for managing rental finances.
Pros
- Completely free core banking, accounting, and management tools with no subscription fees
- Automatic transaction categorization and real-time financial reporting tailored to rentals
- Integrated high-yield savings and seamless rent collection via ACH
Cons
- Limited advanced customization for reports and analytics
- Primarily focused on US properties with fewer international options
- Customer support relies heavily on self-service resources
Best For
Small to mid-sized landlords and independent investors who want a free, integrated banking and accounting solution for their rental portfolios.
Pricing
Free for all core features including banking, automated accounting, rent collection, and reporting; optional paid add-ons for premium services like expedited 1099 filing.
DoorLoop
specializedModern property management system with advanced accounting, ACH payments, and investor portals.
Automated bank reconciliation and transaction categorization with AI-powered Smart Accounting
DoorLoop is a comprehensive property management platform with strong rental accounting capabilities, automating rent collection, expense tracking, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting for landlords and property managers. It handles accounts receivable/payable, late fees, security deposits, and generates tax-ready reports like 1099s. The software integrates with QuickBooks and banks for seamless data flow, making it suitable for scaling real estate portfolios.
Pros
- Robust accounting tools including AR/AP automation and bank sync
- Customizable financial reports and tax compliance features
- Integrated rent collection with ACH and credit card processing
Cons
- Pricing scales per unit, expensive for large portfolios
- Advanced reporting locked behind higher tiers
- Steeper learning curve for non-accountants
Best For
Small to mid-sized property management firms with 25-200 units needing integrated rental accounting and tenant management.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for up to 25 units; $99/month for 26-50 units; $159/month for 51-100 units; custom enterprise pricing.
Rentec Direct
specializedAffordable rental management software featuring accounting, online payments, and trust accounting compliance.
Built-in tenant credit and background screening directly within the accounting workflow
Rentec Direct is a cloud-based property management platform tailored for landlords and property managers, with strong emphasis on rental accounting features like automated rent collection, expense tracking, and financial reporting. It integrates tenant screening, lease management, maintenance tracking, and bank reconciliation to simplify real estate operations. The software supports unlimited users and provides customizable reports for taxes, including 1099 forms.
Pros
- Robust accounting tools including bank sync and detailed ledgers
- Online rent payments with late fees and autopay
- Tenant portal for self-service and communication
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting integrations like QuickBooks export
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern competitors
- Pricing scales quickly for larger portfolios
Best For
Small to mid-sized landlords and property managers with 10-50 units seeking affordable, all-in-one rental accounting and management.
Pricing
Starts at $45/month for up to 10 units; tiers up to $165/month for 250+ units; free trial available.
Yardi Breeze
enterpriseCloud property management for small to mid-sized portfolios with full accounting and reporting capabilities.
Unified ledger system that automatically syncs leasing transactions with accounting for real-time financial accuracy without manual interfaces
Yardi Breeze is a cloud-based property management software tailored for small to mid-sized real estate portfolios, offering integrated rental accounting, leasing, maintenance, and resident management tools. It automates key accounting functions like rent collection, accounts payable/receivable, general ledger management, and financial reporting with real-time insights. Ideal for multifamily and commercial properties, it provides scalability and mobile accessibility while reducing manual data entry.
Pros
- Comprehensive accounting suite including automated bank reconciliation and customizable reports
- Intuitive cloud interface with strong mobile app for on-the-go access
- Seamless integration of leasing and financials for accurate cash flow tracking
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for very small portfolios under 50 units
- Advanced customizations require additional modules or setup
- Customer support response times vary, especially for non-enterprise users
Best For
Small to mid-sized property managers handling 50-500 rental units who need an all-in-one cloud platform for accounting and operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at ~$1-3 per unit/month, plus one-time setup fees and add-ons for premium features like advanced analytics.
Entrata
enterpriseIntegrated platform for multifamily rentals including accounting, resident portals, and analytics.
Unified 'Prospect to Payment' workflow that automates accounting from leasing to collections
Entrata is a comprehensive property management platform with robust accounting features tailored for multifamily and rental properties, automating rent collection, accounts payable/receivable, general ledger management, and financial reporting. It integrates seamlessly with leasing, maintenance, and resident portals to provide a unified view of property finances. Ideal for scaling operations, it supports bank reconciliations, budgeting, and tax compliance specific to real estate rentals.
Pros
- Integrated accounting with property management for real-time data accuracy
- Advanced automation for rent payments, invoicing, and reconciliations
- Scalable reporting and analytics for large portfolios
Cons
- High pricing suitable mainly for mid-to-large operators
- Steep learning curve for non-accounting users
- Limited flexibility for highly customized accounting workflows
Best For
Multifamily property managers and owners with 100+ units needing integrated rental accounting and operations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $1.25+ per unit/month for core features, scaling with portfolio size and add-ons.
Landlord Studio
specializedMobile-first app for tracking rental income, expenses, and generating profit/loss reports.
OCR-powered receipt scanning directly in the mobile app for effortless expense tracking and categorization
Landlord Studio is a mobile-first property management platform designed specifically for landlords and small property investors to handle rental accounting and operations. It automates rent collection via ACH and credit cards, tracks expenses with OCR-powered receipt scanning, and generates key financial reports like profit & loss statements and tax-ready Schedule E forms. The software also supports tenant screening, maintenance tracking, and bank account syncing for seamless reconciliation.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for on-the-go management
- Automated rent invoicing and collection with reminders
- Strong financial reporting and QuickBooks integration
Cons
- Limited report customization for advanced users
- Customer support response times can vary
- Scalability issues for portfolios over 25 units
Best For
Solo landlords or small investors managing fewer than 10 properties who prioritize mobile accessibility and simple accounting.
Pricing
Free for 1 property; Starter ($12/mo, up to 3 properties); Pro ($24/mo, up to 10); Premium ($48/mo, up to 25); annual discounts available.
QuickBooks Online
otherGeneral accounting software with real estate templates, bank integrations, and rental property tracking.
Class and location tracking for property-specific financial segregation
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software from Intuit that can be adapted for real estate rental accounting through custom classes, locations, and tracking codes for properties. It excels in general bookkeeping tasks like invoicing tenants, expense categorization, bank reconciliations, and generating profit/loss reports per property. While powerful for core accounting, it lacks native rental-specific tools like automated lease management or tenant portals, requiring workarounds or third-party apps.
Pros
- Seamless bank feeds and transaction automation for efficient rent and expense tracking
- Custom class and location tracking to manage multiple properties separately
- Robust reporting and tax-ready financial statements
Cons
- No built-in tenant management, lease tracking, or vacancy reporting
- Requires manual setups or app integrations for rental-specific workflows
- Higher tiers needed for advanced inventory or project tracking applicable to rentals
Best For
Landlords and property managers with moderate portfolios seeking reliable general accounting that can be customized for rentals without needing highly specialized software.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced); annual billing offers 50% off first 3 months.
Conclusion
The top tools highlighted diverse strengths for real estate rental accounting, with Stessa leading as the top choice, excelling in automation and tax readiness. Buildium and AppFolio, ranking second and third, each offer robust features—from comprehensive management to cloud-based flexibility—suited to different user needs. Ultimately, the best pick balances individual priorities, but Stessa clearly stands out as the leading solution.
Don't miss out on Stessa's streamlined approach to rental accounting. Try it today to simplify bookkeeping, track income and expenses effortlessly, and get tax-ready reports—key to managing your real estate portfolio with confidence.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison