Quick Overview
- 1#1: AppFolio - Cloud-based property management software with integrated accounting, automated bookkeeping, and financial reporting for rental properties.
- 2#2: Buildium - All-in-one platform for property managers offering robust bookkeeping, tenant accounting, and expense tracking for rentals.
- 3#3: DoorLoop - Modern property management tool with automated bookkeeping, bank integrations, and real-time financial insights for landlords.
- 4#4: Yardi Breeze - Scalable cloud solution providing advanced accounting, lease management, and financial reporting for rental portfolios.
- 5#5: Rent Manager - Flexible property management software with comprehensive accounting features for tracking rental income and expenses.
- 6#6: ResMan - Enterprise property management platform with integrated bookkeeping, AP/AR, and analytics for multifamily rentals.
- 7#7: Entrata - Unified platform for apartment management featuring dynamic accounting, payments, and financial dashboards.
- 8#8: QuickBooks Online - Versatile accounting software with rental-specific apps and templates for managing property income, expenses, and taxes.
- 9#9: Stessa - Free bookkeeping tool for rental property investors offering automated categorization, P&L reports, and tax-ready financials.
- 10#10: Baselane - Banking-integrated platform providing automated bookkeeping, expense tracking, and cash flow management for landlords.
Tools were ranked based on feature depth (including automation, integration, and reporting), user-friendliness, performance, and overall value, ensuring they deliver consistent, reliable support for day-to-day rental property management tasks.
Comparison Table
Effective bookkeeping is vital for managing rental properties smoothly, and this comparison table examines top tools like AppFolio, Buildium, DoorLoop, Yardi Breeze, Rent Manager, and more, breaking down their features, pricing, and usability to help readers find the best fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AppFolio Cloud-based property management software with integrated accounting, automated bookkeeping, and financial reporting for rental properties. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Buildium All-in-one platform for property managers offering robust bookkeeping, tenant accounting, and expense tracking for rentals. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | DoorLoop Modern property management tool with automated bookkeeping, bank integrations, and real-time financial insights for landlords. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 4 | Yardi Breeze Scalable cloud solution providing advanced accounting, lease management, and financial reporting for rental portfolios. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 5 | Rent Manager Flexible property management software with comprehensive accounting features for tracking rental income and expenses. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | ResMan Enterprise property management platform with integrated bookkeeping, AP/AR, and analytics for multifamily rentals. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Entrata Unified platform for apartment management featuring dynamic accounting, payments, and financial dashboards. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | QuickBooks Online Versatile accounting software with rental-specific apps and templates for managing property income, expenses, and taxes. | other | 7.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 9 | Stessa Free bookkeeping tool for rental property investors offering automated categorization, P&L reports, and tax-ready financials. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 10 | Baselane Banking-integrated platform providing automated bookkeeping, expense tracking, and cash flow management for landlords. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
Cloud-based property management software with integrated accounting, automated bookkeeping, and financial reporting for rental properties.
All-in-one platform for property managers offering robust bookkeeping, tenant accounting, and expense tracking for rentals.
Modern property management tool with automated bookkeeping, bank integrations, and real-time financial insights for landlords.
Scalable cloud solution providing advanced accounting, lease management, and financial reporting for rental portfolios.
Flexible property management software with comprehensive accounting features for tracking rental income and expenses.
Enterprise property management platform with integrated bookkeeping, AP/AR, and analytics for multifamily rentals.
Unified platform for apartment management featuring dynamic accounting, payments, and financial dashboards.
Versatile accounting software with rental-specific apps and templates for managing property income, expenses, and taxes.
Free bookkeeping tool for rental property investors offering automated categorization, P&L reports, and tax-ready financials.
Banking-integrated platform providing automated bookkeeping, expense tracking, and cash flow management for landlords.
AppFolio
specializedCloud-based property management software with integrated accounting, automated bookkeeping, and financial reporting for rental properties.
Automated bank feed integration and real-time owner portals for instant financial visibility and P&L statements.
AppFolio is a comprehensive cloud-based property management platform renowned for its robust rental bookkeeping features, automating rent collection, expense tracking, and financial reporting for property owners and managers. It provides a full accounting suite including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and customizable financial statements tailored to rental portfolios. With seamless integration of property operations and bookkeeping, it supports multi-family, single-family, and commercial rentals while ensuring compliance with tax requirements like 1099 filings.
Pros
- Comprehensive accounting tools with automated reconciliations and real-time reporting
- Seamless integration of rental operations and bookkeeping
- Strong compliance features including 1099s and audit trails
Cons
- Pricing scales better for larger portfolios, less ideal for very small owners
- Initial setup and learning curve can be steep
- Some advanced customizations require additional support
Best For
Medium to large-scale property managers and owners with 50+ rental units needing integrated bookkeeping and management.
Pricing
Custom quotes starting at ~$1.40 per unit/month for 50+ units; higher for smaller portfolios (e.g., $280+/month minimum).
Buildium
specializedAll-in-one platform for property managers offering robust bookkeeping, tenant accounting, and expense tracking for rentals.
Smart reconciliation engine that auto-matches bank transactions to ledger entries, reducing manual errors
Buildium is a comprehensive cloud-based property management software with robust rental bookkeeping capabilities, automating rent collection, expense tracking, invoicing, and bank reconciliations for landlords and property managers. It provides detailed financial reports, customizable charts of accounts, and tax-ready tools like 1099 filings, supporting portfolios of any size. Ideal for scaling operations, it integrates seamlessly with banks and payment processors to streamline accounting workflows.
Pros
- Powerful automated accounting including bank sync and reconciliations
- Extensive reporting and analytics for rental income/expenses
- Scalable for multi-property portfolios with owner portals
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing scales quickly with number of units
- Customer support can be slow during peak times
Best For
Property managers and landlords with 20+ rental units seeking integrated bookkeeping within full property management.
Pricing
Starts at $55/month (Essential, up to 20 units), $175/month (Growth, up to 100 units), $365/month (Premium+); plus per-unit fees and payment processing costs.
DoorLoop
specializedModern property management tool with automated bookkeeping, bank integrations, and real-time financial insights for landlords.
Trust accounting compliance with automated AP/AR and segregated owner funds tracking
DoorLoop is a comprehensive property management platform with robust rental bookkeeping features, automating rent collection, expense tracking, and financial reporting for landlords and property managers. It offers tools like bank reconciliation, general ledger management, profit and loss statements, and tax-ready reports tailored to rental properties. The software integrates property operations with accounting to streamline cash flow management and ensure compliance with trust accounting standards.
Pros
- Integrated property management and bookkeeping in one platform
- Automated bank feeds and reconciliation for accurate financials
- Detailed reporting including owner statements and 1099 forms
Cons
- Pricing scales with unit count, which can get expensive for large portfolios
- Steeper learning curve for advanced accounting features
- Limited native integrations with external accounting software like QuickBooks
Best For
Small to mid-sized rental property owners and managers who want an all-in-one solution combining operations and bookkeeping without needing separate tools.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for up to 50 units (Essential plan), $99/month for up to 100 units (Pro), with Premium and Enterprise tiers; per-unit pricing applies beyond limits.
Yardi Breeze
enterpriseScalable cloud solution providing advanced accounting, lease management, and financial reporting for rental portfolios.
Automated trust accounting that handles security deposits and owner disbursements with real-time ledger updates
Yardi Breeze is a cloud-based property management software from Yardi Systems, specializing in rental operations including bookkeeping for multifamily, single-family, and commercial properties. It automates rent collection, accounts payable/receivable, general ledger management, bank reconciliations, and generates detailed financial reports tailored to rental portfolios. The platform integrates resident portals for payments and maintenance, ensuring accurate trust accounting and compliance with real estate financial standards.
Pros
- Comprehensive rental-specific accounting including prorated rents, late fees, and security deposits
- Seamless online rent payments and bank integrations for automated reconciliation
- Robust reporting and audit trails for financial transparency
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for larger portfolios, less ideal for very small operations
- Moderate learning curve for advanced bookkeeping customizations
- Interface feels dated compared to newer fintech tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized rental property owners and managers needing integrated property management and bookkeeping.
Pricing
Subscription starts at $1 per unit per month for core features, with tiers up to $2+ per unit; additional costs for premium modules, setup, and support.
Rent Manager
specializedFlexible property management software with comprehensive accounting features for tracking rental income and expenses.
Advanced trust accounting module ensuring compliance across multiple states and property types
Rent Manager is an all-in-one property management software with robust rental bookkeeping capabilities, automating rent collection, invoicing, tenant ledgers, and financial reporting. It handles complex tasks like prorated rents, late fees, security deposits, and bank reconciliations while integrating seamlessly with property management workflows. Designed for landlords and property managers, it provides customizable accounting reports and compliance tools for multi-property portfolios.
Pros
- Comprehensive rental-specific accounting including trust accounts and NSF handling
- Extensive reporting and customization for financial insights
- Strong integrations with banks and payment processors
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features
- Pricing can be costly for small portfolios with per-unit model
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS tools
Best For
Mid-sized property managers and landlords needing integrated bookkeeping with full property management.
Pricing
Starts at $1 per unit/month (minimum $55/month), with custom enterprise pricing for larger portfolios.
ResMan
enterpriseEnterprise property management platform with integrated bookkeeping, AP/AR, and analytics for multifamily rentals.
Real-time dynamic ledger with automated accruals and compliance-ready audit trails
ResMan is a comprehensive property management platform with robust rental bookkeeping features, including automated rent collection, expense tracking, general ledger management, and detailed financial reporting. It supports multifamily, single-family, and commercial properties, offering real-time insights into cash flow, AP/AR, and tenant ledgers. Designed for scalability, it integrates with tools like QuickBooks for seamless accounting workflows.
Pros
- Powerful financial reporting and analytics for accurate bookkeeping
- Automated rent payments and bank reconciliation streamline operations
- Scalable for growing portfolios with strong AP/AR management
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-accountants due to comprehensive interface
- Higher pricing makes it less ideal for small landlords under 50 units
- Custom reports can require support assistance for advanced tweaks
Best For
Mid-sized to large property management firms handling multifamily rentals that need integrated bookkeeping within a full property management suite.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $0.75-$1.50 per unit per month plus setup fees and add-ons for larger portfolios.
Entrata
enterpriseUnified platform for apartment management featuring dynamic accounting, payments, and financial dashboards.
Unified resident ledger system that automatically tracks and reconciles all rental transactions, prorations, and deposits in real-time across multiple properties.
Entrata is a comprehensive property management platform with robust rental bookkeeping capabilities designed for multifamily housing operators. It automates rent collection, accounts payable/receivable, general ledger management, and bank reconciliations while maintaining detailed resident ledgers and handling complex prorations, security deposits, and late fees. The software provides real-time financial reporting, customizable dashboards, and compliance tools to streamline accounting for rental portfolios. It integrates seamlessly with banking systems and payment processors for efficient cash flow management.
Pros
- Powerful automation for rent accounting, AP/AR, and financial reporting tailored to rentals
- Real-time dashboards and multi-property support for scalability
- Strong integrations with banks, payment gateways, and third-party services
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive features and interface complexity
- High pricing suited more for mid-to-large portfolios than small landlords
- Limited flexibility for custom bookkeeping workflows without professional services
Best For
Large multifamily property managers and operators seeking integrated rental bookkeeping within a full property management ecosystem.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $1-3 per unit per month plus setup fees, scaling with portfolio size and features for enterprise users.
QuickBooks Online
otherVersatile accounting software with rental-specific apps and templates for managing property income, expenses, and taxes.
Class and location tracking for easy segregation and reporting across multiple rental properties
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software from Intuit that serves as a general bookkeeping solution adaptable for rental property management. It excels in tracking rental income and expenses through customizable classes and locations for multiple properties, invoicing tenants, and generating essential financial reports like profit and loss statements. While it lacks native rental-specific tools such as tenant portals or maintenance tracking, it integrates well with third-party property management apps to fill those gaps.
Pros
- Robust general accounting with multi-property tracking via classes and locations
- Seamless integrations with rental management apps like AppFolio or Rentec Direct
- Cloud access and mobile app for on-the-go bookkeeping
Cons
- No built-in features for tenant screening, lease management, or vacancy tracking
- Requires custom setup and add-ons for full rental functionality
- Higher-tier plans needed for advanced reporting, increasing costs
Best For
Small landlords or property investors needing reliable general accounting with moderate customization for a handful of rental properties.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced); additional costs for payroll or integrations.
Stessa
specializedFree bookkeeping tool for rental property investors offering automated categorization, P&L reports, and tax-ready financials.
Portfolio performance dashboards with automated market comps and cash flow forecasting
Stessa is a free cloud-based bookkeeping platform tailored for rental property owners and real estate investors, automating the tracking of income, expenses, and performance across unlimited properties. It syncs directly with bank accounts and categorizes transactions intelligently, generating key financial reports like profit & loss statements, balance sheets, and tax-ready schedules. The software also provides portfolio dashboards with benchmarking against market data, making it easy to monitor cash flow and ROI without manual spreadsheets.
Pros
- Completely free for core features including unlimited properties and bank syncs
- Automated transaction categorization and real-time financial reporting
- Investor-focused dashboards with market benchmarking and tax prep tools
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting customization compared to full-featured platforms
- Integrations with tools like QuickBooks can require manual exports
- Customer support is primarily email-based with slower response times
Best For
Ideal for small to mid-sized rental property investors and landlords seeking simple, automated bookkeeping without subscription costs.
Pricing
Free for unlimited properties, bank accounts, and core features; optional premium add-ons for advanced property management.
Baselane
specializedBanking-integrated platform providing automated bookkeeping, expense tracking, and cash flow management for landlords.
Seamless banking integration that auto-imports and categorizes rental transactions in real-time for effortless bookkeeping
Baselane is an all-in-one platform tailored for landlords and real estate investors, providing automated bookkeeping, banking, and basic property management tools specifically for rental properties. It connects directly to FDIC-insured bank accounts to automatically categorize transactions, track income/expenses, and generate profit & loss statements, balance sheets, and tax-ready reports. The software eliminates manual data entry, offering real-time financial insights to simplify rental portfolio management.
Pros
- Fully automated transaction categorization from integrated banking
- Free for unlimited properties and units with no hidden fees
- User-friendly dashboards and tax-ready financial reports
Cons
- Limited integrations with external accounting software like QuickBooks
- Primarily focused on US properties and banking
- Lacks advanced features like multi-entity support or complex payroll
Best For
Small to mid-sized landlords and individual investors who want a free, simple solution for automating rental bookkeeping alongside rent collection and banking.
Pricing
Free core plan for unlimited properties, units, and bookkeeping; optional paid add-ons for premium features like tenant screening starting at $10/month; earns competitive interest on banking deposits.
Conclusion
The top rental bookkeeping software options deliver powerful tools, with AppFolio leading as the standout choice for its integrated accounting, automation, and financial reporting. Buildium and DoorLoop follow closely, offering robust features that cater to different management needs, making them strong alternatives for varying user requirements. Each tool streamlines the complexities of rental property finance, ensuring accuracy and efficiency for landlords and managers.
Explore AppFolio to leverage its comprehensive, automated approach—kickstart your rental bookkeeping success with the top-ranked solution today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison