Quick Overview
- 1#1: Stessa - Free rental property accounting software that automates income and expense tracking, generates investor-grade reports, and syncs with bank accounts.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Online - Versatile accounting platform with landlord-specific features for managing rental income, expenses, invoicing, and tax preparation.
- 3#3: Buildium - Comprehensive property management software with integrated accounting for rent collection, AP/AR, and financial statements.
- 4#4: AppFolio - Cloud-based property management tool offering robust accounting features like general ledger, bank reconciliation, and customizable reports.
- 5#5: DoorLoop - All-in-one rental management platform with advanced accounting automation for bookkeeping, payments, and profitability analysis.
- 6#6: Baselane - Banking-integrated accounting software for landlords that automates categorization of rental transactions and tax-ready reports.
- 7#7: Landlord Studio - Mobile app for landlords to track rental income/expenses, scan receipts, and generate Schedule E tax reports effortlessly.
- 8#8: Rentec Direct - Rental property software with full accounting suite including tenant ledgers, trust accounting, and 1099 filings.
- 9#9: Yardi Breeze - Cloud property management platform with scalable accounting for portfolio tracking, accruals, and financial forecasting.
- 10#10: Avail - Landlord toolset with basic accounting for rent payments, expense logging, and simple financial overviews.
These tools were selected based on their comprehensive features, high-quality performance, user-friendly interface, and overall value for landlords and property managers.
Comparison Table
This comparison table explores essential rental property accounting tools including Stessa, QuickBooks Online, Buildium, AppFolio, DoorLoop, and more, providing a clear overview of key features, usability, and practical value. Readers will gain insights to identify the software that best aligns with their portfolio's size and management needs, simplifying the process of choosing a tool that fits their unique requirements.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stessa Free rental property accounting software that automates income and expense tracking, generates investor-grade reports, and syncs with bank accounts. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.7/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Online Versatile accounting platform with landlord-specific features for managing rental income, expenses, invoicing, and tax preparation. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 3 | Buildium Comprehensive property management software with integrated accounting for rent collection, AP/AR, and financial statements. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 4 | AppFolio Cloud-based property management tool offering robust accounting features like general ledger, bank reconciliation, and customizable reports. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | DoorLoop All-in-one rental management platform with advanced accounting automation for bookkeeping, payments, and profitability analysis. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 6 | Baselane Banking-integrated accounting software for landlords that automates categorization of rental transactions and tax-ready reports. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Landlord Studio Mobile app for landlords to track rental income/expenses, scan receipts, and generate Schedule E tax reports effortlessly. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | Rentec Direct Rental property software with full accounting suite including tenant ledgers, trust accounting, and 1099 filings. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 9 | Yardi Breeze Cloud property management platform with scalable accounting for portfolio tracking, accruals, and financial forecasting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Avail Landlord toolset with basic accounting for rent payments, expense logging, and simple financial overviews. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
Free rental property accounting software that automates income and expense tracking, generates investor-grade reports, and syncs with bank accounts.
Versatile accounting platform with landlord-specific features for managing rental income, expenses, invoicing, and tax preparation.
Comprehensive property management software with integrated accounting for rent collection, AP/AR, and financial statements.
Cloud-based property management tool offering robust accounting features like general ledger, bank reconciliation, and customizable reports.
All-in-one rental management platform with advanced accounting automation for bookkeeping, payments, and profitability analysis.
Banking-integrated accounting software for landlords that automates categorization of rental transactions and tax-ready reports.
Mobile app for landlords to track rental income/expenses, scan receipts, and generate Schedule E tax reports effortlessly.
Rental property software with full accounting suite including tenant ledgers, trust accounting, and 1099 filings.
Cloud property management platform with scalable accounting for portfolio tracking, accruals, and financial forecasting.
Landlord toolset with basic accounting for rent payments, expense logging, and simple financial overviews.
Stessa
specializedFree rental property accounting software that automates income and expense tracking, generates investor-grade reports, and syncs with bank accounts.
AI-driven automated bookkeeping that intelligently categorizes rental-specific transactions from bank feeds with over 95% accuracy
Stessa is a free, cloud-based rental property accounting software tailored for real estate investors and landlords. It automates bookkeeping by syncing with bank accounts, credit cards, and property management tools to categorize transactions into rental-specific accounts like rent, repairs, and mortgages. The platform provides real-time dashboards, customizable financial reports, performance analytics, and tax-ready documents to help users track portfolio performance and prepare for taxes effortlessly.
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited properties and portfolios
- Automated bank sync and AI-powered transaction categorization tailored to rentals
- Comprehensive investor reports including IRR, cash-on-cash return, and tax packages
Cons
- Lacks built-in rent collection, tenant screening, or full property management features
- Manual adjustments sometimes needed for complex or non-standard transactions
- Limited advanced customization for very large-scale enterprise users
Best For
Ideal for individual real estate investors and small-to-medium landlords focused on streamlined accounting and portfolio tracking without paying subscription fees.
Pricing
Free core platform for unlimited properties; optional paid add-ons for premium bank feeds or management services starting at $12/month.
QuickBooks Online
specializedVersatile accounting platform with landlord-specific features for managing rental income, expenses, invoicing, and tax preparation.
Class and location tracking to effortlessly separate finances across multiple rental properties
QuickBooks Online is a versatile cloud-based accounting software that can be customized for rental property accounting using features like classes, locations, and projects to track income and expenses per property. It handles rent invoicing, expense categorization, bank reconciliations, and generates financial reports essential for landlords. While not a dedicated rental management tool, it integrates with property management apps to bridge gaps in tenant tracking and maintenance.
Pros
- Robust invoicing and automated payment reminders for rent collection
- Class and location tracking for multi-property expense allocation
- Seamless bank feeds and reconciliation for accurate bookkeeping
Cons
- No native tenant portals, lease tracking, or vacancy management
- Requires workarounds or third-party integrations for full rental needs
- Higher-tier plans needed for advanced reporting and inventory
Best For
Landlords and small property investors prioritizing professional accounting over comprehensive property management.
Pricing
Starts at $30/month (Simple Start) up to $200/month (Advanced), with discounts for annual billing.
Buildium
specializedComprehensive property management software with integrated accounting for rent collection, AP/AR, and financial statements.
Built-in full accounting engine with automated bank feeds and 1099 e-filing, eliminating the need for external bookkeeping software
Buildium is a comprehensive cloud-based property management software with robust rental property accounting features, including automated rent collection, expense tracking, invoicing, and detailed financial reporting. It offers a full general ledger, bank reconciliation, and customizable reports like profit/loss statements and tax forms (e.g., Schedule E). Designed for property managers and owners, it scales from small portfolios to thousands of units while integrating with tools like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Powerful accounting tools with general ledger, AP/AR, and automated reconciliations
- Seamless online rent payments and tenant self-service portal reducing manual work
- Scalable for mid-to-large portfolios with strong reporting and compliance features
Cons
- Pricing scales steeply with unit count, making it less ideal for very small landlords
- Learning curve for advanced accounting customizations
- Limited native mobile app functionality compared to competitors
Best For
Mid-sized property management companies or owners with 20-500+ rental units needing integrated accounting without separate software.
Pricing
Starts at $55/month (Essential plan for up to 20 units); Growth ($165 for 50 units), Premium ($325+ for 100 units), billed annually with per-unit scaling.
AppFolio
enterpriseCloud-based property management tool offering robust accounting features like general ledger, bank reconciliation, and customizable reports.
AI-driven financial insights and automated reconciliation that provide real-time portfolio health analytics
AppFolio is a comprehensive cloud-based property management software with robust accounting features designed for rental property owners and managers. It automates rent collection, invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliations, and generates customizable financial reports like profit/loss statements and 1099 forms. The platform integrates accounting seamlessly with tenant screening, maintenance tracking, and online portals for a holistic rental management experience.
Pros
- Advanced automation for rent payments, late fees, and bank reconciliations
- Real-time financial dashboards and detailed reporting tools
- Seamless integration with full property management operations
Cons
- Higher pricing with per-unit fees that add up for small portfolios
- Steeper learning curve for advanced accounting customizations
- Limited free trial and onboarding can feel sales-heavy
Best For
Mid-sized property management companies or landlords with 50+ units seeking integrated accounting and operations management.
Pricing
Starts at $1.40-$3.00 per unit per month (billed annually) with minimum fees; Core, Plus, and Max plans available.
DoorLoop
specializedAll-in-one rental management platform with advanced accounting automation for bookkeeping, payments, and profitability analysis.
Automated bank reconciliation and real-time financial dashboards that update across all properties instantly
DoorLoop is an all-in-one property management software with strong rental property accounting features, automating rent collection, expense tracking, invoicing, and financial reporting. It integrates bank reconciliations, profit/loss statements, and tax-ready reports like Schedule E and 1099s, making it suitable for landlords and small property managers. The platform combines accounting with tenant management, maintenance requests, and leasing tools for streamlined operations.
Pros
- Comprehensive accounting automation including ACH payments and bank sync
- Detailed financial dashboards and customizable reports for tax season
- Integrated property management reduces need for multiple tools
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly with number of units, less ideal for single-property owners
- Some advanced accounting customizations require higher tiers or integrations
- Occasional user reports of syncing delays with certain banks
Best For
Small to mid-sized rental property owners and managers who want integrated accounting and operations in one platform.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (Essential plan for up to 10 units); Pro at $119/month (50 units); Enterprise custom pricing.
Baselane
specializedBanking-integrated accounting software for landlords that automates categorization of rental transactions and tax-ready reports.
Seamless integration of free, rental-specific automated bookkeeping with high-yield banking accounts
Baselane is an all-in-one platform for rental property owners, providing automated bookkeeping, rent collection, and integrated banking services tailored for real estate investors. It automatically syncs bank transactions, categorizes income and expenses specific to rentals, and generates key financial reports like profit/loss statements and Schedule E tax forms. The software simplifies property management by combining free accounting tools with high-yield banking, making it ideal for streamlining operations without additional costs.
Pros
- Free core accounting and bookkeeping features with automated transaction categorization
- Integrated high-yield banking and seamless rent collection via ACH
- Tax-ready reports including Schedule E and 1099 filings
Cons
- Limited to U.S. properties and users
- Full automation requires linking to Baselane banking accounts
- Fewer advanced portfolio analytics compared to enterprise-level competitors
Best For
Small to mid-sized U.S. landlords and property managers seeking cost-free, automated rental accounting with banking perks.
Pricing
Core accounting and basic features are free; premium banking yields and advanced tools available at no extra software cost.
Landlord Studio
specializedMobile app for landlords to track rental income/expenses, scan receipts, and generate Schedule E tax reports effortlessly.
AI-driven automatic categorization of bank transactions and generation of IRS Schedule E tax reports tailored specifically for rental properties
Landlord Studio is a mobile-first property management software tailored for landlords, focusing on automating rental property accounting tasks such as bank reconciliation, expense tracking, and generating tax-ready reports like Schedule E. It integrates rent collection, tenant screening, maintenance requests, and property inspections into a single platform accessible via iOS and Android apps. The tool emphasizes real-time financial insights, helping users maintain accurate books without manual data entry.
Pros
- Automated bank syncing and AI-powered transaction categorization for effortless bookkeeping
- Tax-optimized reports including Schedule E and 1099s
- User-friendly mobile app ideal for on-the-go property management
Cons
- Pricing is per-property, which scales expensively for larger portfolios
- Limited integrations with advanced CRM or enterprise tools
- Customer support primarily email-based with no live chat
Best For
Small to mid-sized landlords managing 5-50 rental units who prioritize mobile accessibility and automated accounting over enterprise-scale features.
Pricing
Free for up to 3 properties; Pro at $12/property/month (billed annually); Premium at $24/property/month with advanced reporting and unlimited users.
Rentec Direct
specializedRental property software with full accounting suite including tenant ledgers, trust accounting, and 1099 filings.
Built-in automated bank sync and reconciliation that simplifies accurate accounting without manual data entry.
Rentec Direct is a cloud-based property management platform with strong accounting capabilities designed for landlords and small to mid-sized property managers handling rental properties. It offers tools for online rent collection, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, financial statements, and tax reporting including 1099s and profit/loss reports. The software integrates tenant management, maintenance tracking, and lease handling to provide an all-in-one solution for rental operations.
Pros
- Affordable pricing scalable by unit count
- Automated rent payments and bank reconciliation
- Solid financial reporting and tax tools like 1099 generation
Cons
- Limited advanced customization in reports
- Interface shows some dated elements
- Less ideal for very large portfolios over 100 units
Best For
Small to medium-sized landlords and independent property managers needing cost-effective accounting integrated with basic tenant management.
Pricing
Starts at $45/month for up to 10 units, scaling to $65 for 25 units, $100 for 50 units, and custom for larger portfolios; free trial available.
Yardi Breeze
enterpriseCloud property management platform with scalable accounting for portfolio tracking, accruals, and financial forecasting.
Seamless integration of property management and full-featured accounting in one intuitive cloud platform
Yardi Breeze is a cloud-based property management platform designed for residential, multifamily, and commercial rental properties, with strong accounting features including automated rent collection, general ledger management, bank reconciliations, and financial reporting. It integrates property operations like leasing, maintenance requests, and tenant screening with robust back-office accounting to streamline workflows for property managers. Tailored for small to mid-sized portfolios, it provides real-time insights and scalability as portfolios grow.
Pros
- Comprehensive accounting suite with AP/AR, GL, and tax reporting
- Cloud-based with mobile app for on-the-go access
- Automated rent payments and bank integrations reduce manual work
Cons
- Pricing scales with units and can get expensive for larger portfolios
- Steeper learning curve for advanced accounting customizations
- Limited free trial and requires demo for full access
Best For
Small to mid-sized property managers and owners of multifamily or residential rentals needing integrated accounting and operations management.
Pricing
Starts at about $1 per unit per month for basic plans, with tiers up to $2+ per unit; custom quotes, setup fees, and add-ons for advanced features.
Avail
specializedLandlord toolset with basic accounting for rent payments, expense logging, and simple financial overviews.
Free, IRS-ready Schedule E and depreciation reports tailored for rental properties
Avail (avail.co) is a user-friendly platform designed primarily for individual landlords and small-scale property managers, offering tools for tenant screening, online lease signing, rent collection, and basic rental property accounting. Its accounting features include tracking rental income and expenses, generating profit-and-loss statements, Schedule E tax reports, and issuing 1099 forms for vendors. While it simplifies financial tracking for non-professionals, it lacks advanced accounting capabilities like bank reconciliations or integrations with full-scale software such as QuickBooks.
Pros
- Intuitive interface ideal for beginners
- Free core accounting and management tools
- Automated tax reports and 1099 generation
Cons
- Limited advanced accounting features like bank sync
- Manual expense entry can be time-consuming
- Reporting lacks depth for larger portfolios
Best For
Individual landlords or small property owners managing 1-10 units who need simple, affordable accounting without complex bookkeeping.
Pricing
Free for core features including rent collection (with 2.95% processing fee), tenant screening ($30/application), and premium plans starting at $7/unit/month for advanced tools.
Conclusion
The reviewed rental property accounting tools vary in focus and features, but collectively provide reliable solutions for managing income, expenses, and reports. Topping the list is Stessa, a free option with powerful automation and investor-ready insights, excelling for simplicity and thoroughness. Close behind are QuickBooks Online, with versatile landlord-specific tools, and Buildium, offering integrated management—both strong alternatives for different needs.
Begin with Stessa to simplify your rental accounting, or explore QuickBooks or Buildium if their unique features better suit your portfolio’s requirements.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison