Quick Overview
- 1#1: Avail - Free all-in-one platform for individual landlords to create leases, screen tenants, collect rent, and manage maintenance requests.
- 2#2: TurboTenant - Free rental management software providing tenant screening, online rent collection, and customizable lease agreements.
- 3#3: TenantCloud - Cloud-based property management tool for small landlords with free plans offering rent payments, accounting, and tenant portals.
- 4#4: RentRedi - Modern mobile-first app for collecting rent via ACH, managing maintenance, and tenant screening without transaction fees on some plans.
- 5#5: DoorLoop - Comprehensive property management software with accounting, online payments, maintenance tracking, and listing syndication for small portfolios.
- 6#6: Baselane - Banking-integrated platform for landlords automating bookkeeping, rent collection, and expense tracking with FDIC-insured accounts.
- 7#7: Landlord Studio - Mobile app-focused property management for tracking expenses, collecting rent, generating reports, and tax-ready accounting.
- 8#8: Rentec Direct - Affordable online software for small landlords handling tenant screening, rent collection, work orders, and basic accounting.
- 9#9: Hemlane - Full-service rental management platform with automated leasing, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and legal compliance tools.
- 10#10: Stessa - Free financial tool for rental investors automating income and expense tracking, performance reports, and tax preparation.
We evaluated tools based on feature depth, user-friendliness, reliability, and overall value, ensuring they deliver practical, scalable solutions for small-scale rental property management.
Comparison Table
This comparison table helps small landlords navigate property management software options, including Avail, TurboTenant, TenantCloud, RentRedi, DoorLoop, and more. Readers will explore key features, pricing structures, and unique strengths to find the right fit for their rental needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avail Free all-in-one platform for individual landlords to create leases, screen tenants, collect rent, and manage maintenance requests. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 |
| 2 | TurboTenant Free rental management software providing tenant screening, online rent collection, and customizable lease agreements. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.6/10 | 10/10 |
| 3 | TenantCloud Cloud-based property management tool for small landlords with free plans offering rent payments, accounting, and tenant portals. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 4 | RentRedi Modern mobile-first app for collecting rent via ACH, managing maintenance, and tenant screening without transaction fees on some plans. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 5 | DoorLoop Comprehensive property management software with accounting, online payments, maintenance tracking, and listing syndication for small portfolios. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Baselane Banking-integrated platform for landlords automating bookkeeping, rent collection, and expense tracking with FDIC-insured accounts. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 7 | Landlord Studio Mobile app-focused property management for tracking expenses, collecting rent, generating reports, and tax-ready accounting. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 8 | Rentec Direct Affordable online software for small landlords handling tenant screening, rent collection, work orders, and basic accounting. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 9 | Hemlane Full-service rental management platform with automated leasing, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and legal compliance tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 10 | Stessa Free financial tool for rental investors automating income and expense tracking, performance reports, and tax preparation. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.6/10 |
Free all-in-one platform for individual landlords to create leases, screen tenants, collect rent, and manage maintenance requests.
Free rental management software providing tenant screening, online rent collection, and customizable lease agreements.
Cloud-based property management tool for small landlords with free plans offering rent payments, accounting, and tenant portals.
Modern mobile-first app for collecting rent via ACH, managing maintenance, and tenant screening without transaction fees on some plans.
Comprehensive property management software with accounting, online payments, maintenance tracking, and listing syndication for small portfolios.
Banking-integrated platform for landlords automating bookkeeping, rent collection, and expense tracking with FDIC-insured accounts.
Mobile app-focused property management for tracking expenses, collecting rent, generating reports, and tax-ready accounting.
Affordable online software for small landlords handling tenant screening, rent collection, work orders, and basic accounting.
Full-service rental management platform with automated leasing, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and legal compliance tools.
Free financial tool for rental investors automating income and expense tracking, performance reports, and tax preparation.
Avail
specializedFree all-in-one platform for individual landlords to create leases, screen tenants, collect rent, and manage maintenance requests.
Unlimited free ACH rent collection with late fees automation and direct deposit
Avail is a user-friendly property management platform designed specifically for small landlords and DIY investors managing 1-50 units. It offers free core tools including online rent collection via ACH, customizable lease creation with e-signing, thorough tenant screening, maintenance request tracking, and basic financial reporting. The platform emphasizes simplicity and cost-effectiveness, allowing landlords to handle everything from vacancy marketing to eviction filings without complex setups.
Pros
- Free ACH rent collection with no monthly fees for basic use
- Intuitive mobile app and web interface for quick setup and daily management
- Comprehensive tenant screening integrated with legal lease templates
Cons
- Tenant screening reports incur per-use fees ($30-$55)
- Limited advanced accounting and customization for growing portfolios
- Customer support mainly email-based with no live chat
Best For
Small landlords and independent investors managing up to 20 units who prioritize free, simple tools over enterprise features.
Pricing
Free for core features like rent collection and leases; optional paid upgrades at $7/unit/month for premium tools; per-use fees for screening ($30-$55/report).
TurboTenant
specializedFree rental management software providing tenant screening, online rent collection, and customizable lease agreements.
Free tenant screening where applicants purchase and share their own comprehensive credit, criminal, and eviction reports
TurboTenant is a free property management platform tailored for small landlords, offering tools to list properties, collect tenant applications, screen applicants, process online rent payments, and handle maintenance requests. It provides state-specific lease templates and basic accounting features to simplify rental management. Ideal for independent owners, it syndicates listings to major sites like Zillow and Apartments.com at no cost to the landlord.
Pros
- Completely free core platform with no monthly fees
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for quick setup
- Robust free tenant screening using tenant-paid reports
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Basic customer support primarily via email
- Less suitable for larger portfolios over 20 units
Best For
Individual landlords or small property owners managing 1-10 rental units who want a cost-free, straightforward solution.
Pricing
Free for all core features; optional paid add-ons like premium support ($10/month) and expedited screenings.
TenantCloud
specializedCloud-based property management tool for small landlords with free plans offering rent payments, accounting, and tenant portals.
Free plan supporting up to 75 units with core features like rent collection and screening
TenantCloud is a comprehensive cloud-based property management software tailored for small landlords and property managers. It streamlines operations with features like online rent collection, tenant screening, maintenance request tracking, lease signing, and automated accounting. The platform also supports vacancy marketing by syndicating listings to over 40 rental websites, making it efficient for managing portfolios of up to 75 units on the free plan.
Pros
- Generous free plan for up to 75 units
- Robust tenant screening and online payments
- Automated listing syndication to 40+ sites
Cons
- Customer support response times can be slow
- Interface feels dated in some areas
- Higher tiers needed for multi-property advanced reporting
Best For
Small landlords managing 1-50 units who want an affordable all-in-one platform with strong free options.
Pricing
Free for up to 75 units; paid plans start at $15/month (Starter for 1 property) scaling to $120+/month for larger portfolios.
RentRedi
specializedModern mobile-first app for collecting rent via ACH, managing maintenance, and tenant screening without transaction fees on some plans.
Free-for-landlords rent collection with instant ACH transfers and no monthly fees on the basic plan
RentRedi is a mobile-first property management platform tailored for small landlords, offering tools for listing rentals on major sites, processing tenant applications and screening, collecting rent online, and handling maintenance requests. It provides basic accounting reports and lease management without requiring complex setups, making it accessible for independent owners. The software emphasizes speed and simplicity, with ACH rent payments clearing in 1-2 days and a user-friendly app for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with a free tier for core features like rent collection
- Intuitive mobile app ideal for small-scale management
- Fast ACH payments and seamless syndication to listing sites
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and accounting integrations
- Some features like premium support require paid upgrades
- Less suitable for portfolios over 50 units without scaling costs
Best For
Small landlords managing 1-20 properties who prioritize simplicity, mobility, and low-cost rent collection over enterprise-level tools.
Pricing
Free plan for basics (rent collection with transaction fees); Premium at $1/unit/month (min. $10/mo) for full features including maintenance and reports.
DoorLoop
specializedComprehensive property management software with accounting, online payments, maintenance tracking, and listing syndication for small portfolios.
Integrated e-leasing with e-signatures and automated tenant screening directly in the platform
DoorLoop is an all-in-one cloud-based property management software designed for landlords and small property managers, offering tools for tenant screening, online rent collection, lease signing, maintenance tracking, and accounting. It supports portfolios from a few units up to hundreds, with automation features to streamline operations. Ideal for small landlords seeking a comprehensive platform without needing multiple apps.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one suite including leasing, payments, and accounting
- Strong automation for rent collection and maintenance requests
- User-friendly mobile app and unlimited free users
Cons
- Pricing can feel steep for landlords with 1-5 units
- Some advanced reporting locked behind higher plans
- Occasional glitches in syncing with bank accounts
Best For
Small landlords managing 5-50 units who want an integrated platform for daily operations and growth.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month (Starter plan for 1-25 units), $99/month (Pro for 26-100 units); 14-day free trial, no setup fees.
Baselane
specializedBanking-integrated platform for landlords automating bookkeeping, rent collection, and expense tracking with FDIC-insured accounts.
Seamless integration of property management with a free high-yield business banking account (up to 4.19% APY on savings)
Baselane is an all-in-one property management platform designed for small landlords and real estate investors, offering integrated banking, rent collection, and automated accounting tools. It provides a free business checking account with high-yield savings, seamless ACH rent payments, tenant screening, maintenance requests, and real-time financial reporting. The platform simplifies tax prep with automated 1099 filings and bookkeeping that syncs directly with bank transactions.
Pros
- Completely free core property management and banking features
- Integrated high-yield FDIC-insured savings account
- Automated bookkeeping and 1099 tax filings
Cons
- Limited advanced features for larger portfolios or multi-user teams
- US-only availability
- Customer support primarily via email/chat with no phone option
Best For
Solo small landlords or investors with 1-10 properties seeking a free, banking-integrated management solution.
Pricing
Free for all core features including banking, rent collection, and accounting; no hidden fees or subscriptions.
Landlord Studio
specializedMobile app-focused property management for tracking expenses, collecting rent, generating reports, and tax-ready accounting.
Automatic bank transaction import and AI-powered categorization for effortless financial tracking and tax preparation
Landlord Studio is a mobile-first property management software tailored for small landlords and real estate investors. It streamlines rent collection, expense tracking, maintenance requests, and tenant screening through an intuitive app. Users benefit from automated invoicing, bank reconciliation, and tax-ready reports like Schedule E, all designed for on-the-go management.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for iOS and Android
- Automated bank feeds and expense categorization for easy accounting
- Comprehensive tax reporting and profit/loss per property
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting customization
- Customer support mainly via email without live chat
- Fewer integrations compared to enterprise tools
Best For
Small landlords managing 1-50 units who need a simple, mobile-friendly tool for daily operations and bookkeeping.
Pricing
Free Lite plan for up to 3 units; Pro plan starts at $12/month (billed annually) for unlimited units with advanced features.
Rentec Direct
specializedAffordable online software for small landlords handling tenant screening, rent collection, work orders, and basic accounting.
Low-cost, integrated tenant screening with credit, criminal, and eviction reports directly in the platform
Rentec Direct is a cloud-based property management software tailored for small landlords and property managers handling portfolios up to 100 units. It provides essential tools like online rent collection, tenant screening, maintenance requests, lease tracking, and basic accounting features. The platform emphasizes affordability and simplicity, making it suitable for independent landlords seeking an all-in-one solution without enterprise-level complexity.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing scaled for small portfolios
- Comprehensive tenant screening and online rent payments
- Solid maintenance tracking and basic accounting tools
Cons
- User interface feels dated and less intuitive than competitors
- Limited advanced reporting and customization options
- Customer support lacks live chat and can be slow
Best For
Independent small landlords managing 5-50 units who prioritize cost-effective essentials over premium features.
Pricing
Starts at $35/month for 1-10 units, $45 for 11-25 units, $65 for 26-50 units; free trial available, no setup fees.
Hemlane
specializedFull-service rental management platform with automated leasing, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and legal compliance tools.
Free tier for up to 3 units with full core features, making professional-grade tools accessible without upfront costs
Hemlane is a user-friendly property management software designed specifically for small landlords and individual property owners managing a handful of rental units. It offers essential tools like online rent collection with autopay, tenant screening, e-signature leases, maintenance request tracking, and basic accounting features. The platform emphasizes affordability and simplicity, with state-specific lease templates and mobile accessibility to streamline daily operations for non-professional landlords.
Pros
- Free plan for up to 3 units, ideal for beginners
- Intuitive mobile app and modern interface
- Strong tenant screening and automated rent collection
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and analytics
- Fewer third-party integrations than competitors
- Customer support response times can vary
Best For
Solo landlords or small-scale investors managing 1-10 units who prioritize affordability and ease over enterprise-level features.
Pricing
Free for 1-3 units; Pro plan at $9.99/unit/month (billed annually); Premium at $14.99/unit/month with added insurance perks.
Stessa
specializedFree financial tool for rental investors automating income and expense tracking, performance reports, and tax preparation.
Free automated accounting with bank-level reconciliation for unlimited properties
Stessa is a free rental property accounting platform tailored for small landlords and real estate investors, automating income and expense tracking through bank integrations. It provides performance dashboards, financial reports, and tax-ready documents to help users analyze portfolio profitability. While focused on financial management, it lacks comprehensive tools for tenant interactions or maintenance.
Pros
- Completely free for unlimited properties and users
- Automated bank syncing and expense categorization
- Investor-grade dashboards and tax reports
Cons
- No tenant screening, portals, or rent collection
- Limited maintenance and lease management tools
- Less suitable for hands-on property operations
Best For
Small landlords and passive investors seeking effortless financial tracking and portfolio insights without operational management features.
Pricing
Free core platform for all features; no paid tiers required for unlimited use.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools prove essential for small landlords, with Avail standing out as the top choice—its free all-in-one platform excels at simplifying leases, tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance. TurboTenant and TenantCloud follow strongly, offering robust free plans with customizable leases (TurboTenant) and cloud-based flexibility (TenantCloud), making them excellent alternatives for varied needs. Together, these tools streamline management, but Avail leads in versatility and ease of use.
Take the first step toward efficient property management—try Avail’s free platform today to handle leases, screen tenants, and collect rent seamlessly.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison