Quick Overview
- 1#1: Yardi Voyager - Enterprise platform offering comprehensive student housing management with advanced leasing, maintenance tracking, and revenue optimization features.
- 2#2: RealPage Student - Specialized solution for student properties featuring dynamic pricing, guarantor management, and high-turnover leasing automation.
- 3#3: Entrata - Unified resident portal and property management software tailored for student living with self-service payments and roommate matching.
- 4#4: Skyline Management Suite - Student housing-focused software providing lease management, maintenance requests, and compliance tools for high-volume turnovers.
- 5#5: AppFolio Property Manager - Cloud-based tool for managing student rentals with online applications, screening, and automated rent collection.
- 6#6: ResMan - Multifamily platform adaptable for student housing with analytics, work order management, and resident engagement features.
- 7#7: MRI Software - Scalable property management for student accommodations including flexible billing and asset optimization.
- 8#8: Buildium - All-in-one software for smaller student property portfolios handling accounting, inspections, and violation tracking.
- 9#9: Rent Manager - Customizable system for student housing with customizable workflows, tenant portals, and integrated payments.
- 10#10: DoorLoop - Affordable property management for student rentals featuring AI screening, e-signatures, and maintenance coordination.
Tools were selected and ranked based on tailored functionality for student housing, user-friendliness, reliability, and value, considering both enterprise-scale platforms and solutions ideal for smaller portfolios to ensure broad applicability.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines leading student property management software tools, such as Yardi Voyager, RealPage Student, Entrata, Skyline Management Suite, and AppFolio Property Manager, identifying key features, usability, and support to aid readers in evaluating options for their student housing operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yardi Voyager Enterprise platform offering comprehensive student housing management with advanced leasing, maintenance tracking, and revenue optimization features. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | RealPage Student Specialized solution for student properties featuring dynamic pricing, guarantor management, and high-turnover leasing automation. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Entrata Unified resident portal and property management software tailored for student living with self-service payments and roommate matching. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Skyline Management Suite Student housing-focused software providing lease management, maintenance requests, and compliance tools for high-volume turnovers. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | AppFolio Property Manager Cloud-based tool for managing student rentals with online applications, screening, and automated rent collection. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | ResMan Multifamily platform adaptable for student housing with analytics, work order management, and resident engagement features. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | MRI Software Scalable property management for student accommodations including flexible billing and asset optimization. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 8 | Buildium All-in-one software for smaller student property portfolios handling accounting, inspections, and violation tracking. | other | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Rent Manager Customizable system for student housing with customizable workflows, tenant portals, and integrated payments. | other | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | DoorLoop Affordable property management for student rentals featuring AI screening, e-signatures, and maintenance coordination. | other | 7.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.3/10 |
Enterprise platform offering comprehensive student housing management with advanced leasing, maintenance tracking, and revenue optimization features.
Specialized solution for student properties featuring dynamic pricing, guarantor management, and high-turnover leasing automation.
Unified resident portal and property management software tailored for student living with self-service payments and roommate matching.
Student housing-focused software providing lease management, maintenance requests, and compliance tools for high-volume turnovers.
Cloud-based tool for managing student rentals with online applications, screening, and automated rent collection.
Multifamily platform adaptable for student housing with analytics, work order management, and resident engagement features.
Scalable property management for student accommodations including flexible billing and asset optimization.
All-in-one software for smaller student property portfolios handling accounting, inspections, and violation tracking.
Customizable system for student housing with customizable workflows, tenant portals, and integrated payments.
Affordable property management for student rentals featuring AI screening, e-signatures, and maintenance coordination.
Yardi Voyager
enterpriseEnterprise platform offering comprehensive student housing management with advanced leasing, maintenance tracking, and revenue optimization features.
Voyager Student Housing module with automated academic calendar integration and advanced roommate matching algorithms
Yardi Voyager is a robust, enterprise-grade property management platform from Yardi Systems, offering comprehensive tools for managing student housing properties with high turnover and unique leasing cycles. It handles everything from online leasing, roommate matching, and guarantor management to accounting, maintenance tracking, and analytics tailored to academic calendars. Ideal for large portfolios, it integrates with third-party services for payments, marketing, and student portals to streamline operations and boost occupancy.
Pros
- Comprehensive student-specific features like academic lease syncing and group applications
- Scalable for large portfolios with powerful reporting and analytics
- Seamless integrations with accounting, payments, and marketing tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to extensive customization options
- High implementation and ongoing costs for smaller operators
- Interface can feel dated compared to modern SaaS alternatives
Best For
Large student housing operators or universities managing thousands of beds across multiple properties seeking an all-in-one enterprise solution.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on units managed; typically $5,000+ per month for mid-sized portfolios, plus setup fees.
RealPage Student
enterpriseSpecialized solution for student properties featuring dynamic pricing, guarantor management, and high-turnover leasing automation.
AI-powered Revenue Management that dynamically adjusts rates based on student enrollment forecasts and market demand
RealPage Student is a comprehensive property management platform tailored for student housing operators, offering end-to-end solutions for leasing, resident engagement, and revenue optimization. It features tools like online applications, roommate matching, guarantor management, automated payments, and maintenance requests, all designed to handle the unique demands of collegiate living. The software integrates advanced analytics to maximize occupancy during academic cycles and supports multi-property portfolios with scalability.
Pros
- Robust student-specific features including roommate pairing and flexible subleasing
- AI-driven revenue management for dynamic pricing tied to enrollment cycles
- Seamless integrations with payment processors and university systems
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup process
- Steep learning curve for smaller teams without dedicated IT support
- Custom pricing lacks transparency for budgeting
Best For
Large student housing providers managing high-volume properties who require enterprise-grade scalability and analytics.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically $2-$4 per unit per month depending on modules, property size, and custom integrations.
Entrata
specializedUnified resident portal and property management software tailored for student living with self-service payments and roommate matching.
Advanced guarantor management and roommate application portal designed specifically for student housing dynamics
Entrata is an all-in-one property management platform tailored for multifamily housing, including student properties, offering end-to-end solutions for leasing, rent collection, maintenance, and resident services. It excels in handling high-turnover student housing with features like guarantor management, roommate matching, and flexible lease terms. The software provides a unified resident portal and mobile app to streamline communications and payments for students and parents alike.
Pros
- Comprehensive resident portal with self-service options ideal for students
- Strong guarantor and multi-occupant lease handling for student properties
- Robust integrations with accounting and marketing tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High cost for smaller portfolios
- Occasional reports of slow customer support response times
Best For
Large-scale student housing operators managing multiple properties who need scalable, feature-rich management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $1.50-$3 per unit per month depending on features and scale.
Skyline Management Suite
specializedStudent housing-focused software providing lease management, maintenance requests, and compliance tools for high-volume turnovers.
AI-powered roommate matching that factors in lifestyle preferences and schedules for optimal pairings
Skyline Management Suite is a robust property management platform tailored for student housing, offering end-to-end tools for leasing, resident screening, maintenance tracking, and financial management. It excels in handling the unique demands of student properties, such as roommate matching, guarantor management, and automated lease renewals. The software integrates online portals for residents, parents, and staff to streamline communications and operations across multiple properties.
Pros
- Comprehensive student-specific features like roommate pairing and parent portals
- Strong accounting and reporting tools for multi-property portfolios
- Seamless online payment and maintenance request integrations
Cons
- Initial setup requires significant customization time
- Higher cost for smaller operators
- Mobile app lacks some desktop-level functionality
Best For
Mid-to-large student housing providers managing 100+ beds who need scalable automation and detailed analytics.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at $1.50 per unit/month, with add-ons for advanced modules.
AppFolio Property Manager
enterpriseCloud-based tool for managing student rentals with online applications, screening, and automated rent collection.
Smart roommate matching and guarantor management tools optimized for student housing dynamics
AppFolio Property Manager is a cloud-based property management platform tailored for residential properties, including student housing, offering end-to-end tools for leasing, accounting, maintenance, and tenant management. It streamlines operations with features like online applications, automated rent collection, and a tenant portal that supports high-turnover student environments. For student properties, it includes guarantor tracking, roommate matching suggestions, and flexible subletting options to handle seasonal leasing cycles.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform with strong accounting and financial reporting
- Intuitive mobile app and tenant portal for quick access and self-service
- Robust online leasing, screening, and maintenance request handling suited for student turnover
Cons
- Higher pricing tiers make it less ideal for very small student portfolios
- Steeper learning curve for customizing advanced student-specific workflows
- Not as hyper-specialized for student housing as some niche competitors
Best For
Mid-sized property managers overseeing student housing complexes who require scalable, feature-rich software for leasing and financials.
Pricing
Core plan starts at about $1.40 per unit/month (250+ units) with Plus and Premium tiers up to $3/unit/month; minimum fees apply and custom quotes needed for smaller portfolios.
ResMan
enterpriseMultifamily platform adaptable for student housing with analytics, work order management, and resident engagement features.
Advanced roommate matching and guarantor screening tools optimized for high-volume student housing turnover.
ResMan is a comprehensive property management platform tailored for multifamily, single-family, and student housing properties, offering end-to-end solutions for leasing, rent collection, maintenance requests, and accounting. For student housing specifically, it includes specialized features like guarantor screening, roommate matching, flexible lease terms, and bulk payment processing to accommodate shared living arrangements. The software emphasizes automation and scalability, making it suitable for property managers handling high-turnover student portfolios.
Pros
- Robust feature set including student-specific tools like roommate finder and guarantor management
- Strong automation for leasing, payments, and maintenance workflows
- Excellent reporting and analytics for portfolio insights
Cons
- Interface feels dated and has a steeper learning curve for beginners
- Pricing is opaque and can be costly for smaller student housing operators
- Customer support response times vary, with some users reporting delays
Best For
Mid-sized student housing managers seeking a scalable, all-in-one platform with advanced automation and student-focused features.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $1-2 per unit per month, with additional fees for premium modules, integrations, and setup; quotes required.
MRI Software
enterpriseScalable property management for student accommodations including flexible billing and asset optimization.
Advanced guarantor and multi-party lease management tailored for student housing dynamics
MRI Software offers a robust, enterprise-grade property management platform with dedicated capabilities for student housing through its MRI Student Living module, streamlining operations for purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA). It manages leasing cycles aligned with academic calendars, parental guarantors, joint tenancies, rent collection, maintenance requests, and compliance reporting. The solution integrates with student portals and third-party systems for enhanced resident experience and operational efficiency.
Pros
- Comprehensive student-specific features like guarantor management and academic-term leasing
- Scalable for large portfolios with strong integrations and analytics
- Robust reporting for occupancy optimization and compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to enterprise complexity
- High implementation and customization costs
- Less intuitive interface compared to modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Large-scale student housing operators managing high-volume PBSA portfolios who require enterprise scalability and advanced integrations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on portfolio size and modules; typically starts at $5-10 per unit/month with significant upfront implementation fees.
Buildium
otherAll-in-one software for smaller student property portfolios handling accounting, inspections, and violation tracking.
Seamless roommate rent splitting and group tenant management for multi-occupant student units
Buildium is a comprehensive cloud-based property management platform designed for residential landlords and managers, handling everything from tenant screening and leasing to maintenance requests and accounting. It excels in multi-family and multi-occupant properties, making it suitable for student housing with features like roommate rent splitting and online tenant portals. While versatile for high-turnover scenarios common in student rentals, it lacks deep specialization in student-specific needs like automated guarantor management or university integrations.
Pros
- Robust support for multiple tenants per unit with rent splitting ideal for roommates
- Intuitive tenant portal for payments, applications, and maintenance requests
- Strong accounting and reporting tools for tracking high-turnover student leases
Cons
- No built-in tools for student guarantors or parent payments
- Pricing scales quickly for small student portfolios under 20 units
- Limited customization for short-term or seasonal student housing workflows
Best For
Property managers of mid-sized student housing portfolios with multiple roommates seeking reliable general-purpose management tools.
Pricing
Starts at $58/month (Essential, up to 20 units), $183/month (Pro, up to 50 units), $375/month (Premium, up to 100 units); billed annually with per-unit fees beyond tiers.
Rent Manager
otherCustomizable system for student housing with customizable workflows, tenant portals, and integrated payments.
Advanced multi-tenant management with room-by-room tracking and prorated billing for shared student houses
Rent Manager is a robust, all-in-one property management software platform that handles leasing, rent collection, maintenance, accounting, and tenant screening for various property types. It supports student housing through multi-tenant/roommate tracking, guarantor management, and flexible lease terms suited for high-turnover environments. While not exclusively designed for student properties, its scalability makes it viable for portfolios with university-adjacent rentals.
Pros
- Comprehensive accounting and financial reporting tailored to multi-unit student housing
- Strong support for guarantors, cosigners, and individual bed certifications
- Customizable tenant portal and mobile app for quick rent payments and maintenance requests
Cons
- Steeper learning curve due to extensive features and somewhat dated interface
- Pricing scales better for larger portfolios, less ideal for small student operators
- Lacks deep integrations with university systems or specialized student marketing tools
Best For
Mid-sized property managers handling student housing as part of broader residential portfolios who need robust accounting and scalability.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at about $1 per unit per month plus base fees (typically $50-150/user/month depending on scale).
DoorLoop
otherAffordable property management for student rentals featuring AI screening, e-signatures, and maintenance coordination.
AI-driven leasing assistant that automates applicant screening and e-signing for faster student turnovers
DoorLoop is a cloud-based, all-in-one property management software that streamlines operations for landlords and managers with features like online rent collection, tenant screening, maintenance requests, and accounting tools. It supports multi-unit properties through a centralized dashboard, automated workflows, and mobile accessibility. While effective for general rentals, it offers basic capabilities for student housing such as roommate payments and lease management but lacks niche student-specific tools like guarantor handling or academic scheduling.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with mobile app for on-the-go management of student tenants
- Robust online rent collection and tenant portal that appeals to tech-savvy students
- Integrated maintenance tracking and automated reminders reduce administrative burden
Cons
- Limited specialized features for student housing, such as roommate matching or university integrations
- No built-in support for student guarantors or short-term academic-year leases
- Pricing scales quickly for portfolios with many small student units
Best For
Small to mid-sized property managers overseeing student rentals who need an intuitive, general-purpose platform without complex customizations.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for up to 25 units (Basic plan), $99/month for Pro with advanced features; custom enterprise pricing available.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer diverse solutions, but Yardi Voyager stands out as the top choice, excelling with comprehensive enterprise features for student housing management. RealPage Student follows closely, ideal for dynamic pricing and high-turnover automation, while Entrata impresses with its unified resident portal and roommate matching. Each tool caters to distinct needs, ensuring there’s a strong option for nearly every setup.
To maximize efficiency and success, start with Yardi Voyager—its robust capabilities make it the ultimate partner in managing student properties effectively.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison