Best Property Management Software for Small Landlords in 2025

Managing rental properties as a small landlord has never been easier—or more overwhelming. With dozens of property management software options on the market, it can be hard to determine which platform is best for your unique needs. In this roundup, we compare the top property management tools tailored for small landlords in 2025, including DomuRise, Buildium, Appfolio, and more.

Whether you own one rental property or ten, the right software can save you time, reduce stress, and improve your bottom line.

What Small Landlords Need in 2025

Before jumping into the reviews, let's define what "small landlords" typically look for in 2025:

• Affordability: Cost-effective or freemium pricing tiers

• Automation: Tools that reduce manual work (rent collection, reminders, maintenance tracking)

• User-Friendly Interfaces: Clean, intuitive design with minimal learning curve

• Mobile Access: Mobile apps for on-the-go management

• Tenant Experience: Portals for communication, payments, and lease management

• Compliance & Security: Tools to manage leases, deposits, screening, and data securely

  
  

By 2025, software solutions are increasingly designed to meet these specific needs, offering an all-in-one platform that streamlines processes. Landlords are looking for tools that are user-friendly, accessible on mobile devices, and backed by reliable customer support. Understanding these requirements helps us evaluate the best software solutions available.

1. DomuRise

Overview

DomuRise is a rising star in the property management space, tailored specifically for small landlords and independent property owners. Its clean interface, robust features make it ideal for landlords managing a small or large portfolio of units.

Key Features

• Maintenance ticketing and history tracking

• Financial and transaction dashboards with exportable tax reports

  
  

• Designed with short-term and long-term rentals support

  
  

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lower cost entry than others in the space

  
  

• Slick, modern interface

  
  

• Frequent updates and new integrations

  
  

Cons:

• Still building out some third-party integrations

  
  

• Newer platform with limited community content

  
  

2. Buildium

Overview

Buildium offers a versatile platform for small landlords looking to enhance property management processes. It covers everything from tenant tracking to maintenance requests, ensuring landlords can operate effectively from any location.

Key Features

• Stay organized by tracking lease dates, payments, and tenant details in one central location.

  
  

• Over 70% of tenants prefer online payment methods, showcasing the importance of this feature for seamless rent collection.

  
  

• Easily manage and track maintenance requests to ensure speedy resolution and tenant satisfaction.

  
  

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Robust accounting tools that can help minimize financial discrepancies.

  
  

• Customizable tenant applications that cater to various property types.

  
  

Cons:

• Pricing can be high for landlords managing just a couple of units.

  
  

• A steeper learning curve can make it less accessible for all users.

  
  

3. Cozy

Overview

Cozy is designed specifically for small landlords, focusing on simplicity and affordability. It provides crucial features for managing a small number of properties without high costs.

Key Features

• Streamlined payment processing allows landlords to receive rent quickly and securely.

  
  

• Background checks for credit, criminal, and eviction history provide essential insights into potential tenants.

  
  

• Easily monitor property expenses, which can help landlords maintain a clearer financial picture.

  
  

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Free to landlords, making it an attractive option for those just starting out.

  
  

• Straightforward interface that minimizes confusion for users.

  
  

Cons:

• Limited advanced features compared to competitors may pose challenges as portfolios grow.

  
  

4. TenantCloud

Overview

TenantCloud offers a robust suite of property management features tailored for small landlords. With tools covering accounting and tenant management, it simplifies day-to-day operations.

Key Features

• Organize tenant information, leases, and communication in one place for efficient management.

  
  

• Tenants can pay through credit or debit cards, simplifying transactions for everyone involved.

  
  

• Tenants can request repairs directly through the platform, streamlining communication and service.

  
  

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable pricing makes it accessible for budget-conscious landlords.

  
  

• Navigation is user-friendly, allowing new users to adapt quickly.

  
  

Cons:

• Limited integrations with third-party applications might restrict some users.

  
  

5. Appfolio

Overview

Appfolio caters to landlords managing multiple properties, making it a solid choice for those planning to expand their portfolios. Its technology-driven approach enhances operational efficiencies across various tasks, from marketing to accounting.

Key Features

• Create engaging listings that stand out, reaching a larger audience and increasing rental inquiries.

  
  

• A user-friendly portal allows tenants to manage rent payments conveniently.

  
  

• Quickly handle repairs and maintenance issues to improve tenant satisfaction.

  
  

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Advanced marketing features elevate the chances of quickly filling vacancies.

  
  

• Strong customer support is available, ensuring timely assistance for users.

  
  

Cons:

• Pricing may be high, particularly for landlords managing fewer properties.

  
  

• Some users report that the software can be more detailed than necessary for small landlords.

  
  

6. Propertyware

Overview

Propertyware is a flexible software solution for landlords, offering comprehensive management tools that assist with everything from property maintenance to tenant management.

Key Features

• Provides a dedicated space for tenants to handle payments and communication efficiently.

  
  

• Landlords can efficiently track and address repair requests, resulting in quicker resolution times.

  
  

• Manage income and expenses effectively, contributing to overall financial health and reporting transparency.

  
  

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Offers robust features suitable for various property types.

  
  

• Strong reporting capabilities that aid in analyzing financial performance.

  
  

Cons:

• New users may face a learning curve while getting accustomed to the platform.

  
  

• Pricing can escalate quickly depending on additional features needed.

  
  

Choosing the Right Software for Your Needs

When selecting the best property management software, consider the following key factors:

Understand Your Portfolio Size

If managing only a few properties, consider cost-effective solutions like Cozy or TenantCloud. For those planning to grow their portfolio, investing in a more comprehensive tool like Appfolio could be beneficial.

Evaluate Key Features

Identify features that matter most to your operation—such as tenant screening or maintenance management. Software that aligns with your specific needs will enhance your productivity effectively.

Assess Customer Support

Navigating property management software can be complicated. Choose solutions with strong customer support to assist you as needed.

Take Advantage of Free Trials

Most property management software offers free trials. Use these trials to determine which software fits best with your needs before making financial commitments.

Embracing Technology for Efficient Property Management

As the property management landscape continues to evolve, small landlords have several robust software options tailored to their unique requirements. Whether you prioritize simplicity with a solution like Cozy or need advanced features for potential growth with Appfolio, there is a fit for every landlord's needs.

Investing in property management software not only enhances tenant satisfaction but also streamlines daily operations. By utilizing the discussed software options, small landlords can elevate their operations in 2025 and beyond. Embrace technology today to transform your property management process, adapting to modern tenant demands while simplifying your workload.