Overview

Buildium is the go-to property management platform for managers who want comprehensive features without a steep learning curve. It hits the sweet spot between the simplicity of budget tools and the complexity of enterprise systems, making it one of the most popular choices for small-to-mid-size residential portfolios. The onboarding experience is smoother than almost any competitor, and the accounting module is strong enough for professional use without requiring an accounting degree.

The limitations become apparent at scale. Per-unit pricing escalates as your portfolio grows, the mobile app lags behind the desktop experience, and integration options are more limited than platforms like AppFolio or DoorLoop. For the 50-1,000 unit sweet spot, though, Buildium delivers.

Features Deep-Dive

Built-In Accounting and Tax Tools

Buildium's accounting module punches above its weight class. The system handles the full financial lifecycle: rent charges, payment tracking, expense recording, bank reconciliation, and year-end tax preparation including 1099 e-filing. Owner statements are clean and professional, generated automatically with configurable templates.

What makes this practical is the balance between capability and accessibility. You do not need an accounting background to produce accurate financial reports. The guided workflows walk managers through month-end and year-end processes, and the system catches common errors before they propagate. For self-managing landlords who previously tracked finances in spreadsheets, the transition is transformative.

Tenant Screening and Online Leasing

The screening pipeline integrates TransUnion credit checks, criminal background, and eviction history into a single workflow. Applications are handled online through Buildium's tenant portal, and the entire process from application to signed lease can happen digitally with e-signatures included on all plans.

Listing syndication pushes vacancies to popular rental sites, and the applicant tracking system maintains a pipeline view of every prospect. For managers handling multiple turnovers simultaneously, having screening, applications, and lease signing in one system eliminates the tool-switching overhead.

Tenant and Owner Portals

Both portals are well-designed and functional. Tenants can pay rent, submit maintenance requests with photos, view lease documents, and communicate with management. Owners access real-time financial dashboards, review maintenance approvals, and download statements. The portals reduce phone calls and emails by giving both parties self-service access to the information they need.

Pricing Analysis

Buildium offers two tiers: Essential starting at $62/month and Growth starting at $174/month. The Essential plan covers core property management features for up to 150 units. Growth adds performance analytics, eLease, and priority support.

At the base tier, Buildium is competitively priced for small portfolios. A 50-unit operation on the Essential plan pays about $1.24/unit/month, which is reasonable. The challenge comes with growth: per-unit costs add up, and Buildium has drawn criticism for raising prices on existing customers. A 500-unit portfolio can easily exceed $400/month when accounting for the Growth tier and any add-on services.

Compared to free alternatives like TurboTenant or Innago, Buildium is obviously more expensive. The value proposition is in the professional-grade accounting, the integrated screening and leasing pipeline, and the polished owner portals that justify the cost for managers handling owner funds.

Who Is This For?

Buildium works best for:

• Residential property managers (50-500 units) who want all-in-one software with strong accounting and minimal training requirements
• Managers with owner clients who need professional financial statements, owner portals, and year-end tax document generation
• Teams transitioning from manual processes who want guided workflows and a gentle learning curve
• Community association managers since Buildium supports HOA/condo management with board portals and violation tracking

Who Should NOT Use This

Buildium might not be the right choice if:

• You rely heavily on mobile management because the mobile app is consistently rated as the weakest part of the platform, with many desktop features missing or difficult to use on phones
• You manage commercial or mixed-use properties since Buildium's workflows are optimized for residential and community associations, not commercial leasing
• You need extensive third-party integrations because the integration ecosystem is smaller than AppFolio, DoorLoop, or Propertyware

Bottom Line

Buildium is the reliable middle path in property management software. Strong accounting, professional owner reporting, and a manageable learning curve make it the natural first upgrade for managers outgrowing spreadsheets or free tools. Just watch the per-unit costs as your portfolio scales, and accept that the mobile experience will not match the desktop.

FAQ

Is Buildium good for small landlords with under 20 units?

At $62/month minimum, Buildium is viable for small landlords but may not be the most cost-effective choice. If your primary needs are rent collection and basic tracking, free platforms like TurboTenant, Innago, or Avail cover the basics at no cost. Buildium's value kicks in when you need professional accounting, owner reporting, and integrated screening.

Can Buildium handle HOA and community association management?

Yes. Buildium includes community association features on both plans, including board member portals, violation tracking, architectural review workflows, and resident communications. This makes it one of the few platforms that handles both rental property and HOA management in a single subscription.

How does Buildium compare to AppFolio?

Buildium is easier to learn, has a lower entry price, and serves smaller portfolios well. AppFolio offers a more modern interface, stronger AI automation, and better scalability for larger operations. Buildium is typically the better choice under 200 units; AppFolio becomes more compelling above that threshold, especially for companies managing multiple property types.

Does Buildium's price increase as I add units?

Yes. Both plans have per-unit pricing components, and the monthly cost increases as your portfolio grows. Buildium has also been known to increase prices for existing customers. Review your current plan terms carefully, and factor in the per-unit scaling when projecting costs for a growing portfolio.