Rentec Direct
Professional property managers who need trust accounting, free tenant ACH payments, and reliable US-based customer support
Hemlane
Remote or out-of-state landlords who want software-plus-services without hiring a full-service property manager
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose Rentec Direct
Professional property managers who need trust accounting, free tenant ACH payments, and reliable US-based customer support
Rentec Direct is the dependable workhorse of property management software. It lacks the modern polish of newer entrants but compensates with maturity, free tenant ACH payments, and consistently top-rated customer support. A solid choice for managers who prioritize reliability over flashy UI.
Strengths
- Free ACH rent payments for tenants — no transaction fees, which saves landlords and tenants money
- Trust accounting for professional property managers on the Rentec PM plan
- Award-winning US-based customer support with phone, email, and live chat
- Privately owned and debt-free since 2007 — no investor-driven cost-cutting
Limitations
- UI/UX feels dated compared to newer competitors like DoorLoop and TenantCloud
- No free tier and the $45/mo starting price is higher than budget alternatives
- Per-unit pricing can get expensive at scale, though still competitive
When to Choose Hemlane
Remote or out-of-state landlords who want software-plus-services without hiring a full-service property manager
Hemlane's hybrid model is genuinely unique — it fills the gap between DIY software and full-service management with optional human support for repairs, showings, and tenant communication. The free tier is a strong entry point, but per-unit costs on higher tiers are steep for larger portfolios.
Strengths
- Unique hybrid management model — combines DIY software with optional local agents and 24/7 repair coordinators
- Free-forever Starter tier with rent collection, applicant tracking, and basic screening
- Complete plan includes a dedicated property management assistant for tenant communications
- 100% of rent reaches owners with no hidden deductions on any plan
Limitations
- Per-unit pricing on paid tiers ($2-$58/unit + base fee) gets expensive for larger portfolios
- Smaller user base than competitors means fewer community resources and integrations
- Accounting features are basic compared to dedicated platforms like Buildium or Rentec Direct
