Buildium
Small to mid-size residential property managers (50-1,000 units) who want straightforward, all-in-one software that prioritizes ease of use
Rent Manager
Mid-to-large property managers with diverse, mixed-use portfolios who need deep customization and enterprise-grade accounting
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose Buildium
Small to mid-size residential property managers (50-1,000 units) who want straightforward, all-in-one software that prioritizes ease of use
Buildium is one of the most accessible full-featured property management platforms, offering clean accounting and solid portals at a reasonable entry price. It is ideal for managers who need to get operational fast without heavy training, though the weak mobile app and growing costs at scale are real drawbacks.
Strengths
- Comprehensive feature set with tenant screening, maintenance tracking, online leasing, and 1099 e-filing built in
- Clean accounting with professional owner reports — fast onboarding without an accounting degree
- Strong tenant and owner portals with excellent self-service capabilities
- Ideal sweet spot for 50-1,000 unit residential portfolios
Limitations
- Mobile app is notably weak — many desktop features are missing or difficult to use on mobile
- Limited customization and third-party integrations can create data silos
- Per-unit pricing escalates quickly as your portfolio grows, with frequent price increases reported
When to Choose Rent Manager
Mid-to-large property managers with diverse, mixed-use portfolios who need deep customization and enterprise-grade accounting
Rent Manager is one of the most feature-rich and flexible property management systems available, backed by nearly four decades of development. Its power comes at the cost of a dated UI and a steep learning curve. Best for experienced operators managing diverse property types who need depth over simplicity.
Strengths
- Extremely deep feature set with 450+ built-in reports and full double-entry accounting
- Handles all property types — residential, commercial, self-storage, manufactured housing, and short-term stays
- Dedicated customer success teams, Rent Manager University training, and comprehensive knowledge base
- Longest track record in the industry (37+ years) with continuous modern development
Limitations
- Interface feels dated with more clicks than necessary for everyday tasks
- Steep learning curve — requires significant training investment for new teams
- Add-on fees and per-user charges make total cost less transparent than advertised
