10 Best Rent Collection Apps of 2024

Overview of the Best Rent Collection Apps of 2024

Rent collection apps have become an invaluable tool for landlords and property managers in recent years. They provide an efficient, automated way to collect rent payments, track tenant information, and manage properties remotely. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine the best rent collection app for your specific needs. This guide examines 10 top-rated rent collection apps, outlining the key features, pros, cons, and pricing of each. 

Whether you're managing a single rental property or an entire real estate portfolio, using a purpose-built app to collect rent and communicate with tenants can save you time and hassle.

Rent collection apps centralize rent payments, often allowing tenants multiple convenient ways to pay including credit card, ACH transfer, PayPal, and more. Landlords gain real-time insight into who has paid rent and who is late, with many apps offering automated late rent notifications and fees. Robust reporting provides rental income and cash flow analysis. Integrations with accounting software, tenant screening services, and listing sites further streamline rental property management.

While the best rent collection app depends on your needs and budget, this guide provides an overview of the leading solutions on the market today.

1. Hemlane

Overview

Hemlane is a comprehensive property management software designed for individual landlords and small property management companies. Founded in 2018, Hemlane aims to streamline property management tasks through its cloud-based platform.

The software is particularly suited for managing single-family homes and small rental portfolios, providing an all-in-one solution that includes online rent collection, maintenance coordination, tenant screening, and detailed financial reporting.

Hemlane's intuitive interface and flexible pricing with a new free plan offering makes it a standout choice for landlords seeking efficiency and peace of mind.

Key Features

• Online Rent Collection: Hemlane facilitates rent payments via ACH and credit card, ensuring timely payments through automated reminders and late fees. Payments are directly transferred to the landlord's account without any intermediary deductions.
• Maintenance Coordination: The platform offers 24/7 maintenance request management. Hemlane's team handles tenant repair requests, coordinating with preferred service professionals and ensuring transparency and timely resolution.
• Tenant Screening: Comprehensive tenant screening includes background checks, credit reports, and eviction history, helping landlords select the most reliable tenants.
• Lease Management: Customizable lease agreements can be digitally stored and managed within the platform. Hemlane's lease administration software includes automated reminders for lease renewals and other critical dates help keep landlords organized.
• Accounting: Hemlane provides robust accounting tools, enabling landlords to track income, expenses, and generate detailed financial reports. The platform also integrates with popular accounting software for seamless financial management.
• Rental Advertising: Hemlane advertises rental properties on top listing websites, including Zillow, Trulia, Hotpads, and Zumper, enhancing property visibility and attracting potential tenants.

Pros

• User-Friendly Interface: Hemlane's platform is designed to be intuitive, making it easy for landlords to manage their properties efficiently.
• Comprehensive Features: The software includes all essential property management tools, from rent collection and maintenance tracking to tenant screening and financial reporting.
• Affordable Pricing: Hemlane offers competitive pricing plans that cater to the needs of small landlords. A 14-day free trial is available to test the platform. Users can continue to use the platform after their trial period ends with limited access to all the features they signed up for initially.
• Flexible Support Options: Hemlane connects landlords with local licensed agents for tasks like property showings and inspections, providing a hybrid management solution that combines software with local expertise.
• Automated Processes: Automation of routine tasks such as rent reminders and maintenance requests reduces the administrative burden on landlords.

Cons

• Limited Scalability: While ideal for small landlords, Hemlane may lack some advanced features required for managing larger property portfolios.

Pricing

Hemlane offers four main pricing tiers:

• Free Plan: Users will automatically be put on the Free plan after their 14 day trial period ends.
• Basic Plan: $30/month with an additional $2/unit fee, including core features such as marketing syndication, tenant screening, lease management, and online rent collection.
• Essential Plan: $53/month with a $25/unit fee, which includes all Basic features plus state-specific leases, 24/7 repair coordination, and enhanced accounting tools.
• Complete Plan: $108/month with an $80/unit fee, providing all features of the Essential plan along with full repair coordination, access to a network of service professionals, and comprehensive tenant communication services.

Each plan includes a 14-day free trial with no credit card required.

*Users who start a free trial on a paid plan will be automatically converted to the free plan if they have not subscribed within 14 days.

2. Appfolio

Overview

Appfolio is a leading property management software designed for residential and commercial real estate. Founded in 2005, Appfolio aims to help property managers streamline operations, increase efficiency, and improve communication. 

The software is cloud-based and provides an all-in-one solution for property management needs like accounting, maintenance, leasing and more. Key capabilities include online rent collection, owner reporting, applicant screening and document storage. Appfolio currently serves over 11,000 property management companies in the US.

Key Features

• Accounting: Appfolio automates accounting workflows like accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger and more. It enables easy financial reporting.
• Maintenance: The maintenance module lets you track work orders, assign tasks, manage vendors and create preventive maintenance schedules.
• Leasing: Appfolio includes robust leasing capabilities like creating listings, screening applicants, e-signing leases and collecting rent online. 
• Reporting: Users get access to over 100 customizable reports on metrics like occupancy, revenue, expenses, maintenance and more.
• Integrations: Appfolio seamlessly integrates with tools like QuickBooks, Outlook, DocuSign, PayLease and more.

Pros

• User-friendly and intuitive interface
• Comprehensive end-to-end property management solution 
• Customizable platform with ability to tweak workflows
• Strong customer support and regular product updates
• Integrates with many third-party apps

Cons

• Can be expensive for smaller property managers
• Steep learning curve for some users
• Mobile app could be improved
• Limited functionality for commercial real estate

Pricing

Appfolio offers pricing based on the number of units managed:

• Up to 150 units: $189/month 
• 151 to 300 units: $289/month
• 301 to 600 units: $489/month
• 601+ units: Custom quote

There are also additional fees for accounting integrations, screening services, credit card processing and other add-ons.

3. Buildium

Overview

Buildium is a cloud-based property management software designed for real estate professionals to manage their rental properties. It streamlines operations for property managers and landlords by centralizing information and automating manual processes. Buildium was founded in 2004 and is based in Boston, MA.

Key Features

• Online rent collection and accounting 
• Maintenance and work order tracking
• Tenant screening and applications
• Lease management and renter's insurance
• Expense tracking and budgeting tools
• Customized reporting and analytics
• Mobile app for on-the-go access

Pros

• User-friendly interface and navigation
• Scales for both small and large portfolios
• Integrates with accounting software 
• 24/7 live chat and phone support
• Regular product updates based on user feedback

Cons  

• Can be pricey for smaller property managers
• Limited customization compared to open API platforms
• Mobile app has fewer features than desktop
• No built-in tenant portal

Pricing

Buildium offers a free trial and paid subscription plans:

• Starter: $219/month for up to 50 units
• Intermediate: $399/month for 150 units 
• Advanced: $599/month for 250 units
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Discounts available for annual contracts. Additional fees per unit over allotted amounts.

4. DoorLoop

Overview

DoorLoop is a property management software designed specifically for independent landlords and small property management companies. It aims to provide an easy-to-use and affordable solution for collecting rent payments, tracking maintenance requests, and managing tenants. 

Some key things to know about DoorLoop:

• Created in 2018 by real estate investors and software developers
• Based in Austin, Texas
• Offers web-based software, mobile apps, and 24/7 customer support
• Integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks
• Used by over 5,000 landlords and property managers

Key Features

• Online rental payments: Tenants can pay rent through the DoorLoop portal via ACH or credit cards. Recurring payments can be set up.
• Maintenance tracking: Tenants can submit maintenance requests through the portal. Landlords can assign requests to vendors and track status.
• Tenant screening: Integrates with background check services to screen tenant applications. Customizable screening criteria.
• Lease management: Create customized lease agreements and track lease expirations.
• Accounting integrations: Syncs rental income and expenses with QuickBooks.
• Mobile apps: Landlords and tenants have access via iOS and Android apps.

Pros

• Very easy to use with an intuitive interface
• Affordable pricing starting at just $39/month
• Mobile access for landlords and tenants
• Customizable online rental payments
• Accounting integrations save time on bookkeeping

Cons  

• Limited advanced features compared to larger platforms
• No built-in property listing or marketing tools
• Limited scalability for large portfolios 100+ units
• No resident portal for community features

Pricing

DoorLoop offers three pricing tiers:

• Basic: $39/month for up to 10 units
• Professional: $69/month for up to 50 units 
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for 50+ units

Setup fees start at $99. Discounts available for annual subscriptions. Overall, DoorLoop is one of the most affordable options for small-scale landlords and managers looking for easy rent collection and maintenance management.

5. Avail

Overview

Avail is a cloud-based property management software designed specifically for small to mid-sized landlords and property managers. It aims to provide an all-in-one solution for collecting rent, accounting, maintenance requests, screening tenants, and more. 

Avail was founded in 2012 and is based in San Francisco, California. It's backed by investors like Trinity Ventures and Freestyle Capital.

Key Features

• Online rental applications and tenant screening
• Rent collection via ACH or credit cards 
• Accounting tools for managing income and expenses
• Maintenance request tracking
• Tenant and owner portals 
• Customizable lease agreements
• Reporting and analytics 

Pros

• Designed for independent landlords, easy for beginners to use
• Affordable pricing starts at $9/unit per month
• Mobile app for managing properties on-the-go
• Automates tasks like rent collection and accounting
• Robust screening and tenant management features

Cons  

• Less property and unit management features compared to bigger platforms
• Limited customization options 
• Can't handle large portfolios over 500 units
• Mixed reviews of customer support

Pricing

Avail has tiered pricing based on number of units:

• Up to 150 units: $9/unit per month 
• 151-500 units: $7/unit per month
• 501+ units: Custom pricing

It does not charge transaction fees on rent payments. Avail offers month-to-month contracts with no long-term commitments.

6. RentRedi

Overview

RentRedi is a cloud-based property management software designed specifically for independent rental owners and small-scale landlords. It aims to help rental property owners easily collect rent online, manage tenants, and track property finances. 

RentRedi was founded in 2013 by real estate entrepreneurs who wanted to create an easy-to-use and affordable property management solution. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, RentRedi serves thousands of landlords across the United States.

Key Features

• Online rent collection with ACH or credit cards
• Tenant screening and credit checks
• Customizable lease agreements  
• Maintenance request tracking
• Accounting tools for managing income and expenses
• Automatic rent reminders and late notices

Pros

• Very easy to use interface and navigation
• Affordable pricing for independent landlords
• Ability to collect rent online through ACH or credit cards
• Good selection of customizable templates and forms
• Solid accounting features for tracking rental income/expenses

Cons  

• Limited mobile app functionality 
• Less property and tenant management features than some competitors
• Cannot handle large multi-family properties 
• No property listing or advertising capabilities

Pricing

RentRedi has three main pricing tiers:

• Basic: $9/month per unit
• Professional: $12/month per unit 
• Premium: $15/month per unit

Discounts available for annual subscriptions. Additional fees for credit card processing.

7. Rentec Direct

Overview

Rentec Direct is a cloud-based property management software designed for single-family homes, condos, apartments, and commercial properties. It allows property managers and landlords to manage their rental properties in one centralized platform. 

Rentec Direct provides tools to manage all aspects of your rental business: from listing vacancies and screening tenants to collecting rent payments and generating reports. It aims to help property managers become more organized and efficient.

Key Features

Key features of Rentec Direct include:

• Online rental applications and tenant screening
• Rent collection with automated reminders and late fees
• Detailed accounting with income and expense tracking
• Maintenance request tracking
• Task management and reminders
• Reporting and analysis tools
• Mobile app for on-the-go access

Pros

• All-in-one solution to manage rental properties
• User-friendly interface 
• Customizable to fit your specific needs
• Integration with credit checks and background screening
• Automation for rent collection and late fees
• Mobile access for on-the-go management

Cons  

• Can be pricey for smaller property managers
• Limited customization options of templates/workflows
• Mobile app has fewer features than desktop
• Steep learning curve for some of the advanced features

Pricing

Rentec Direct offers tiered pricing based on number of units managed:

• Up to 150 units: $49/month 
• 151-500 units: $99/month
• 501+ units: $149/month

It does not charge per tenant fees. Additional fees apply for credit/background checks. Discounts available for annual subscriptions.

8. TenantCloud

Overview

TenantCloud is a cloud-based property management software designed specifically for independent landlords and property managers. It aims to help streamline all aspects of rental property management from listing vacancies to collecting rent. 

TenantCloud was founded in 2011 and is based in San Francisco, California. It's designed to be easy to use even for those new to property management software. The interface is clean and intuitive. 

Key features focus on core property management tasks like maintaining tenant records, processing payments, screening applicants, and creating custom reports. TenantCloud integrates with screening services, payment processors, and accounting software.

Key Features

• Tenant database: Store all tenant information and documents in one centralized and secure database. Customizable tenant profiles.
• Online payments: Tenants can pay rent and fees online through credit card, debit card, ACH or eCheck. Automatic payment reminders.
• Accounting: Generate reports on income, expenses, vacancies. Integrates with QuickBooks. 
• Maintenance tracking: Log maintenance requests and track property issues. Assign tasks and track status.
• Leasing: Customizable rental applications and lease agreements. E-signing.
• Screening: Integrates with background check services to screen rental applicants. 
• Mobile app: Manage your properties on-the-go from your smartphone.

Pros

• Intuitive interface easy for beginners 
• Robust set of core property management features
• Mobile app for on-the-go access
• Customizable forms and reports 
• Integrates with multiple third-party services
• Dedicated customer support

Cons  

• More limited accounting features compared to some competitors
• Additional fees for some integrations like credit checks
• Lacks some specialized tools like yield rate analysis
• Mostly tailored for smaller portfolios vs large enterprises

Pricing

TenantCloud offers tiered pricing based on number of units managed:

• Up to 150 units: $3/unit per month 
• 151-500 units: $2/unit per month
• 501+ units: Custom pricing

It does not charge per user, so the price includes unlimited users. Setup fees start at $99.

9. TurboTenant

Overview

TurboTenant is an all-in-one property management software designed specifically for individual landlords and small property management companies. The software aims to provide an intuitive and easy-to-use solution to manage every aspect of your rental properties in one place.  

Some key features include online rental applications, tenant screening, online rent payments, accounting, maintenance tracking, and more. TurboTenant prides itself on offering affordable pricing, top-notch customer support, and constantly improving its software based on user feedback.

Key Features

• Online rental applications: Customizable rental applications that can be posted to your website. Includes built-in screening questions.
• Tenant screening: Integrates with TransUnion SmartMove for instant tenant screening reports.
• Online rent payments: Allows tenants to pay online via credit card, debit card, or ACH. Includes automatic reminders and late fees.
• Accounting: Tracks income, expenses, and generates reports. Integrates with QuickBooks.
• Maintenance tracking: Create and assign work orders, record costs, attach photos and documents.
• Leasing & renting tools: Generate leases, manage lease expirations, track rent payments.
• Mobile app: Manage your properties on-the-go from your smartphone.

Pros

• Very easy to use and intuitive interface
• Affordable pricing starts at just $5/month 
• Integration with credit checks and accounting software
• Mobile app for managing on-the-go
• Top-rated customer support 

Cons

• Less property and tenant management features than some competitors
• Limited customization options 
• No property website builder

Pricing

TurboTenant offers monthly subscriptions starting at $5/month for up to 10 units. Additional pricing tiers:

• Up to 150 units: $10/month 
• Unlimited units: $20/month

Discounts available for annual subscriptions. TurboTenant offers a free trial to test it out.

10. Apartments.com Rental Manager

Overview

Apartments.com Rental Manager is a comprehensive property management solution offered by Apartments.com, one of the leading online rental marketplaces. This app is designed to streamline the rental process for both landlords and tenants, providing tools for listing properties, screening tenants, and collecting rent online. It aims to simplify property management tasks and enhance the rental experience through a user-friendly interface and robust feature set.

Key Features

• Online Rent Collection: Allows tenants to pay rent through multiple methods, including ACH, credit/debit cards, and eCheck.
• Listing and Advertising: Seamlessly lists rental properties on Apartments.com and partner sites to reach a wide audience.
• Tenant Screening: Provides thorough background checks, credit reports, and eviction history.
• Lease Management: Facilitates the creation, signing, and storage of digital lease agreements.
• Maintenance Requests: Tenants can submit maintenance requests, which landlords can manage through the platform.
• Financial Reporting: Offers tools for tracking income and expenses, generating financial reports, and integrating with accounting software.

Pros

• Listings are advertised on Apartments.com and other major rental sites, increasing visibility.
• Combines listing, screening, rent collection, and maintenance management in one platform.
• Easy to navigate interface for both landlords and tenants.
• Comprehensive tenant screening.
• Basic property listing and rent collection services are free.

Cons

• Some advanced features and services come with additional costs.
• Fewer customization options compared to some competitors.
• Best suited for landlords already using Apartments.com for listings.

Pricing

• Basic Plan: Free for essential listing and rent collection features.
• Premium Plan: Pricing varies based on additional features such as premium listings, advanced screening, and other add-ons.

Conclusion

Choosing the right rent collection app is crucial for streamlining your property management tasks, ensuring timely payments, and maintaining good tenant relations. Among the various options available, Hemlane stands out as a comprehensive solution tailored for individual investors and small landlords. With its user-friendly interface, robust feature set, and competitive pricing, Hemlane offers an all-in-one platform that simplifies the complexities of property management. 

From online rent collection and maintenance coordination to tenant screening and financial reporting, Hemlane covers all essential aspects of managing rental properties efficiently. Additionally, its integration with local licensed agents provides the perfect blend of technology and personal support, making it an excellent choice for landlords looking to optimize their property management processes.

Ready to take your property management to the next level?

Try Hemlane today and experience the benefits of streamlined, efficient, and automated property management. Sign up for a 14-day free trial now and see how Hemlane can transform the way you manage your rental properties!