Managing your rental income and expenses shouldn’t be a guessing game. It can be hard for many landlords to stay organized using generic tools, which is why the right rental property accounting software can make a big difference.
Whether you're managing one property or a small portfolio, having software designed specifically for real estate investors helps you track your finances clearly and confidently.
In this post, we’ll walk through why specialized tools matter, what to look for, and which options are worth considering in 2025.
Most landlords need more than a spreadsheet or general-purpose accounting platform. Here are the top reasons landlords need specialized accounting software:
Trying to manage rental income with a personal finance app or QuickBooks alone often leads to errors, confusion, or missed opportunities for deductions. Specialized software solves that.
Not every tool is built the same. The best rental property accounting software combines ease of use with robust features.
Here are key capabilities to prioritize:
If a product checks all those boxes, it’s likely a solid choice for long-term use.
Here’s a quick look at some of the top software options available this year. Each tool has strengths depending on your portfolio size and goals.
Best for: Free tools for small landlords
Stessa stands out for being free while offering essential features like expense tracking, tax reporting, and financial dashboards.
Best for: Property managers with 50+ units
AppFolio is a robust, all-in-one platform built for serious portfolios. It combines accounting, leasing, maintenance, and communications into one system.
Best for: Mid-size portfolios needing strong accounting
Buildium offers professional-grade accounting tools, automated rent collection, and tenant screening. It’s ideal for landlords managing multiple units but not ready for an enterprise-level tool.
Best for: Budget-conscious landlords with small portfolios
Rentec Direct offers solid accounting and tenant tools at a lower cost. It includes bank syncing, 1099 prep, and lease tracking features.
Best for: User-friendly, all-in-one solution
DoorLoop simplifies property management by combining accounting, leasing, maintenance, and communication tools in a single, intuitive dashboard.
Best for: Landlords already using QuickBooks
QuickBooks isn’t designed for rentals out of the box, but it can be customized with landlord-specific add-ons or templates. It works well for those who already know the platform.
If you’re a landlord in California, choosing the right rental property accounting software isn’t just about tracking rent. You also need to stay on top of:
The right software can streamline your accounting and help you avoid costly mistakes. However, even the best tools still leave you doing too much on your own.
That’s where Hignell Property Management comes in. We work with property owners in Northern California who are ready to simplify operations, reduce stress, and maximize ROI. From financial reporting to lease enforcement, we manage the details, so you can focus on your investment goals.
Investing in quality rental property accounting software is one of the smartest moves you can make in 2025. Whether you're just starting out or growing your portfolio, the right tool can save time, reduce risk, and keep your finances on track.
However, software can only take you so far. If you’re ready to take accounting off your plate completely and gain a trusted partner to manage every part of your rental property, we are here to help.
Contact us today to learn how we streamline accounting, compliance, and everything in between for your rental properties in Sacramento, Chico, Redding, and Roseville.