Property Taxes & Finances

9 of the Best Landlord Accounting Software Tools for 2025

| 4 min. read

Managing rental property finances can quickly become overwhelming, especially as a portfolio grows. Landlords need accurate records to track rental income, manage expenses, and prepare for tax season.

While general accounting software can handle basic bookkeeping, landlord-specific accounting software simplifies financial management by automating rent collection, generating property-specific reports, and integrating with property management tools.

This article highlights the 9 best landlord accounting software tools for 2025, covering their features, pricing, and best use cases.

Key Features to Look for in Landlord Accounting Software

Not all accounting software is built with landlords in mind. While general bookkeeping tools can help track income and expenses, landlord accounting software includes features designed specifically for rental property management. When choosing the right software, consider the following key features.

Income & Expense Tracking

Accurate financial tracking is key for landlords. Good software should automatically log rental income, categorize expenses, and provide real-time insights into cash flow. Look for options that allow you to link bank accounts and credit cards for seamless transaction imports.

Bank Reconciliation

Reconciling your accounts ensures that all rent payments, expenses, and fees are properly recorded. The best landlord accounting software connects to your bank and helps match transactions, reducing the risk of errors.

Tax Preparation & Reporting

At tax time, landlords need software that can generate Schedule E tax reports, profit and loss statements, and 1099 forms for contractors. Some tools even integrate with tax software or accountants for an easier filing process, while others can help you maximize your deductions to save you money.

Tenant & Lease Management

Accounting software designed for landlords often includes features to manage lease agreements, track security deposits, and apply late fees automatically. Some options also provide tenant portals for online rent payments.

Scalability & Integration

Landlords with growing portfolios need scalable software that can handle multiple properties. Many accounting tools integrate with property management platforms, CRM software, and payment processors to expand functionality.

Ease of Use & Support

Accounting software should simplify financial management, not make it harder. Look for platforms with user-friendly dashboards, mobile access, and strong customer support, whether through live chat, phone, or detailed help articles.

9 of the Best Landlord Accounting Software Tools for 2025

The right accounting software helps landlords simplify financial management, automate rent tracking, and stay tax-compliant. Below, we’ve reviewed the nine best landlord accounting software tools for 2025, highlighting their key features, pricing, pros, and cons.

1. Buildium

Overview: Buildium is a full-service property management software with built-in accounting tools designed for landlords and property managers.

Key Features:

  • Automated rent tracking and late fee application
  • Bank reconciliation and financial reporting
  • 1099 e-filing for tax season
  • Integration with third-party services like PayNearMe

Pros:

  • Comprehensive property management and accounting tools
  • Scalable for landlords managing multiple properties
  • Online payment processing for tenants

Cons:

  • Hricing may not suit small landlords
  • Learning curve for those new to property management software

Pricing: Starts at $58/month

Best For: Landlords managing multiple rental properties (or who want to leave the door open to future growth) who need both accounting and property management tools.

2. REI Hub

Overview: REI Hub is a dedicated accounting platform built specifically for real estate investors and landlords.

Key Features:

  • Rental income and expense tracking
  • Property-specific profit and loss reports
  • Bank account syncing for automated transaction imports
  • Tax-friendly reporting, including Schedule E organization

Pros:

  • Focused on real estate, making it easy for landlords to use
  • Simple interface with minimal learning curve
  • Affordable pricing compared to full-service property management software

Cons:

  • Lacks advanced property management features (e.g., tenant screening, lease tracking)
  • No direct tenant payment collection

Pricing: Starts at $15/month

Best For: DIY landlords and real estate investors looking for a simple, tax-focused accounting solution.

3. Landlord Studio

Overview: Landlord Studio is a mobile-friendly accounting and property management tool designed for landlords with small to mid-sized portfolios.

Key Features:

  • Income and expense tracking with receipt scanning
  • Rent collection via bank transfers or Stripe
  • Lease tracking with automated reminders
  • Tax preparation reports for Schedule E filing

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly and accessible on mobile devices
  • Includes document storage for lease agreements and receipts
  • Allows online rent collection

Cons:

  • Some advanced features require a premium subscription
  • Limited scalability for landlords managing large portfolios

Pricing: Free basic plan; premium starts at $5.99/month

Best For: Small landlords who want a low-cost, mobile-friendly accounting solution.

4. Xero

Overview: Xero is a cloud-based accounting software widely used by businesses, including landlords.

Key Features:

  • Bank reconciliation and financial reporting
  • Expense tracking and invoice generation
  • Integrates with third-party property management software
  • Customizable financial dashboards

Pros:

  • Strong general accounting tools
  • Unlimited users on most plans
  • Integrates with multiple business applications

Cons:

  • Not specifically built for landlords
  • Lacks built-in rent tracking and lease management

Pricing: Starts at $11/month

Best For: Landlords who need robust financial tracking beyond just rental accounting.

5. QuickBooks

Overview: QuickBooks is one of the most widely used accounting tools, offering customizable features for landlords.

Key Features:

  • Income and expense tracking with property-specific categories
  • Bank reconciliation and tax reports
  • Invoice generation for rent collection
  • Integrates with third-party property management apps

Pros:

  • Comprehensive financial tracking and reporting
  • Customizable for landlords and real estate investors
  • Well-supported with tutorials and accounting professionals available

Cons:

  • More expensive than landlord-specific alternatives
  • Can be complex for those unfamiliar with accounting software

Pricing: Starts at $25/month

Best For: Landlords who already use QuickBooks and want an all-in-one accounting solution.

6. Rent Manager

Overview: Rent Manager is a professional-grade property management software with powerful accounting features.

Key Features:

  • Tenant and lease tracking
  • Built-in accounting with financial reporting
  • Automated rent collection
  • Online portals for tenants and owners

Pros:

  • Highly customizable for different property types
  • Scalable for landlords with large portfolios
  • Integrates with property maintenance tracking

Cons:

  • More complex than basic landlord accounting software
  • Higher cost compared to simpler tools

Pricing: Contact for pricing

Best For: Landlords managing large portfolios or multi-property businesses.

7. SimplifyEm

Overview: SimplifyEm is an affordable property management and accounting software designed for small landlords.

Key Features:

  • Expense tracking and tax reporting
  • Lease and tenant management tools
  • Automated late fees and rent reminders
  • Bank account syncing

Pros:

  • Low-cost and easy to use
  • Helps landlords stay tax-compliant
  • Includes basic property management features

Cons:

  • Limited scalability for landlords with large portfolios
  • Fewer integrations than competitors

Pricing: Starts at $20/month

Best For: Independent landlords looking for a budget-friendly accounting tool.

8. Smart Property Manager

Overview: Smart Property Manager is a cloud-based rental property accounting software with automation features.

Key Features:

  • Rental income tracking and expense categorization
  • Automated rent reminders and late fee tracking
  • Tenant communication tools
  • Customizable financial reporting

Pros:

  • Cloud-based with remote access
  • Offers a free plan for small landlords
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Limited integrations compared to competitors
  • Not as well-known as larger brands

Pricing: Free plan available; premium pricing varies

Best For: Landlords looking for an easy-to-use, cloud-based solution.

9. Hemlane

Overview: Hemlane is a property management software that includes accounting tools for landlords.

Key Features:

  • Rent collection and financial tracking
  • Tenant screening and lease management
  • Maintenance coordination tools
  • 24/7 repair request handling

Pros:

  • Combines property management and accounting features
  • Automates payment tracking and financial reporting
  • Strong tenant screening tools

Cons:

  • Higher pricing compared to accounting-only software
  • Some features may not be necessary for landlords only needing accounting tools

Pricing: Starts at $30/month

Best For: Landlords looking for an all-in-one accounting and property management solution.

How to Choose the Right Landlord Accounting Software

Selecting the best landlord accounting software depends on your portfolio size, budget, and how much hands-on management you prefer. Some landlords prefer DIY solutions, while others opt to delegate financial management to a property manager who handles accounting on their behalf. Below are key factors to consider when making your decision.

Consider Your Portfolio Size

  • Small landlords (1-3 properties): Basic accounting software like Landlord Studio or SimplifyEm provides easy income and expense tracking without overwhelming features.
  • Mid-sized landlords (4-20 properties): More comprehensive solutions like Buildium or REI Hub offer property-specific financial reports, tax prep tools, and automation.
  • Large landlords (20+ properties): Full-service property management software like Rent Manager or Buildium provides both accounting and operational tools to manage large portfolios efficiently.

Budget & Pricing Plans

  • Some software offers free trials or budget-friendly pricing, such as Smart Property Manager’s free plan or Buildium's free trial.
  • Subscription-based software like Buildium or QuickBooks can be costlier but provide professional-grade accounting tools.
  • Weigh software costs against the time saved on bookkeeping and tax preparation.

Integration Needs

  • If you already use QuickBooks or Xero, look for software that integrates seamlessly with these platforms.
  • If you need tenant management features, software like Buildium or Rent Manager combines property management and accounting.

Ease of Use & Automation

  • Software like REI Hub and Landlord Studio offer simple interfaces with automation tools for tracking rent and categorizing expenses.
  • Some landlords may find full-fledged accounting platforms too complex and time-consuming to manage alone.

Should You Hire a Property Manager Instead?

While landlord accounting software simplifies financial tracking, some landlords prefer hiring a property manager to handle accounting and rental operations. A professional property management company can:

  • Track rental income and expenses in real time.
  • Generate financial reports for tax season.
  • Manage lease agreements, security deposits, and late payments.
  • Handle maintenance and tenant communications, reducing workload.

For landlords with multiple properties or limited time, working with a property manager can be more cost-effective than struggling with accounting software alone. Many property managers use professional accounting tools like Buildium or Rent Manager, offering landlords a seamless, hands-off approach to rental finances.

Finding the Right Accounting Solution for Your Rental Business

Choosing the best landlord accounting software depends on how involved you want to be in your rental property’s financial management. For landlords who prefer a hands-on approach, software like Landlord Studio, REI Hub, or QuickBooks makes it easy to track rent payments, organize expenses, and prepare for tax season. Those managing larger portfolios may benefit from Buildium, Rent Manager, or Hemlane, which combine accounting with property management tools.

If you’d rather focus on growing your investment portfolio instead of handling day-to-day finances, hiring a property manager could be the smarter move. A professional property manager can handle rent collection, expense tracking, and tax reporting—often using high-end accounting software—so you don’t have to worry about financial management.

Our free property manager search tool makes the process of finding and hiring a property manager simple. Check it out today!

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