Note: Rent Manager’s product may have additional features not listed in this article. Please contact Rent Manager for more information on their property management software.
Choosing the right property management software can shape how efficiently your business runs in 2025. With many platforms out there, two consistently make the shortlist for property managers: Buildium and Rent Manager. Whether you’re managing a handful of units or an extensive portfolio, the tools you rely on should help you stay organized, keep tenants happy, and support your business growth.
In this guide, we’ll take a close look at both Buildium and Rent Manager so you can decide which fits your goals best.
Buildium at a Glance
Buildium is a well-regarded, comprehensive property management platform used by thousands of property management companies with a variety of portfolio types and sizes. Designed to support residential property managers, community associations, and mixed portfolios, Buildium brings together tools for leasing, accounting, communication, maintenance, and more under one roof.
Features
Buildium covers every stage of the property management lifecycle. Users can manage vacancies, screen tenants, collect rent online, track maintenance requests, and generate reports without switching between tools. It also supports communication with both tenants and owners, keeping everyone informed.
One of Buildium’s standout features is its user-friendly interface. The dashboard is clean and intuitive, making it easy to navigate even for those new to property management software. Features include automated rent reminders, customizable lease templates, and digital lease signing. Buildium also supports online payments and owner statements, which saves time and avoids paperwork.
Pricing
Buildium’s pricing is tiered, which makes it a good option for small property managers who want to scale over time. The Essential plan is best for smaller portfolios and includes core features such as accounting and leasing. The Growth plan adds more advanced automation and insights. Finally, the Premium plan opens up access to Buildium’s Open API and bulk eLeasing tools.
Here’s more details on each of the three tiers:
Essential: Starting at $58/month, Essential includes Buildium’s core features and is geared toward property management companies who are looking for accounting and task management tools.
Growth: Starting at $183/month, Growth is the plan for property managers looking to grow without worrying about scaling costs. It includes unlimited eSignatures, and actionable insights in Analytics Hub.
Premium: Starting at $375/month, this plan is meant for property management businesses who want full access to everything Buildium has to offer with greater customization and automation. It includes everything in Growth, plus access to Buildum’s Open API and Priority Support.
Rent Manager at a Glance
Rent Manager is another established name in the industry, offering a flexible platform that caters to both residential and commercial property managers. Known for its deep customization options and powerful accounting tools, Rent Manager works well for those who want more control over their workflows.
Features
Rent Manager includes tools for accounting, maintenance tracking, lease management, marketing, and reporting. The platform’s customization options are extensive—you can tweak dashboards, reports, and even communication templates. Users can also take advantage of automated bank sync, utility billing integration, and vendor payments.
However, Rent Manager’s flexibility comes with a learning curve. New users may find the interface less intuitive than other platforms. That said, for experienced property managers who want to build out detailed systems and workflows, Rent Manager has plenty to offer.
Pricing
Rent Manager doesn’t publish specific pricing publicly, but it does detail three main plans: Basic, Plus, and Premium.
The basic plan has various reporting, accounting, work order and vendor management, communication, and leasing tools.
The Plus plan adds on text and phone broadcast, a mobile app, service tech mapping, and a Smart AP suite from Orion AI.
The Premium plan rounds out its list of features with video inspections, enhanced implementation and data importing, maintenance scheduling and dedicated customer service.There are also add-on options for a call center service, custom websites, and various integrations.
However, because there aren’t readily available pricing details, you’ll have to commit to reaching out to the company directly for a better idea of what you’ll pay for each plan and add-on.
Rent Manager vs Buildium: Features to Look For
When selecting property management software, it’s important to focus on the features that truly support your business operations. Here’s why certain categories of features deserve attention:
Accounting
A robust accounting system helps you stay on top of financial performance, track income and expenses, and generate reports. Tax tools that simplify filing, support 1099s, and automate recurring transactions can save you hours each month and help avoid costly errors.
Leasing Tools
Efficient leasing features, such as reusable lease templates, eSign functionality, and document storage, make onboarding new tenants faster and more consistent. Tools that support online applications, rent collection, and inspection checklists can also reduce paperwork and improve tenant experience.
Maintenance Tools
Keeping properties in top shape depends on clear maintenance workflows. Look for tools that let you create and track work orders, assign vendors, and log expenses. When these processes are easy to manage, you can resolve issues quickly and keep tenants happy.
Marketing Tools
Good marketing tools help you reach new tenants faster. Syndicating listings to multiple platforms, designing professional listings, and even branding your own property management business (with services such as All Property Management) can boost visibility and fill vacancies faster.
Communication Tools
Keeping tenants and property owners in the loop builds trust. Messaging tools, announcement boards, and shared document hubs improve communication and reduce misunderstandings. Whether it’s rent reminders or maintenance updates, direct channels can help you stay organized.
Mobile Apps
Mobile apps are now a must-have. Whether you’re on-site handling inspections or a tenant needs to pay rent, the ability to access the platform from anywhere adds flexibility. Look for apps that offer a full-featured experience, not just limited functionality.
Integration with Other Software
Your property management software shouldn’t live in a silo. Integrations with accounting tools, CRMs, maintenance platforms, and lead generation services help build a connected tech stack. Platforms with open APIs or dedicated marketplaces make it easier to connect the dots across your business tools.
Buildium vs Rent Manager: Pricing
Buildium and Rent Manager offer unique pricing models tailored to property managers with different needs.
As mentioned earlier, Buildium uses a tiered structure, starting with the Essential plan at $58 monthly for up to 150 units. This plan includes features such as accounting, maintenance management, leasing, marketing, and communication tools, along with access to an extensive marketplace of partner integrations.
The Growth plan starts at $183 per month, adding benefits such as free unlimited e-signatures, reporting automation, and advanced analytics.
For those with larger portfolios, the Premium plan begins at $375 per month and includes access to Buildium’s Open API and priority support to get your questions answered in minutes.
As the number of units increases, Buildium’s pricing becomes more affordable on a per-unit basis. Managers can also save by opting for annual payments. The pricing calculator on Buildium’s platform helps estimate costs based on the portfolio size and preferred plan.
Rent Manager, on the other hand, doesn’t disclose pricing, but it does offer three plans with the option to include additional services. While this offers flexibility, it can sometimes lead to unplanned expenses for features such as customer support or specific integrations.
Buildium’s more transparent pricing is particularly appealing for managers of all portfolio sizes that want straightforwardly priced solutions that can grow with their business.
Buildium vs Rent Manager: Property Management Accounting
Buildium simplifies property management accounting with tools designed to make daily operations easier. The unified dashboard tracks fees, deposits, and refunds all in one place. Managers can automate accounts payable tasks to reduce errors and save time. Additional features include bank account reconciliation, budgeting tools, and forecasting capabilities.
During tax season, Buildium lightens the workload by offering e-filing for forms such as 1099-MISCs and 1099-NECs. Managers can use automated invoice entry, handing over the task of bill uploads to Buildium’s AP experts.
Rent Manager also provides flexible accounting options, including general ledger functionality and customizable charge types. However, Rent Manager’s accounting tools could have a steeper learning curve compared to Buildium’s user-friendly interface. Also, Buildium’s e-filing options for critical tax forms stand out as a time-saver.
Buildium vs Rent Manager: Communication Portals
Buildium provides user-friendly communication options with its Resident Center and Owner Portal. Tenants and homeowners can make payments, request repairs, or access important documents through mobile apps. Managers can send messages through email or text and even create community engagement opportunities with message boards and directories.
The Owner Portal delivers real-time insights into financial details, allowing managers to share information and control access efficiently. For association managers, handling violations and architectural requests becomes quicker with automated notifications.
While Rent Manager offers similar communication tools, such as tenant portals and SMS notifications, Buildium’s polished mobile experience and focus on ease-of-use give it an advantage. Buildium’s Owner Portal is also intuitive, offering real-time insights with customizable controls.
Buildium vs Rent Manager: Online Rent and Fee Collection
Buildium’s ePay system makes rent collection straightforward by enabling tenants to pay via ACH, debit, or credit cards. Residents can set up recurring payments, and managers can monitor transaction histories. The tool also handles vendor payments and association dues, creating a centralized system for managing payments.
Managers can set fees to cover ACH transaction costs and set up payment reminders automatically. Buildium integrates payment tracking directly into its dashboard, making it easy to balance books.
Rent Manager also supports online payments with partner integrations giving residents more options to pay. Rent Manager shares this convenience and flexibility with Buildium, making both platforms solid options in this category.
Buildium vs Rent Manager: Property Maintenance Management
Buildium streamlines maintenance management by enabling tenants to submit detailed repair requests with photos or videos right from the Resident mobile app. Managers can turn these requests into bills and assign vendors directly within the system. Recurring tasks, such as vendor schedules, are handled automatically.
For 24/7 support, the Maintenance Contact Center takes inbound calls, prioritizing emergencies. At $1.10 per unit monthly (with a $140 minimum), tenants receive immediate help while managers stay informed about repairs.
Rent Manager provides similar maintenance features, including a work order system, although it may not check as many boxes as Buildium’s, especially for those looking for greater customization or a third party service similar to the Maintenance Contact Center. That service, combined with a strong list of property maintenance integrations available in the Buildium Marketplace, give Buildium an edge when it comes to enhancing tenant satisfaction and decreasing manager workload.
Buildium vs Rent Manager: Revenue Growth Tools
Buildium helps property managers increase revenue through features such as ePay, which allows passing fees to residents. Buildium Rewards offers credits for tenant sign-ups to rent reporting services and for using ePay services. Partnerships with companies such as PetScreening.com, Steady Technologies (for owner benefit packages), and HomeWiseDocs (for HOA services) provide additional income opportunities.
Buildium also supports lead generation through integrated services such as All Property Management. Reporting dashboards track vacancy rates and payment patterns, helping managers refine growth strategies.
Rent Manager offers tools for generating income, including customizable add-ons and marketing integrations. However, Buildium’s cohesive approach to lead generation, network of integrations that open the door to new add-on service revenue, and advanced analytics provides a more well-rounded solution for scaling operations.
Buildium vs Rent Manager: Rental Applications and Tenant Screening
Buildium simplifies rental applications with customizable forms linked directly to property listings. Applications are automatically added to a tracking dashboard, giving managers a clear view of each applicant’s progress. Tenant screening tools powered by TransUnion offer credit checks and provide recommendations based on collected data.
Screening services are available at discounted rates, starting at $17 per screening. Buildium’s tools make the application process smooth for both managers and tenants.
Rent Manager includes tenant screening but often requires third-party integrations for advanced features. Both platforms can get the job done, so cross check their specific capabilities with your biggest leasing pain points to find which will save you more time and help you get closer to a signed lease.
Buildium vs Rent Manager: Marketing and Listings
Buildium enhances property visibility with robust listing syndication tools. It connects properties to platforms such as Apartments.com and Zillow Rental Network, for maximum exposure. Buildium also provides users with a free company website for managing listings.
Through its partnership with LeadSimple, Buildium offers CRM tools tailored to property managers. Reporting features track leasing performance and rent metrics, giving insights to stay competitive.
Rent Manager supports listing syndication and web customization but lacks some of Buildium’s advanced analytics and CRM options, making Buildium a stronger choice for managers aiming for detailed market insights.
Buildium vs Rent Manager: Lease Signing and eSign
Buildium simplifies lease signing with customizable templates and built-in eSign capabilities powered by Dropbox Sign. Lease agreements are stored securely, and automated reminders keep the process on track. Partnerships with MSI for rental insurance and Obligo for security deposit alternatives offer renters insurance and flexible deposit options, improving the move-in experience.
Rent Manager supports electronic lease signing with a built-in e-sign feature, but, in many cases, it doesn’t offer the same insurance options or deposit flexibility as Buildium.
Buildium vs Rent Manager: Integrations
Buildium’s Marketplace connects users with various partner solutions, covering staffing, lead generation, and investment management. The platform’s open API, available in the Premium plan, allows managers to customize workflows and integrate Buildium with other business tools.
Rent Manager also offers API access and several integrations for accounting, maintenance, and payment processing. There’s a lot of crossover between these and Buildium’s integrations, so browse through each to decide which collect best aligns with your needs.
Buildium vs Rent Manager: Showing Coordination
Buildium supports showing coordination through partnerships with Tenant Turner and ShowMojo. Managers can automate pre-qualifications, schedule showings, and track vacancy metrics through integrations such as ShowingHero.
Rent Manager provides similar tools and even has a similar integration with Tenant Turner and ShowMojo, but lacks some of the enhanced tracking and data-driven decision-making capabilities that a service like ShowingHero provides, giving Buildium a slight edge.
Buildium vs Rent Manager: Customer Support
Buildium prioritizes user support by offering tier-based services, starting with ticket support at the Essential level and live phone support at the Growth level. Premium users gain priority access to growth consultants for personalized assistance. Buildium also includes an extensive help center and additional self-service resources through Buildium Academy.
Rent Manager offers email and phone support, along with a knowledge base. Onboarding services may require additional fees. Both platforms’ detailed support structure, with growth consultants and community resources, are well matched, making testing each solution out for ease-of-use all the more important.
Buildium vs Rent Manager: AI Tools
AI is becoming a differentiator for leading property management software platforms and both Buildium and Rent Manager have recognized this with their approach to new AI-powered tools.
Buildium has engineered AI capabilities into some of its most-used workflows. They’ve recently rolled out an AI-powered help assistant that speeds up how quickly your team can get the answers they need. They’ve also enhanced their communication features with AI to take a lot of the heavy lifting off your plate when it comes to responding to requests and sending out recurring messages.
Rent Manager does not offer AI capabilities in its own toolkit, instead relying on third-party integrations to bring these advanced capabilities to its platform. Because of this, you’ll need to test out different integrations to see how well their AI tools fit into Rent Manager’s broader workflows.
Rent Manager vs Buildium: Final Thoughts
Both platforms have their strengths. Rent Manager’s high level of customization may appeal to advanced users or those managing highly specialized portfolios. However, Buildium’s intuitive design, transparent pricing, and simple-to-use features that don’t compromise on customization or flexibility give it an edge.
If you’re looking for software that’s easy to use, packed with helpful features, and priced for growth, Buildium is worth a close look.
You can explore the platform first hand with a free, 14-day trial (no credit card required) or book a guided demo to walk through the platform with an expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is property management software?
Property management software is a digital platform that helps landlords and managers handle daily tasks such as rent collection, lease tracking, maintenance coordination, and accounting. It reduces manual work, improves communication, and helps you keep everything organized in one place.
Do I need property management software?
If you’re managing multiple properties or units, property management software can save you hours of admin work each week. It also helps you stay on top of lease renewals, payments, and maintenance requests—leading to happier tenants and smoother operations. The benefits only grow as you take on more doors and the your operations get more complex.
Are there drawbacks to property management software?
While property management software can be a huge time-saver, it often comes with a learning curve. Some systems are more complex than others, and pricing can vary based on features and add-ons. Choose a platform that fits your workflow and support needs to get the most out of your purchase and avoid paying for capabilities you can’t make the most of.
How do I get the most value from property management software?
Start by picking software that aligns with your business size and goals. Make use of automation tools to reduce repetitive tasks, and take time to train your team. Many platforms, such as Buildium, offer resources, free trial options, and training to help you get the most out of your investment.
How does Buildium compare to Rent Manager for residential properties?
Buildium is designed with residential property managers that want comprehensive, intuitive features. The platform centers around a specialized set of tools for each management task, making it a great choice for those both new to and experienced in the industry.
Rent Manager, on the other hand, has a few more customization options for commercial needs, but fewer all around services, especially when factoring in partner integrations.
Which platform is better for small property owners?
For property managers of all sizes that want a platform that’s easy to use but can also scale , Buildium might be the better choice. Its user-friendly design helps you get started quickly without being overwhelmed, while still being robust and customizable to scale. Rent Manager offers flexibility but might feel a bit complex for smaller operations.
Are there differences in pricing between Buildium and Rent Manager?
Yes: Buildium offers tiered pricing plans based on the number of units you manage, which makes it appealing for growing businesses. Rent Manager’s pricing is less clear and requires you to reach out for specific costs, which can complicate your decision, especially if you need additional à la carte services or support.
