Which Landlord Software Is The Best?
I’ve been looking around for landlord software management systems, that handle small to medium sized property portfolios for private landlords. There are plenty out there, and new packages are continuously being made available, so there’s a small issue of cutting through the shit in order to find anything useful.
I haven’t had extensive experience with many landlord management systems, but I’ve tried a few out. I used to use a regular, custom Landlord Management Excel Spreadsheet, but the flaws of that quickly became apparent as my portfolio started to expand. The spreadsheet’s features are basic; it only calculates my income and expenditures. It’s fine for someone with a small portfolio, so I welcome anyone to test it out, and even make improvements. However, there are piles of more advanced packages out there that calculate all kinds of cool stuff, like forecasting, annual rental income tax using HMRC guidelines (extremely useful) and financial reporting. Some of the systems make life a lot easier, as you can quickly see a snapshot of your finances, so they’re worth the investment, especially if you’re a landlord juggling multiple properties.
While there are free landlord software packages available, it definitely is a case of getting what you pay for. I’ve tried a few free packages out, and they weren’t all that impressive, even for a free service. But again, I wouldn’t discourage anyone from trying them out. The paid products can be pretty expensive, but can also be worth the investment…
And remember, landlord software is tax deductible :)
Paid Landlord Management Software
| Software | Price | Description |
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£49.97 + VAT, per month £397 + VAT, one off payment |
My personal favourite, and naturally, it’s the package I use. You can see how it works by going to the Property Portfolio Software Website and clicking on the “demo” button. It’s probably the best one I’ve seen so far and it comes with an unbelievable amount of features, including income tax calculations (using HMRC guidelines), and access to a Legal Document Centre, where you can create and download all your Tenancy Agreements, Guarantor forms and Section 21s. Suitable for landlord and/or letting agent. 90 day money back guarantee. |
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£34.99 per month £399.99 Outright package |
Someone recommended this one to me. Here’s an online demo page. They also offer a 7 day evaluation copy. |
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£149.95 – £399.99depending on package |
One of my readers’ actually uses one, but unfortunately she’s been having a few technical issues with it. However, I thought i’d throw it into the list in case anyone else has anything to say about the product. There is a 30 free trial offer, if you want to give it a spin. |
Free landlord Management Software
| Software | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
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Free |
This web-based application was developed by Landlords for Landlords. It was developed to solve a simple problem- to provide landlords with an easy-to-use double-entry system. I’ve not tested it out yet, but the tutorial looks quite good, especially the report generator. The package comes at a cost if you want to manage more than one property, which ranges from £20-£200. Check out the price list. But if you want to manage one property, it’s FREE. | |
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Free |
I’ve actually tried this software. It was ok, but a little too old school for my likings. There were a lot of forms on different pages, so it made simple things like adding a new property/tenant long winded. Most of the forms could have been combined onto one page, saving a lot of user time. But it’s free, and it works, it also generates a lot of useful landlord forms E.g Tenany Agreements. According to the owners, it’s the best landword software in the world…probably. Yeah, I’m not sure about that. I must clarify, this is a web based package (you can access it from any computer with an Internet connection), and not downloadable software, like many of the others. |
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Free |
Another web-based application which offers a free service, amongst premium versions which come at a cost. But the free version is perfect for single landlords with less than 100 properties. I’ve not used it, but there appears to be a load of features. You can see details and screen shots on the Smart Property Manager Feature Page. |
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Free |
Another free, web-based service. I only found about this one recently. I had a flick through the demo- I must admit, it looks pretty good. It was another recommendation from a faithful twit:
In my opinion, it’s actually the most visually appealling out of the free web-based pack. I’ve Yet to try it, though… |
Any other recommendations?
If anyone is aware of any other product, please let me know, and I’ll add it to the list. Also, if anyone has had any experience with any of the above, or similar products, please let me know! I’d love to hear your recommendations.
Anyone out there use any landlord software management system? If so, which one?
I’ve actually been tempted to develop my own free, web-based software for Landlords. Hmmm. It’s certainly something to think about. The other providers should be a little scared =]
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40 Comments - join the conversation...
Have to be careful about what I say about LL as the tosser is liable to try to sue me! Great customer service skills from the Bill Gates wannabe.
Jools
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Apologies to The Landlord for blatant promoting on his blog!
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No problem at all :)
@Jas
I-portfolio, Property Hawk Landlord Software and Let MC are all web-based. However, Let MC is a paid service.
Cheers
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Never heard of the other free one though. Have you had a chance to try i-PortfolioTracker yet landlord?
Thanks,
Paul
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My concern would be having my data off site and not necessarily under my control.
Jools
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So it seems the list compiled so far for free software is only web-based.
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i-PortfolioTracker (i-PT) has a secure log in and security certificate, and the Property Secrets website itself, which is a membership site and so stores personal details, has a perfect record when it comes to security - 5 years online and no breaches.
If anyone is interested in using i-PT and would like assistance / more information, let me know (with email address) and I'll pass your details on to the relevant person.
And just so you know, Property Secrets NEVER passes your contact details to any third party without your written consent - so you don't have to worry that you'll end up spammed to death!
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Web-based applications are a lot easier and cheaper to maintain, hence why it makes sense that they're free, compared to actual downloadable software.
I also agree with Jools- security is a big issue.
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If you have your property portfolio/financial details stored on a web based system - If SOCA (The serious organised crime agency) or one of the other 'services' or HMRC wanted to - could they sieze your imformation directly from the site holding the information easier than they could by trying to get the information from say a home based laptop?
This would probably only apply if you were under scrutiny but since ALL email/telephone/data goes through the GCHQ/NSA computers at Menwith Hill in Yorkshire technically under the anti terrorism legislation, could other agencies obtain your data either with or without your knowledge?
I know banks operate online but surely they work under different arrangements to, no offence intended, normal private companies when it comes to data release (apart from normal data protection measures).
Jools
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Only a problem if you have something to hide, as the argument goes...
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To be fair i'll take the pros and cons from any unbiased user. Sorry Property Secrets but it's the only fair way to make any kind of judgement.
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I'm very interested in The Landlord's opinion myself!
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Just to let you know we have made entering tenancy details much easier. It can now all be done on one form - check it out see what you think.
We are always looking for suggestions on how the software can be improved so if your readers have any ideas, please let us know.
Chris
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Firstly, if you buy it, when they issue an update you have to buy the update. The update costs twice as much as the original programme. Nice work if you can get it !.
Secondly, I borked my computer and had to re-install the programme (I had backed up the data files elsewhere fortunately). I thought I had also lost the serial no. which was on an email from them originally.
When I wrote to them to ask them to furnish me with it again, they refused and said I would have to buy the newest version. They obviously had the serial no. but just wanted to screw me for more money. It turned out that I had sent a copy of the email to my other computer and I found it there eventually.
I've decided to move everything into MSExcel this year and stop using it.
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If you don't like our Property Manager 2.0 you can always then use MSExcel and you have lost nothing!
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Now using EZPZ. Once you get your head around it its very good - probably relates for multiple properties/advanced users as it is SAGE based and is more of a financial programme as opposed to management programme.
Jools
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It's free for those of you with small/medium portfolios and is web-based so has all the pros and cons already mentioned above.
It doesn't (yet) have all the functions of some of our competitors, but what we do, we do well.
Of course, I work for them so I'm completely biased, so you'll need to check it out for yourself.
Mike.
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I have used and tested most programmes on the market and found EZPZ to be the only double entry one. Using it was so difficult and the report section was a real hassle. The continual upgrades and bug fixes were too many for my liking hence my preference for online.
Gail
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Property portfolio software
there's a version available for Windows Mobile as well as PC.
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We have completed a good framework that includes basic accounting features, simple support ticketing options, noise complaint mechanisms and online rent payment systems (designed to easily accept online payments [useful for room-mates etc.]). We would gladly give a lifetime subscription to this for anyone who can advise us.
Please let me know.
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I would be happy to give you advice where I am able. I am a retired Chartered Engineer(early !) so I have the time, own two properties currently rented and at one time was involved in developing and implementing a wan computer application (database) with my previous Company. I am also a bit of a geek, repair computer software/hardware in my spare time and am familiar with both MSWindows and Linux operating systems.
Drop me an email to let me know what you're looking for if you wish at:
caerhaysattalktalkdotnet. (sorry, but I try to avoid spam when possible !)
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I have been reading the comments here and just wondered how people are getting on with any of the software mentioned.
I have had LANDLORD MANAGER for the last year or so and have a quite a few problems. I quite agree with others here that the customer support is not very good, in fact quite and understatement !
so if anyone has found any good software please post
Thanks
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Well, LondonLandlord, here is my twopenneth.
Having once had a cheque guarantee card cut up in front of me by my bank manager (when there were such things!) I micro-manage all my finances with an ancient version of Quicken. Before leaping into being a landlord I played with all the free property management products I could find. Although initially a bit of a learning curve, Smart Property Manager, free for me and online, has come out tops.
The ammount of detail I can input is extensive. At any time, and from my 'phone if I want, I can see exactly what is going on. I have two properties at the moment and by putting in ALL my expences from solicitors fees to batteries for smoke alarms I am able to see when I will actually go into profit!
As we all start to use the Internet for our day to day lives the deciding factor between similar products, particularly when they are free, is the quality of customer support offered.
This morning I noticed that despite a discount being offered to use UPad through SPM, none was given. I mentioned this to SPM customer support via email and within 15 minutes I had a reply and a contact within UPad. They sorted out the glitch straight away. What I had thought was another glitch in the SPM software was explained to me, my misunderstanding, within minutes. I recommend SPM wholeheartedly and would suggest that you too give it a go. If you are going to manage your own portfolio rather than give a shoebox full of invoices to an accountant, this is the one for you. As you asked, another 5 months and I start to make an actual return on my outlay!
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I use Landlords Property Manager - Professional from Property portfolio software
I have been using it for over four years. It's easy to use and the support team are great if you have any issues.
I understand that they also won the best software award at the latest landlord awards.
May be worth giving them a try if you're still looking.
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I particularly like their ongoing updates which they bas on regular customer surveys.
I see they offer a 90 day money back guarantee now, so you've got plenty of time to try it and decide if it's for you.
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We have been using Properite Property Management & Landlord Software for a while now. Its gots some really good features including automatic tenancy agreement generation and tracking income & expenditure. Sometimes the User Interface can be a bit annoying, but overall its pretty good.
The website is: Properite Property Management Software
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Just to let you know Property Hawk has upgraded our web app to property manager 3.0.
It really has moved on and it's still FREE. Check it out see what you think.
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Bought landlords property manager professional from property portfolio software earlier this year and it has totally changed the way we run our property business - for the better off course!
Their customer service is good and their on-line training videos are very comprehensive.
I saw the post from Tim which states they offer a 90 day money back guarantee. Plenty of time to see if the software is for you and I have to admit was a reason I decided to try them!
Best decision I made - apart from buying property of course :-)
Alison
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I have used Quicken Deluxe & Business for many years. It's a very powerful tool for Landlords. But it's not supported any more in the UK-not that I've ever needed support, 'cause it's been so well tried and tested in the States.
So I wouldn't mind moving over to something like Landlord Property Manager.
But I would like to know what LPM can do that Quicken can't, before I move.
Anyone know? I'll even supply you with a copy of Quicken to evaluate, upon request.
Neil
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The I-Portfolio Tracker link appears to be dead.
Great looking list, will test drive them and see.
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You might want to try bigroof.co.uk (http://bigroof.co.uk) for some quicken support. They've got some very competitive online subscription packages and they've accommodated couple of my requests in the past.
Will
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It is for free and u have all set of necessary tools.
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I initially started this website because I wanted to document my every step from property idiot to property landlord,
in hope that people would find my site and help me along the way. I literally didn't have a clue about being a landlord
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The real benefit of it is, we think, unique - the ability to link your properties to your agents and have THEM update your incoming rents and outgoing costs.
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