Rent tracker or property management software?
Many landlords search for property management software when what they really need is to know who has paid. The two are not the same thing, and the right choice saves you money and effort.
What property management software usually does
Full property management tools aim to run the whole business of renting. Depending on the product, that can include taking rent online, screening applicants, writing leases, handling maintenance requests and keeping the books. That is a lot of power, and a lot to learn and pay for.
What a rent tracker does
A rent tracker does one thing. It records the rent you expect and the rent you receive, shows you who is late and adds up the month. Your tenants keep paying you the way they do today, and you stay in charge of everything else.
What suits you
| If this sounds like you | Start with |
|---|---|
| I take rent by bank transfer, cash or cheque and just need to keep track | A rent tracker |
| I have a few tenants and a day job | A rent tracker |
| I want tenants to pay me through an online portal | Property management software |
| I screen applicants and write leases inside the same tool | Property management software |
| I run a large business with staff and accounting needs | Property management software |
What wrentrack leaves out on purpose
- It does not collect payments, so there is no payment processor and no extra fee on your rent.
- It does not write leases or other legal documents.
- It does not screen applicants or list your properties.
- It does not replace accounting software.
Leaving those out keeps wrentrack quick to learn. If you only need to know who has paid, a simple rent tracker for landlords is often all you need.
Common questions
Do I need property management software?
Only if you want one tool to handle online rent collection, leases, screening and accounting. If you mainly need to know who has paid, a rent tracker is simpler and cheaper.
Can I use a rent tracker and still use my own accountant?
Yes. A rent tracker keeps your rent and expense records tidy, and you can export them to CSV to share with your accountant.