In Houston, managing rental properties can be a rewarding venture for DIY landlords, while also presenting numerous challenges, from tenant screening to rent collection and ongoing property management. However, with the right landlord software, many of these tasks can be streamlined, saving landlords time and reducing stress. In this article, we will compare three popular software options—TurboTenant, DoorLoop, and Stessa—to help Houston landlords identify a platform that best suits their needs.

Introduction

TurboTenant, DoorLoop, and Stessa each offer unique features designed to address the needs of landlords. Our goal is to examine these platforms closely, comparing their key functionalities, pros and cons, and use cases to guide landlords in Houston toward the best choice for their property management requirements.

Key Features to Consider in Landlord Software

When evaluating landlord software, several critical features stand out:

• Tenant screening and applications: Evaluate how each platform handles this integral aspect, as it can significantly impact the quality of tenants.

• Rent collection and payment processing: Automatic reminders and online payment options can simplify rent collection.

• Lease management and document storage: Consider how well the software supports managing leases and storing important documents.

• Maintenance tracking and communication: Effective maintenance tracking features facilitate prompt service for tenants.

• Accounting and financial reporting: Robust accounting tools can aid in financial oversight and tax preparation.

• Cost and scalability for growing portfolios: Ensure the software adapts to your portfolio as it grows.

TurboTenant: Overview and Best Use Cases

TurboTenant is designed for landlords seeking a user-friendly and low-cost solution. Among its standout features are:

• Free tenant screening and applications

• Online lease signing and management

• Automated rent collection reminders

• Basic maintenance request tracking

TurboTenant offers several advantages. It is free for landlords, with tenants covering application fees. The platform is particularly user-friendly, making it suitable for small-scale landlords with only a few properties. However, its limitations include having only basic accounting features and a lack of built-in maintenance management tools.

TurboTenant is best for small DIY landlords looking for an effective, low-cost solution to streamline their property management tasks while maintaining a hands-on approach.

DoorLoop: Overview and Best Use Cases

DoorLoop caters to landlords with more extensive portfolios, providing comprehensive property management features:

• Complete property management for leases, tenants, payments, and maintenance

• Integration with QuickBooks for seamless accounting

• Customizable workflows and automation

• A mobile-friendly platform for on-the-go management

The robust capabilities of DoorLoop make it a formidable choice for medium to large portfolios. It features advanced reporting and financial tracking tools that enhance decision-making and raise efficiency. Additionally, DoorLoop offers good customer support and onboarding assistance. However, it does require a monthly subscription, starting at $69, and may have a learning curve for new users.

DoorLoop is ideal for landlords managing multiple properties who seek a comprehensive and powerful property management solution.

Stessa: Overview and Best Use Cases

Stessa distinguishes itself with an emphasis on financial tracking. Notable features include:

• Automated financial tracking and reporting

• Free rent collection and expense tracking

• Performance dashboards for ROI analysis

• Tax preparation tools and integrations

The major strength of Stessa lies in its strong accounting and financial tools, which are entirely free for core features. It is particularly suitable for real estate investors tracking multiple properties. However, it lacks tenant screening and lease management functions, which may be limiting for some landlords.

Stessa is best for investors and landlords who prioritize financial management over tenant-oriented features.

What If DIY Property Management Isn’t for You?

While managing rental properties independently can save money, it often demands significant time and effort. Tasks, such as tenant screening, maintaining legal compliance, and coordinating maintenance, can become overwhelming. That’s why so many investors choose to work with a trustworthy property management company like Evernest.

There are scenarios when it may be prudent to consider investing in a property management company:

1. You own multiple properties and struggle with day-to-day tasks.

2. You live far from your rental properties and need local support.

3. You prefer a hands-off investment approach.

4. You find it challenging to handle tenant issues, legal matters, or maintenance requests.

Professional property management firms can handle marketing, tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance, ensuring compliance with local laws while saving landlords time.

However, hiring a property management company does come with downsides, including fees typically ranging from 8% to 12% of monthly rent and less direct control over property decisions.

Which Software (or Approach) is Right for You?

Deciding between TurboTenant, DoorLoop, and Stessa largely depends on your specific needs:

• Choose TurboTenant if you need a simple, free solution for tenant screening and rent collection.

• Choose DoorLoop if you require a comprehensive, all-in-one platform for managing multiple properties.

• Choose Stessa if your focus is on tracking rental income, expenses, and investment performance.

• Consider a property management company if DIY management becomes too time-consuming and you prefer a hands-off approach.

Wrapping Up: Top DIY Landlord Software in Houston: TurboTenant Vs. DoorLoop Vs. Stessa

The choice of a landlord software solution is vital and depends on factors such as property portfolio size, budget considerations, and management style. Houston landlords are encouraged to evaluate their needs and take advantage of free trials or demos before making a commitment. For those who find self-management overwhelming, hiring a property manager could be the best long-term investment for enhancing their rental business.

Disclaimer

All claims are a result of an industry-wide audit done by our in-house team. If we missed something or provided incorrect information, please let us know at marketing@evernest.co.