The rental industry just experienced its strongest 10-year stretch in more than 30 years. Between 2004 and 2014, the number of new rental households increased an average of 770,000 every year. Because of the significant increase in renters, commercial property management has become even more important — and even more stressful.
Property management software programs are now essential for landlords to effectively operate their buildings, hire contractors, and deal with tenants. In fact, if you aren’t already using the best landlord software, you’re in danger of falling dangerously behind. Here are a few ways that landlord software can help property managers get ahead and stay ahead.
Tenant Screening
Often, it’s difficult to know who you’re dealing with or what kind of tenant you’re letting into your building. With an effective screening process, however, you’ll be able to identify any potentially problematic renters before they join your community. The best landlord software will enable you to search the renting history of any prospective tenant and will allow you to be aware of any potential issues.
Organization and File Management
Some property managers have hundreds of people that they have to oversee. From independent maintenance contractors to every single tenant, it can become overwhelming fast. Luckily, effective property management software will provide landlords the opportunity to better organize all their files in a secure digital platform. You’ll be able to easily upload and share lease contracts, photographs of buildings and apartments, and any other important documents.
Professional Website and Online Apartment Listings
It’s nearly impossible to be successful in any business nowadays without a great online presence, and that’s especially true for landlords trying to fill vacancies. By using quality landlord software, you’ll receive a professional website that will be great for tenant acquisition, vacancy promotion, and many more online services.
Better Vacancy Advertising
Publishing vacant housing and apartments you have available is extremely important so you can acquire more renters. But with quality property software, you can easily post your available vacancies online and to websites like Craigslist and other popular rental sites. You’ll be able to attach photographs to each post, information about the property, and any details about pricing.
One of the best aspects of online property management software is the ability to innovate. If there is something that you think could help you better manage your property or assist your tenants, you can request an addition to the software and the creators might even add it.