Managing rental properties can be daunting for DIY landlords, especially in busy cities like Chattanooga. The challenges range from tenant screening to rent collection, property maintenance, and compliance with local regulations. Fortunately, landlord software can streamline these tasks significantly, making it easier for property owners to focus on their investments.

This article will explore three popular software options—TurboTenant, DoorLoop, and Stessa—each designed to cater to different landlord needs. Our objective is to provide a comparative analysis that will assist Chattanooga landlords in selecting the best fit for their requirements.

Key Features to Consider in Landlord Software

When selecting landlord software, certain features are paramount to ensure efficient management of rental properties. Here's a breakdown of key functionalities to consider:

• Tenant screening and applications: Verify potential tenants through background checks and applications.

• Rent collection and payment processing: Facilitate timely payments through various methods.

• Lease management and document storage: Keep all essential documents readily accessible.

• Maintenance tracking and communication: Manage maintenance requests and communicate effectively with tenants.

• Accounting and financial reporting: Monitor income, expenses, and financial health of your rental properties.

• Cost and scalability for growing portfolios: Evaluate pricing structures that accommodate growth.

Another critical feature to consider is the integration with property management platforms. This allows landlords to streamline their operations by connecting various tools and services, such as marketing platforms for listing vacancies, or analytics tools to assess market trends. An integrated system can save time and reduce the likelihood of errors, making it easier to manage multiple aspects of property management from one central hub.

Additionally, user-friendly interfaces and mobile accessibility are essential for landlords who are often on the go. Software that offers mobile apps or responsive web design can enable landlords to manage their properties, respond to tenant inquiries, and track financials from anywhere. This flexibility not only enhances productivity but also improves tenant satisfaction, as landlords can address issues promptly and efficiently, contributing to a positive rental experience.

TurboTenant: Overview and Best Use Cases

TurboTenant is an appealing option for small-scale landlords looking for an efficient management tool without financial commitment.

Key Features:

• Free tenant screening and applications

• Online lease signing and management

• Rent collection with automated reminders

• Basic maintenance request tracking

Pros:

• Free for landlords (tenants pay application fees)

• User-friendly for small-scale landlords

• No contract required

Cons:

• Limited accounting features

• No built-in maintenance management tools

Best for:

Small DIY landlords who own a few properties and seek a low-cost, simple solution.

DoorLoop: Overview and Best Use Cases

For landlords managing multiple properties, DoorLoop stands out as a comprehensive property management platform. It provides all the necessary tools for overseeing tenants, leases, and payments efficiently.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive property management, including leases, tenants, payments, and maintenance

• Accounting integration with QuickBooks

• Customizable workflows and automation

• Mobile-friendly platform

Pros:

• Robust features for medium to large portfolios

• Advanced reporting and financial tracking

• Good customer support and onboarding

Cons:

• Monthly subscription required (starting at $69/month)

• May have a learning curve for new users

Best for:

Landlords needing a full-service property management solution for multiple properties.

Stessa: Overview and Best Use Cases

Stessa positions itself as a strong contender for landlords focused on financial tracking. With fully automated financial reporting, it offers essential tools for expense tracking and performance analysis.

Key Features:

• Automated financial tracking and reporting

• Free rent collection and expense tracking

• Performance dashboards for ROI analysis

• Tax preparation tools and integrations

Pros:

• Completely free for core features

• Strong accounting and financial tools

• Ideal for real estate investors managing multiple properties

Cons:

• Lacks tenant screening and lease management tools

• Limited property management functions

Best for:

Investors and landlords who prioritize financial tracking over tenant management.

What If DIY Property Management Isn’t for You?

While managing your rental properties on your own can save money, it often demands significant time and effort. Responsibilities like tenant screening, legal compliance, and maintenance coordination can become overwhelming. That’s why savvy investors choose to work with trusted property management companies like Evernest instead.

When to Consider a Property Management Company:

• You own multiple properties and struggle with daily tasks

• You live far from your rentals and require local support

• You prefer a hands-off investment strategy

• You find handling tenant issues and legal matters difficult

Pros of Professional Property Management:

• Handles marketing, tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and evictions

• Ensures compliance with local laws

• Saves time while providing professional expertise

Cons of Hiring a Property Management Company:

• Fees typically range from 8%–12% of monthly rent

• Less direct control over tenants and property decisions

How to Choose a Property Management Company in Chattanooga:

• Look for local expertise and strong tenant placement strategies

• Check their online reviews and referrals from other landlords

• Ensure transparency in fees and contract terms

Which Software (or Approach) is Right for You?

Selecting the right software or management approach depends on your needs. Consider the following guidance:

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

• Opt for DoorLoop if you need a comprehensive platform for managing multiple properties.

• Pick Stessa if your primary focus is on tracking rental income and expenses.

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

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

The best software or approach for property management will ultimately depend on your portfolio size, budget, and personal management style. Chattanooga landlords should carefully evaluate their needs and take advantage of free trials and demos available before making a commitment.

For those who find self-management overwhelming and seek to earn passive income, enlisting the services of a trustworthy property management company like Evernest is the most beneficial investment. Get started with our Chattanooga property management team today!

Disclaimer

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