Top DIY Landlord Software in Cleveland: TurboTenant Vs. DoorLoop Vs. Stessa

Introduction

Managing rental properties can be daunting for DIY landlords, especially in a big-city market like Cleveland. From screening potential tenants to collecting rent and managing maintenance requests, the responsibilities can quickly pile up. As a result, the quest for effective landlord software becomes essential to streamline these processes and enhance operational efficiency.

This article will focus on three prominent software options for DIY landlords: TurboTenant, DoorLoop, and Stessa. By reviewing their features, pros and cons, and ideal use cases, Cleveland landlords can make an informed decision on which platform best fits their property management needs.

In addition to the core functionalities, it's important to consider how these software solutions can adapt to the unique challenges faced by landlords in Cleveland. For instance, the city's diverse neighborhoods each have their rental dynamics, which can influence tenant preferences and rental pricing. Understanding these local nuances can help landlords better utilize software tools to target the right audience effectively. Furthermore, with the rise of remote work, many tenants are now seeking properties that offer not just a place to live, but also a conducive environment for productivity. This shift in tenant priorities underscores the need for landlords to leverage technology to not only manage properties but also enhance tenant satisfaction.

Moreover, the integration of features such as online payment processing, maintenance tracking, and tenant communication portals can significantly improve the landlord-tenant relationship. By providing tenants with easy access to pay rent and submit maintenance requests, landlords can foster a sense of community and responsiveness. This is particularly crucial in a competitive market like Cleveland, where retaining quality tenants can be as important as attracting new ones. Additionally, some platforms offer analytics and reporting tools that can help landlords make data-driven decisions about their properties, such as adjusting rental rates based on market trends or identifying which maintenance issues are most common among their tenants.

Key Features to Consider in Landlord Software

When exploring options for landlord software, several key features should be prioritized to ensure an effective management experience. These include:

• Tenant screening and applications: This feature helps landlords select reliable tenants while minimizing risks associated with late payments or property damage.
• Rent collection and payment processing: Automated rent collection ensures timely payments and reduces the possibility of errors.
• Lease management and document storage: A digital repository for leases and documents helps keep everything organized and easily accessible.
• Maintenance tracking and communication: A streamlined method for tenants to report issues and for landlords to address them efficiently is crucial.
• Accounting and financial reporting: Robust financial tools are necessary for managing expenses and ensuring profitability.
• Cost and scalability for growing portfolios: As landlords expand their portfolios, software should be capable of adapting to increasing demands.

TurboTenant: Overview and Best Use Cases

TurboTenant offers a suite of features tailored to small-scale landlords. Key features include free tenant screening and applications, online lease signing, rent collection with automated reminders, and basic maintenance request tracking.

Pros of TurboTenant include that it is free for landlords, as tenants pay the application fees. Its user-friendliness makes it particularly attractive for small-scale landlords, and there is no contract required, providing flexibility.

However, there are some drawbacks. TurboTenant contains limited accounting features and lacks built-in maintenance management tools. It is best suited for small DIY landlords with a few properties looking for an easy and cost-effective solution.

DoorLoop: Overview and Best Use Cases

DoorLoop provides comprehensive property management tools that cater to medium to large property portfolios. Its key features are robust, encompassing property management aspects like leases, tenant screening, payments, maintenance, and accounting integration with QuickBooks.

The advantages of DoorLoop include its advanced reporting and financial tracking capabilities, which are essential for informed decision-making. It also offers good customer support and onboarding, easing the transition for new users.

On the downside, DoorLoop requires a monthly subscription starting at $69/month, which may not suit every budget. Additionally, the extensive features can present a learning curve for those unaccustomed to property management software. Thus, it is ideal for landlords managing multiple properties who need a full-service property management solution.

Stessa: Overview and Best Use Cases

Designed with a strong emphasis on financial management, Stessa automates financial tracking and reporting. Its features include free rent collection and expense tracking, performance dashboards for ROI analysis, and tax prep tools and integrations.

The major benefit of using Stessa is that it is free for its core features, making it accessible for landlords at any stage. It also boasts strong accounting tools, ideal for real estate investors managing multiple properties.

Conversely, Stessa lacks tenant screening and lease management tools, and its property management functions are somewhat limited. Therefore, it is best suited for investors and landlords who prioritize financial tracking over tenant management.

What If DIY Property Management Isn’t for You?

While self-managing rental properties can save money, it demands a significant investment of time and effort. Tasks such as tenant screening, legal compliance, maintenance coordination, and bookkeeping can become overwhelming without the right systems in place. That’s why so many investors choose to work with local property management companies like Evernest.

Landlords may want to consider hiring a property management company under various circumstances, including:

• Owning multiple properties while struggling with day-to-day operations.
• Living far from rental properties and needing local assistance.
• Preferring a hands-off investment approach.
• Finding it challenging to handle tenant issues or legal matters.

Pros of professional property management include full service, from marketing to evictions, ensuring compliance with local laws, and saving time. However, hiring a property manager comes with fees typically ranging from 8%–12% of monthly rent, which may mean less direct control over tenant and property decisions.

Choosing the right property management company in Cleveland requires looking for local expertise, checking their online reviews, and ensuring transparency in fees and contract terms.

Which Software (or Approach) is Right for You?

When deciding on the right software or approach, consider the following:

• Choose TurboTenant if you seek a simple, free solution for tenant screening and rent collection.
• Select DoorLoop if you need a comprehensive, all-in-one platform to manage multiple properties.
• Opt for Stessa if your primary focus is tracking rental income, expenses, and investment performance.
• Consider hiring 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 Cleveland: TurboTenant Vs. DoorLoop Vs. Stessa

Ultimately, the best approach will depend on your property portfolio size, budget, and management style. Cleveland landlords should carefully assess their needs and consider taking advantage of free trials or demos before committing to any software solution.

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 Cleveland 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.