Both Propertyware and Buildium offer comprehensive property management solutions, but cater to different needs. Propertyware is suitable for larger portfolios with its per-unit pricing model and extensive feature set, while Buildium's tiered pricing and focus on security make it a strong contender for smaller to medium-sized businesses. The choice depends on the specific requirements, budget, and scale of the property management operation.
| Attribute | Propertyware | Buildium |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Structure | Per-unit, per-month with minimum monthly charge. Basic: $1/unit/month ($250 min). Plus: $1.50/unit/month ($350 min). Premium: $2/unit/month ($450 min). Implementation fees may apply (2x monthly subscription). | Tiered pricing based on the number of units managed and features required. Essential: Starts at $55/month (limited to 150 units, eLeases are $5 each). Growth: Starts at $174/month (performance analytics, waiving incoming EFT fees, free eLeases). Premium: Starts at $375/month (growth consultant, open API, payable annually). |
| Tenant Screening Capabilities | Background checks, credit reports from major bureaus, rental payment history database. AI scoring engine. Customizable screening criteria. | Tenant screening through TransUnion. Basic and Premium screening reports available. Screening costs $17 per screen, or $32 if passed to the applicant. Enhanced Tenant Screening is $20 per screen. Reports typically generate within 24 hours. |
| Online Portal Features | Dedicated portals for tenants and owners. 24/7 access. Tenants: pay rent, submit service requests. Owners: view reports, balances, updates. | Online portals for residents, owners, and board members. Residents can submit maintenance requests, pay rent, and view payment history. Owners can access financial reports, statements, and important documents. Board members can access documents and reports. |
| Accounting & Reporting Features | Payment reminders, bank reconciliation, fee management. Full trust accounting, automatic rent collection, customizable reporting tools. Unlimited financial reports, QuickBooks integration. | Comprehensive accounting software. Tracks budgets, manages vendor payments, and coordinates rent schedules. Includes automated bank reconciliations and 1099 e-filing. Generates balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. |
| Maintenance Management | Work order tracking, vendor management. Tenant portal submissions, automatic updates. Manage vendors, dispatch work orders, track time/expense, invoice tenants/owners. | Tracks maintenance requests and manages work orders. Residents, owners, and staff can submit tasks with attachments. Vendors can be added and tracked, with performance reports available. Allows creation of work orders and invoices. |
| Lease Management | Leasing tools, tenant screening, lead tracking, online listings. Track lease renewals, view lease history. Automate document signing process. | eLease system allows for digital signatures and easy tracking of leases. Collect legally binding digital eSignatures through Buildium's partnership with Adobe Document Cloud. Lease templates can be created and used for online signing. |
| Communication Tools | SMS messaging, tenant portal. Customizable communication preferences. | Email and SMS integration. Announcements and updates can be sent to residents, owners, and vendors. Residents can contact property managers through the Resident Center. |
| Customer Support Availability & Quality | Unlimited support and online training. Dedicated Propertyware Contact Center. | Customer care, onboarding, and a knowledge base. Personal onboarding for Growth plan subscribers and higher. Essential plan subscribers have access to ticket-based support and Buildium's academy. |
| Mobile App Functionality | Android and iOS. Customize templates, conduct inspections (with or without Wi-Fi). Centralizes maintenance information, handles work orders and vendor management. | Mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. Property managers can access property data, manage tasks, and communicate with contacts. Residents can submit maintenance requests and make payments through the app. |
| Integration with Third-Party Services | Open API. Integrates with Buildium, Rentvine, Rentmanager and Appfolio. | Integrates with payment gateways like ePay and PayNearMe, and services like Tenant Turner and HappyCo. |
| Customization Options | Custom fields, dashboards, and reports. Create unlimited financial reports. | Allows for customization of reports and workflows. |
| Data Security & Compliance | Data security measures in place. | Uses secure, encrypted payment gateways and offers features such as two-factor authentication and payment tokenization. |
| Onboarding New Properties and Tenants | Add new properties with details like name, address, type, bedrooms/bathrooms, square footage, rental price, security deposit. Add tenant name, contact details, and property rented. | Not available |
| Customer Support Response Time | Aims to resolve 85% of calls on first call. | Not available |
| Rent Collection and Late Payment Processing | Automatic rent collection, online payment options. Automate late fees and send reminders. | Automates and digitizes online rent collection. |
| Security Measures | Security measures in place to protect data. | Not available |