I’ve got a couple of flats I rent out. Nothing fancy — just two, nothing more…
For years, I managed everything with a spreadsheet, a pile of receipts, and a vague hope I’d remember important dates. It worked… sort of. Mostly, it gave me a headache.
Honestly, I thought property management software was for big agencies or landlords with dozens of properties. I figured it would be too complicated or just a waste of money. But last year, after one too many late-night searches for a tenant’s payment or a missed boiler service, I caved and gave it a go.
Let me tell you — it made a bigger difference than I expected.
Why I Avoided It for So Long
I’m not the most tech-savvy person. The thought of learning new software made me put it off for ages. Plus, I was worried it would be expensive or fiddly. Turns out, it wasn’t hard at all, and it didn’t cost much more than a few coffees.
But mostly, I think I just didn’t want to change. I’d gotten used to my clunky spreadsheets and scattered emails — even if they were a mess.
What Changed When I Started Using Property Management Software
First, it’s all in one place now. Rent payments, expenses, repair requests — everything I used to spend hours hunting down is just there. I get reminders about things I’d forget, like safety certificates or rent due dates.
Second, tax time isn’t a nightmare anymore. I can export clear reports for my accountant without scrambling around for months of paperwork.
Most importantly, I’m less stressed. I don’t worry about missing something crucial or losing documents anymore. It’s like having a bit of extra help, without hiring anyone.
Should You Try It?
If you’ve got one or two properties and you’re still relying on spreadsheets or sticky notes, I’d say give it a go. You don’t need to be a tech wizard, and most software is pretty straightforward.
Try it out for a month. If it doesn’t work for you, no big deal. But if it does, you might wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Conclusion
Being a landlord is already a juggling act. Managing your properties shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. Property management software won’t fix everything, but it’ll make your life easier — and that’s worth a lot.
If you’re tired of chasing papers and emails, maybe it’s time to swap the spreadsheet for something that actually works. You might just thank yourself later.