Top Technology Tools for Property Managers
Managing properties in the modern age is no longer just about charming tenants with a well-timed quip and a firm handshake. With the sheer volume of responsibilities—tenant communication, maintenance tracking, financial management, and the occasional emergency involving a mysteriously blocked drain—property managers need all the help they can get. Thankfully, technology has stepped in to take the burden off our already overworked shoulders.
Here’s a look at some of the best property management software and tech solutions available today that will make your life easier, and perhaps even leave you with enough time to enjoy a proper cup of tea.
1. Property Management Software: The Digital Butler
Long gone are the days of frantic paper shuffling and losing important lease agreements behind the office sofa. Modern property management software like Arthur Online, Re-Leased, and Buildium centralise everything, from rent collection to maintenance requests, in one neat and tidy digital space. Think of it as an exceptionally organised butler who never takes a holiday.
2. Smart Locks: Say Goodbye to the Lost Keys Excuse
Tenants misplacing their keys is as inevitable as a drizzly summer’s day in Britain. Smart locks such as Yale Linus or August Smart Lock mean you can grant or revoke access remotely. No more emergency key handovers at unsociable hours, and best of all, no more suspicious tales about “a friend who definitely didn’t steal the keys.”
3. Virtual Tours: Because Not Everyone Wants to See the Property in the Rain
Prospective tenants can now take a 360-degree virtual tour of a property from the comfort of their own homes, pyjamas and all. Platforms like Matterport and EyeSpy360 make it easy to showcase properties online, reducing wasted viewings from those who only came for a nosy.
4. Automated Rent Collection: The End of "Cheque is in the Post"
The days of chasing tenants for rent payments are mercifully coming to an end. Services like GoCardless, PayProp, and Stripe automate the process, ensuring funds appear in your account without the usual excuses—lost cheques, bank errors, or the classic “Oh, I thought I’d already paid that.”
5. Maintenance Management Apps: No More Post-It Notes
Instead of scribbling down maintenance requests on bits of paper that will inevitably disappear, digital tools like Fixflo and Property Inspect streamline the process. Tenants can report issues with photos and details, and you can assign repairs without having to play phone tag with tradespeople.
6. AI Chatbots: The 24/7 Assistant You Didn’t Know You Needed
We all know tenants have a knack for asking the most pressing questions at the most inconvenient times. AI-driven chatbots, such as AskPorter or Tidio, handle queries round the clock. They’re always polite, never tired, and won’t roll their eyes when asked for the fifth time what day the bins go out.
7. Energy Management Systems: Because Bills Are No Laughing Matter
With rising energy costs, managing utilities efficiently has never been more important. Smart energy systems like Nest and tado° help track energy usage and reduce waste, keeping bills in check while ensuring tenants don’t feel like they’re living in an igloo.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Tech, Keep Your Sanity
While property management will always have its share of headaches—yes, even with all these digital tools—embracing technology can make the job significantly smoother. By adopting these tech solutions, you can streamline operations, improve tenant satisfaction, and perhaps even find a moment to enjoy a biscuit with your tea, rather than just staring wistfully at the tin.
Now, if only there were an app to ensure tenants actually read their lease agreements…