Managing rental properties in 2025 is easier than ever. But with so many tools out there, it can be hard to pick the right one. If you’re choosing between Stessa and Buildium, you’re already off to a good start. Both are great. But they work best for different people.
Let’s break them down and see which one works best for you.
What is Stessa?
Stessa is like a money coach for your rental business. It helps landlords track income, expenses, and property performance. And get this—it’s free! That’s right. It won’t cost you a penny to get started.
Here’s what you get with Stessa:
- Automatic expense tracking via bank connections
- Real-time dashboards
- Mileage tracking
- Document storage
- Tax-ready financial reports
Stessa is perfect for small landlords. If you own a couple of homes or duplexes, it’s simple and clean. Plus, it won’t overwhelm you with tons of features you don’t use.
What is Buildium?
Buildium is like a full-service property office inside your computer. It’s made for property managers who manage multiple units—or even big portfolios. Unlike Stessa, Buildium is not free. But that’s because it does a lot.
Here’s what you’ll find in Buildium:
- Full accounting system
- Online rent collection
- Tenant and lease tracking
- Maintenance request management
- Marketing for vacancies
- Electronic document signing
Buildium is great for people managing many properties or working with multiple clients. Think 50 units or more. That’s where this power tool shines!
The Key Differences
So, how are these two tools really different? Let’s make it super clear:
| Feature | Stessa | Buildium |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (with paid add-ons) | Paid (starts at around $55/mo) |
| Best For | Individual landlords | Property managers or large landlords |
| Bookkeeping | Yes, streamlined | Yes, advanced |
| Maintenance Tools | No | Yes |
| Tenant Screening & Leasing | Limited | Yes, full support |
When to Choose Stessa
Pick Stessa if you:
- Own a few rentals
- Want something simple
- Hate paperwork
- Don’t want to pay monthly fees
Stessa works wonders for DIY landlords who just want to keep their finances in line without a headache.
When to Choose Buildium
Go with Buildium if you:
- Manage dozens of units
- Need full-scale tools (like tenant screening, e-signing, and maintenance)
- Work with a team or multiple owners
- Don’t mind paying for premium services
It’s ideal for property managers or landlords running things like a business.
The Final Word
In 2025, both Stessa and Buildium are top-notch choices. But picking the best one depends on your needs.
If you’re a small landlord who loves simplicity and savings, Stessa is probably your best bet.
If you’re running a full-scale property business and need a pro-level toolbox, then Buildium is the way to go.
Tip: Many landlords actually start with Stessa and upgrade to Buildium as they grow. Think about where you are now—and where you want to be.
Whichever you choose, you’re already making smart moves. Here’s to easy property management in 2025!
