The Essential, Free Toolkit for the DIY Landlord. Get expert-reviewed software insights, state-specific legal lease templates, and proven strategies designed to help small-scale landlords and property managers run a professional, profitable business—for free.
We test the top landlord tools in real-world scenarios—objective, transparent, and built to help DIY landlords succeed.
Best for: Mid-sized portfolios (10+ units). Excellent accounting automation, tenant portal, and maintenance tracking. Integration with major payment processors.
Best for: Cost-conscious independent landlords (1-10 units) who want maximum savings on fees by tracking offline payments (Zelle/Venmo/CashApp). Includes AI Assistant for drafting notices and simplifying property reports—no complex setup required.
Best for: Property managers and landlords with 20+ units needing full-featured accounting. Buildium is pricey for DIY landlords with fewer units, with extra fees for features competitors often include.
Best for: Dropbox Sign’s free plan lets DIY landlords with 1–5 properties send 3 signature requests per month, sign unlimited docs, and integrate with Google Drive.
Best for: Generating legally sound leases instantly. AI-powered, customizable leases trained on thousands of real agreements, compliant in all 50 states.
Best for: Landlords seeking reliable tenant credit checks. Uses SmartMove’s ResidentScore for 15% better eviction-risk prediction and includes access to 370M+ state and federal criminal records—streamlined for confident rental decisions.
“I found this site through a Facebook landlord group. So much of the ‘free’ advice out there is just a way to push expensive enterprise software. I appreciate that this resource focuses on practical tools and articles that actually help landlords manage properties without breaking the bank. It’s refreshing to find guidance that’s genuinely useful!”
“As a first-time landlord in Illinois, I wasn’t sure how to create a lease that met state requirements. The lease generator on this site included IL-specific clauses and made it easy to create a legal, professional lease. Combined with the guidance and affordable software recommendations, I feel confident managing my rental now!”
“Managing my rental properties while working full-time was overwhelming. I discovered this site and found simple tools that helped me track rent, expenses, and communicate with tenants without expensive software subscriptions. It’s made my life so much easier!”
Learn from experienced landlords who've been there
November 18, 2025 • 4 min read
9 expensive first-time landlord mistakes that destroy cash flow and how to avoid them using free & low-cost tools. Start your rental business the right way — no drama.
November 18, 2025 • 3 min read
Step-by-step tenant screening guide for DIY landlords: minimum standards, applicant-paid reports, red flags, and exactly how to verify income & references without spending a dime.
November 17, 2025 • 3 min read
Fill vacancies fast with 100% free rental listings on Zillow, Facebook Marketplace, Apartments.com & more. Exact platforms + pro tips that get applications in hours.
Practical resources to help you save money and grow your rental business
Our recommendations are curated and vetted by experienced landlords, giving you the tools and strategies you need to succeed.
Minimize risk and gain peace of mind. Get free access to essential, state-specific leases that cover all 50 states!
Sponsored by: FreeLeaseTemplates.com
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Provide the details, and our AI will generate a state-compliant lease tailored to your property and terms.
Instant generation • Updated for 2025 laws
Trained on 10,000+ Executed Leases
Generates in Under 60 Seconds
A Genuinely Free, No-Obligation Service
We’re a tiny team of active DIY landlords managing 47 rental units (all 1–10-unit properties). Tired of paying $50–$400/month for bloated software we barely used, we built exactly what small-scale landlords actually need:
Since 2018, we’ve helped over 15,000 landlords streamline their operations and avoid costly mistakes.
No venture capital. No upsells. No “enterprise” pricing traps. Everything is designed for landlords with 1–10 units who want professional results on a beer-budget. Welcome home.