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What is rental management software? Your ally to simplify everything
A rental management software is an intuitive solution that helps manage your rental properties. It automates and centralizes everything: rents, contracts, maintenance, and legal compliance.
Whether you are an owner, manager, agency, SCI, or individual, this tool frees you from time-consuming tasks, making management easier even without being a real estate professional.
According to Fortune Business Insights, the market is $26.55 billion in 2026 and will reach $52.21 billion by 2032.
Advantages compared to manual management
Switching from manual management (spreadsheets, paper) to software offers significant benefits for landlords:
- Time saver: Automation of receipts, reminders, and reports (up to 15 hours/month saved).
- Reduction of errors: Automatic calculation of charges, compliance of contracts.
- Fewer unpaid bills: Automatic reminders and online payment portals.
- Better organization: All centralized data, accessible in one click.
- Tenant satisfaction: Seamless communication, portal for submitting requests.
- Better profitability: Performance analysis to optimize rents and reduce costs.
Management of unpaid bills
Unpaid bills are a major challenge in rental management, causing a considerable mental burden for owners. Modern software facilitates their management thanks to:
- Automatic reminders: Sending by email or SMS before and after the deadline.
- Payment portals: Secure online payments (card, SEPA direct debit).
- Real-time tracking: Alerts for overdue rentals, payment histories.
- Escalation procedures: Automatic generation of reminder letters or formal notices.
- Reports: Analysis of unpaid trends to identify at-risk tenants.
Regulatory compliance
In France, rental management is governed by strict laws (ALUR, ELAN, CLIMATE). Software ensures compliance by:
- Updating contract templates: Leases in accordance with the latest laws.
- Automating obligations: Sending receipts, regularization of charges.
- According to legal deadlines: Notifications for rent renewals or revisions.
- Respecting the GDPR: Tenant data protection.
It is also crucial to engage visitors and potential customers by organizing interactive events and activities.
Security & privacy: Protect your data with reliable software
When you choose a rental management software, security and confidentiality of data must be a top priority. Information about your tenants and your real estate are sensitive, and a hacking or a breach may cause serious problems.
Here's what you need to know to select a tool that is trustworthy and compliant, with a look at reviews on the options available.
Encryption: Lock your data
Securing your data starts with strong encryption. The best software uses technologies like AES-256 encryption to protect information against unauthorized access. This ensures that even in the event of a leak, your data remains unreadable to hackers. Connections must also go through HTTPS protocols, which secure the exchanges between your device and the server.
Watch out: some low-cost software neglects these standards, putting your data at risk. Always check the encryption information before you commit.
Good encryption is your first line of defense to keep your information safe.
Active defenses: Repel cyberattacks
Reliable software must be armed against digital threats. Firewalls block intrusions, while detection systems identify suspicious activity in real time.
Frequent updates are also essential to fix security breaches.
- Heavy-duty firewalls: Prevent unauthorized access.
- Intrusion detection: Alert on hacking attempts.
- Regular updates: Protect against new threats.
- Safety tests: Provide continuous protection.
Be careful: some tools, even popular ones, may lag behind on updates, leaving vulnerabilities.
An active defense is crucial to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
Legal compliance: Respect the rules
A professional software must follow the laws on data protection, like the GDPR in Europe. That includes transparency about how the data is collected, stored, and used. Tenants have a right to know what is being done with their personal information.
Some software, often based outside Europe, ignore the GDPR, which may result in fines for YOU.
Choosing a compliant software prevents you from legal problems and reinforces the trust of your tenants.
Backups: Never lose your data
Outages or disasters (like a ransomware) can erase your data. A good software offers regular automatic backups and a quick recovery to retrieve your information without panic.
- Daily backups: Keep your data safe.
- Off-site storage: Protects against physical disasters.
Watch out: some cheap tools limit backups or charge for recovery. Check the frequency and ease of access to backups.
Reliable backups are your safety net to avoid irreversible losses.
Certifications: A guarantee of seriousness
To evaluate the trustworthiness of a software, look for recognized certifications like ISO 27001 (security management) or SOC 2 (data control). These labels prove that the supplier takes security seriously.
A certified software gives you the assurance of tested and approved protection.
Trends to watch in 2026
The sector is evolving rapidly, with innovations that are redefining rental management:
- AI and automation: Tenant selection, predictive maintenance, rent adjustment.
- Mobile solutions: Real-time management via intuitive applications.
- Ecology: Tools to monitor the energy performance of properties (in accordance with the CLIMATE law).
- Predictive analytics: Data to anticipate tenant needs and optimize rents.
- Real estate rent: Promotion of rental management software for individuals, SCI, and professionals, covering all stages of renting with advanced functionalities for rent monitoring, tax reporting, and the management of multiple properties.
Conclusion
In 2026, rental management software is an essential ally for owners in their own name or real estate professionals. They simplify tasks, reduce errors, and increase profitability while ensuring legal compliance.
Whether you opt for Rentila for its simplicity, Buildium for its versatility, or AppFolio for its advanced functionalities, the important thing is to choose a tool adapted to your needs and your budget.
Explore free trials, test features, and transform your rental management today. With the right software, you'll save time, reduce stress, and provide a better experience for your tenants.
FAQS
What are the advantages of Lockimmo for French owners?
Lockimmo is ideal for owners and agencies in France thanks to its compliance with local laws (ALUR, ELAN). It offers an intuitive interface, inventory management, online rent collection, and automatic reminders for unpaid invoices. Its affordable price (starting at €12/month) and its 30-day free trial make it an attractive option.
Is Lockimmo suitable for small SCIs?
Yes, Lockimmo is suitable for SCI managing a few properties. It offers simplified accounting tools, reports for associates, and centralized contract management, with a quick start.
How does Lockimmo deal with unpaid bills?
Lockimmo automates email/SMS reminders, offers a secure payment portal, and generates compliant reminder letters or formal notices. Users report a reduction in unpaid bills of 10 to 15%.
Does Lockimmo comply with French regulations?
Absolutely. Lockimmo automatically updates its lease models, receipts, and inventories to comply with ALUR, ELAN, and CLIMAT laws, while complying with the GDPR for data protection.
Can I test Lockimmo before subscribing?
Yes, Lockimmo offers a 30-day free trial without commitment. You can test all the functionalities, import your data, and evaluate the interface via their site (lockimmo.com).
What are Lockimmo's limits?
Lockimmo is less suitable for large international portfolios (100+ properties) because it focuses on the French market. It also lacks some advanced AI features, like predictive rent analysis, available at AppFolio.
How do I subscribe to Lockimmo?
Go to lockimmo.com, create an account, test free of charge for 30 days, then choose a plan (starting at €12/month). Payment is made by card or bank transfer, with monthly or annual options.
What software competitors to Lockimmo can I consider?
For the French market, Rentila (€9/month) is an affordable alternative, while Buildium ($58/month) offers more features for SCIs or agencies. AppFolio is suitable for mixed portfolios, but has a higher price.
Does software like Lockimmo require long training?
No, Lockimmo is designed to be intuitive. It offers tutorials, webinars, and responsive support. Most users master the tool in 1 to 2 hours.
Is rental management software secure?
Yes, solutions like Lockimmo use data encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular backups, in compliance with the GDPR, to protect the information of tenants and owners.
