Guide · Prices checked October 15, 2026

Free vs paid landlord software: is upgrading worth it? (2026)

What you actually get on the free plans of TurboTenant, Baselane, Stessa and REI Hub, and what paid upgrades add.

Prices checked on October 15, 2026 Prices change. Confirm on the vendor's site before you buy.

Quick answer

For 1–10 units, free plans cover the basics: TurboTenant (listings, screening, rent), Baselane Core (banking, rent, Schedule E), Stessa Essentials (unlimited properties, bank feeds, rent) and REI Hub free (bookkeeping without auto import). Upgrade when you want e-sign leases, faster payouts, automation or advanced reports, which typically cost $9–$28/month on annual billing.

What free plans include, and what paying adds

ToolFree plan includesPaying addsStarting price
TurboTenantListings, screening, online rentOnline leases and e-sign, income verification, free ACH, accounting toolsPaid tiers listed at $12.42/mo and $16.48/mo
BaselaneBanking, automated rent, Schedule E, tax package2-day deposits, auto-tagging, receipt matching, balance sheets, priority support$20/mo annual
StessaUnlimited properties, bank feeds, basic reports, rent, screeningSchedule E, legal forms and e-sign (Manage). Pro-forma and advanced reports (Pro).$12/mo annual
REI HubTracking, Schedule E and tax reportsAutomatic transaction import and booking rules$9/mo annual (up to 3 units)
RentRediNo free planEverything, unlimited units$12/mo annual

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FAQ

Can I run my rentals entirely on free software?

For a few units, often yes. Free plans from TurboTenant, Baselane and Stessa include online rent collection, and REI Hub and Baselane include Schedule E reports for free.

When is a paid plan worth it?

When the time saved from automation, such as bank import, auto-tagging or faster payouts, is worth more than about $9–$28/month (annual billing).

Sources

All prices and features above come from these vendor pages, checked on October 15, 2026. Details we couldn't confirm there are left out.

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