TurboTenant - Detailed Review

Real Estate Tools

TurboTenant - Detailed Review Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    TurboTenant - Product Overview



    TurboTenant Overview

    TurboTenant is a comprehensive property management tool specifically designed for independent landlords managing a relatively small number of properties, typically up to 100 units.

    Primary Function

    TurboTenant streamlines the rental process by providing a suite of tools that handle various aspects of property management. This includes advertising vacant units, screening tenants, creating and managing lease agreements, and collecting rent online.

    Target Audience

    The primary target audience for TurboTenant is independent landlords who manage a small to medium-sized portfolio of rental properties. This can include real estate investors and DIY landlords who prefer to self-manage their properties rather than relying on real estate agents.

    Key Features



    Multi-Platform Listings

    Landlords can create a single listing and automatically post it to numerous rental listing websites such as Rent.com, Redfin, and Craigslist.

    Tenant Screening

    The platform offers credit, criminal background, and eviction checks to help landlords vet prospective tenants efficiently. Premium plan users also have access to Income Insights, which cross-references TransUnion data with applicants’ self-reported income.

    Customizable Lease Agreements

    TurboTenant provides state-specific lease agreements that are reviewed by lawyers annually. These agreements can be customized and completed in about 15 minutes.

    Online Rent Collection

    Tenants can pay rent online via bank transfer or credit/debit card. The system automatically tracks rent payments, sends reminders, and can apply late fees if necessary.

    Automated Tracking and Reminders

    The platform organizes leads, tracks rent payments, and sends automated reminders to tenants when rent is due.

    E-Signatures and Document Storage

    Landlords can collect electronic signatures for leases and other important documents, and store these documents securely within the platform.

    Financial Oversight

    TurboTenant integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks, allowing landlords to sync income and expenses seamlessly.

    Pricing

    TurboTenant offers a free plan with basic features, as well as a Premium plan that includes additional features such as unlimited lease agreements and Income Insights, starting at $9.92 per month.

    TurboTenant - User Interface and Experience



    User Interface of TurboTenant

    The user interface of TurboTenant is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it accessible for landlords of all experience levels.

    Ease of Use

    TurboTenant is praised for its ease of use. The platform is well-organized, allowing users to quickly find and utilize its various features. The setup process is straightforward, with no reported issues from users in getting started.

    User Interface

    The dashboard of TurboTenant is easy to navigate, providing a clear and structured layout of all the system’s features. This makes it simple for landlords to manage different aspects of their rental properties, from marketing and tenant screening to rent collection and maintenance requests.

    Key Features Accessibility



    Marketing and Listings

    Landlords can create and distribute property listings across multiple sites with a single click, generating an average of 28 leads per listing.

    Rental Applications

    The platform allows for online rental applications, which can be sent to prospective tenants via a unique link. Applications include industry-standard questions and the option for tenants to upload necessary documents.

    Tenant Screening

    TurboTenant facilitates quick and comprehensive tenant screening, including credit health, criminal history, and eviction records where allowed by law.

    Lease Agreements

    The platform offers lawyer-approved, state-specific lease agreements that can be e-signed from anywhere, streamlining the leasing process.

    Rent Collection

    Online rent collection is automated, allowing tenants to pay via ACH, debit, or credit card. The system also sends automatic rent reminders and applies late fees.

    Maintenance Requests

    Tenants can submit maintenance requests through their portal, which are then sent to the landlord’s app for review. This includes the ability to automate repairs with the Maintenance Plus feature.

    Overall User Experience

    The overall user experience with TurboTenant is positive, with users appreciating its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface. The platform integrates various tasks such as property management, application processing, and rent collection into a single, easy-to-use system. This integration helps landlords manage their properties more efficiently, reducing the need for multiple apps and paperwork. However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported issues with customer support, finding it challenging to get a response from representatives. Despite this, the free plan offered by TurboTenant is highly valued for its comprehensive features and cost-effectiveness.

    TurboTenant - Key Features and Functionality



    TurboTenant Overview

    TurboTenant is a comprehensive property management software that integrates various features and AI-driven tools to streamline the rental property management process. Here are the main features and how they work:



    Property Marketing

    TurboTenant allows you to create and distribute property listings efficiently. With the AI Property Description feature, you can generate professional and compliant listings quickly. Simply enter basic information about your property, and the AI algorithm will create a detailed and attractive listing that complies with the Fair Housing Act. This feature saves time and ensures your listings are polished and appealing to potential tenants.



    Virtual Tours and AI-Powered Listings

    TurboTenant supports virtual tours, which enable potential tenants to explore your property online. AI enhances these tours by generating audio descriptions for visually impaired individuals and providing personalized recommendations. This feature helps attract more applicants and improves the overall viewing experience.



    Rental Applications

    The platform offers online rental applications that include industry-standard questions. Applicants can fill out these applications from any device and upload necessary documents such as driver’s licenses, bank statements, and pay stubs. This process is easy to manage and allows you to verify applicant information efficiently.



    Tenant Screening

    TurboTenant provides tools for screening tenants, including credit checks, criminal history, and eviction records (where allowed by law). This helps you make informed decisions about who to rent to, ensuring you find reliable and trustworthy tenants.



    Lease Agreements

    The software offers lawyer-approved lease agreements that you can customize and e-sign online. This feature ensures compliance with legal standards and streamlines the leasing process. You can manage each lease from the landlord portal, keeping track of all tenant agreements in one place.



    Online Rent Collection

    TurboTenant facilitates online rent collection, allowing tenants to pay via bank or credit/debit card. The system supports autopay, automatic rent reminders, and the application of late fees. This feature simplifies the rent collection process and keeps a clear record of all payments.



    Accounting and Financial Management

    The integrated accounting software automates the tracking of expenses such as rent, insurance payments, and maintenance. It generates tax reports with a few clicks, making financial management and tax season less stressful. This replaces the need for spreadsheets or other accounting software like QuickBooks.



    AI Leasing Assistant

    While not a standard feature, TurboTenant discusses the potential of AI leasing assistants that can automatically respond to inquiries, gather basic information, and even schedule showings. However, this feature may require a separate subscription and can be cost-prohibitive for larger portfolios.



    Communication and Maintenance Requests

    The platform includes a professional messaging app that keeps your phone number private and centralizes all tenant communication. Tenants can submit maintenance requests through their portal, and you can keep a paper trail of all maintenance performed. This ensures clear and organized communication between you and your tenants.



    Expense Tracking

    TurboTenant allows you to track and store expenses easily by attaching receipts and filtering them by rental unit, category, and time. You can export these records as a CSV file, making it simple to manage your financial records.



    Conclusion

    By integrating these features, TurboTenant provides a comprehensive solution for landlords to manage their rental properties efficiently, saving time and reducing the hassle associated with traditional property management methods.

    TurboTenant - Performance and Accuracy



    Performance

    TurboTenant is highly regarded for its ability to streamline various aspects of property management. Here are some of its strong performance points:

    Multi-Platform Listings

    TurboTenant allows users to create a single listing and automatically post it to numerous rental listing websites, such as Rent.com, Redfin, and Craigslist. This feature significantly simplifies the marketing process for landlords.

    Tenant Screening

    The platform offers credit and background checks, which help landlords assess the credit health, criminal history, and eviction records of potential tenants. However, some users have noted that the screening process can be somewhat expensive and not as comprehensive as other services.

    Online Rent Collection

    TurboTenant enables tenants to pay rent online via bank transfer or credit/debit card, and it automates rent reminders and late fee applications. This feature is highly praised for its convenience and efficiency.

    Customizable Lease Agreements

    The platform provides lawyer-approved, state-specific lease agreements that can be electronically signed, which helps in maintaining compliance and reducing legal fees.

    Accounting Integration

    TurboTenant integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks, allowing landlords to sync their income and expenses seamlessly. The REI Hub add-on, although a bit pricey, offers comprehensive accounting features.

    Accuracy

    In terms of accuracy, TurboTenant has several features that ensure reliable data and processes:

    Income Verification

    TurboTenant verifies tenants’ income by cross-referencing the reported income with information from TransUnion, providing landlords with accurate financial data about their tenants.

    Rental Price Analysis

    The platform offers a free rental analysis tool that helps landlords determine the appropriate rental price by comparing local vacancies. This tool, while not highly detailed, gives a useful visual representation of the pricing range.

    Automated Tracking

    TurboTenant automatically tracks rent payments, sends reminders, and applies late fees if necessary, ensuring that financial transactions are accurate and timely.

    Limitations and Areas for Improvement

    Despite its strengths, TurboTenant has some areas that could be improved:

    Customer Support

    Some users have reported that the customer support, particularly for the free plan, can be unreliable. Email and chat support are the only options available, and responses may sometimes be slow or unhelpful.

    Tenant Screening Limitations

    Users have noted that the tenant screening is somewhat limited and more expensive compared to other services. Additionally, TurboTenant does not offer an automatic rental reference verification feature, which is available on other platforms like Avail.

    Access to Tax Documents

    There have been complaints about limited access to tax documents such as 1099 reports, which can be a significant inconvenience for landlords.

    User Interface and Rent Payment Issues

    Some users have reported difficulties with the user interface and challenges with the rent payment and collection services.

    Phone Number Visibility

    When listing on certain websites, especially Apartments.com, the landlord’s phone number may appear on the listing, and there is no way to disable this feature. In summary, TurboTenant performs well in streamlining property management tasks and providing accurate financial and tenant screening data. However, it has some limitations, particularly in customer support, tenant screening comprehensiveness, and access to certain tax documents. Addressing these areas could further enhance the user experience and overall performance of the platform.

    TurboTenant - Pricing and Plans



    TurboTenant Pricing Structure

    TurboTenant offers a flexible and cost-effective pricing structure that caters to the needs of landlords and property managers of various scales. Here’s a breakdown of their plans and features:

    Free Plan

    TurboTenant provides a comprehensive free plan that is highly beneficial for landlords. Here are some key features included in the free plan:
    • Unlimited rental listings syndicated to multiple popular rental platforms like Redfin and Rent.com.
    • No limit on the number of properties you can manage.
    • Online rental applications and applicant-paid tenant screening, including criminal, credit, and eviction history checks.
    • Rent collection functionality with options for ACH, debit, and credit card payments, along with automatic late fee application and payment reminders.
    • Expense tracking and document storage.


    PRO Plan

    The PRO plan starts at $9.92 per month when billed annually. Here are the additional features you get with this plan:
    • All the features from the free plan.
    • Additional features such as unlimited lawyer-approved lease agreements and unlimited eSignatures.


    PREMIUM Plan

    The PREMIUM plan is priced at $12.42 per month when billed annually. Here are the key features:
    • All the features from the PRO plan.
    • Expedited rent payments and other premium features to enhance your rental management experience.


    Key Points

    • No Contracts: Whether you choose the free or a paid plan, there are no contracts to sign.
    • Payment for Screenings: Typically, tenants pay for the screening fees, but landlords can opt to pay these fees themselves if needed.
    • Transaction Fees: For rent payments, there is a $2 fee per ACH transfer or a 3.49% fee for credit and debit card payments.
    Overall, TurboTenant’s pricing structure is designed to be flexible and cost-effective, allowing landlords to manage their properties efficiently without incurring significant costs.

    TurboTenant - Integration and Compatibility



    Integration and Compatibility of TurboTenant



    Platform and Device Compatibility

    TurboTenant is highly accessible across various platforms and devices. It supports web-based access, as well as mobile apps for both Android and iPhone users. This ensures that landlords and property managers can manage their rental properties from anywhere, using their preferred device.

    Integrations

    While TurboTenant does not have a wide range of integrations with major accounting software like QuickBooks, it does integrate with REI Hub, which is a significant tool for automating rental accounting aspects. This integration helps landlords in tracking expenses, rent payments, and generating critical financial reports. However, it is important to note that REI Hub is a paid integration.

    Other Tools and Services

    TurboTenant centralizes many aspects of property management, including marketing, tenant screening, lease management, and rent collection. It can post rental listings on various third-party sites such as realtor.com, Facebook Marketplace, Rent.com, and more, making it a comprehensive tool for managing the entire leasing lifecycle.

    Accounting Software Compatibility

    TurboTenant is not directly integrated with major accounting software like QuickBooks. However, landlords can use QuickBooks alongside TurboTenant to manage their accounting tasks separately. This means that while TurboTenant handles property management tasks, QuickBooks can be used for broader accounting needs.

    Support and Accessibility

    TurboTenant offers a range of support options, including chat, 24/7 live support, phone support, email/help desk, and a knowledge base. This ensures that users can get help whenever they need it, making the platform more user-friendly and accessible.

    Conclusion

    In summary, TurboTenant is a versatile and accessible tool that integrates well with specific accounting platforms like REI Hub and is compatible with a variety of devices. However, it does not have extensive integrations with all major accounting software, which may require separate management.

    TurboTenant - Customer Support and Resources



    Customer Support Options



    Phone Support

    For landlords subscribed to the Premium plan, TurboTenant offers exclusive phone support. This service is available from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM MT. To access phone support, subscribers can find the phone number in the help section of their account, whether using the mobile app or the computer version. For non-subscribers, the primary phone number for general inquiries is (719) 966-7368, although this line is not exclusive and may have longer wait times.

    Email Support

    You can contact TurboTenant’s customer support via email at support@turbotenant.com. This method is available seven days a week and is efficient for gathering technical details to resolve issues quickly.

    Chat Support

    Both landlords and renters can access support through the chat feature available on the mobile web or computer. This can be initiated by clicking the blue question mark (?) in the bottom right corner of the screen.

    Office Hours and Location

    For critical or sensitive issues, you can visit the TurboTenant headquarters at 320 E. Vine Dr., Fort Collins, Colorado 80524. This option ensures safe communication and better assistance.

    Additional Resources



    Online Help Center

    TurboTenant has a detailed online help center that provides answers to common questions and guides on using the software. This resource is accessible seven days a week and includes articles and FAQs to help resolve issues efficiently.

    Email Addresses for Specific Inquiries

    • For partnership-related issues: partners@turbotenant.com
    • For general concerns: support@turbotenant.com
    • For DMCA inquiries: legal@turbotenant.com
    • For privacy issues: privacy@turbotenant.com
    • For media-related concerns: press@turbotenant.com
    • For general information: hello@turbotenant.com


    Property Management Tools and Features

    TurboTenant offers a range of tools to streamline the rental process, including property marketing, online rental applications, tenant screening, state-specific lease agreements, online rent collection, and integrated accounting software. These features help landlords manage their properties more efficiently.

    Resources for Real Estate Agents

    For real estate agents, TurboTenant provides resources to help their clients manage rentals effectively. This includes downloadable flyers, exclusive discounts for premium subscriptions, and a referral program that rewards both the agent and the client. Agents can also share free resources with their clients to help them with tasks like estimating target rent and managing tenant applications. By leveraging these support options and resources, users of TurboTenant can manage their rental properties with greater ease and efficiency.

    TurboTenant - Pros and Cons



    Pros of TurboTenant



    Free Version Available

    One of the significant advantages of TurboTenant is that it offers a free version, making it accessible to landlords managing any number of properties, from one to 1,000 units.



    Comprehensive Listing Features

    TurboTenant allows you to create a single listing and publish it to over a dozen major rental listing websites, including Redfin, Apartments.com, and Zumper, with the option to include photos, descriptions, and even videos.



    Efficient Tenant Screening

    The platform provides an automated prescreening process where potential tenants are sent a set of questions, and it also offers credit and background checks, helping landlords to quickly assess tenant suitability.



    State-Specific Lease Agreements

    TurboTenant generates lawyer-approved, state-specific lease agreements that can be electronically signed, ensuring compliance with local laws and streamlining the leasing process.



    Online Rent Collection

    The software enables online rent collection, allowing tenants to pay via bank transfer or credit/debit card. It also includes features like automated rent reminders, late fee application, and digital receipts.



    Financial Management

    TurboTenant integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks, automating the tracking of income and expenses, which improves financial accuracy and reduces manual input.



    Customer Support

    The platform is praised for its customer service, tutorial articles, and videos, making it easier for landlords to use the software effectively.



    Additional Tools

    TurboTenant includes a free rental analysis tool, helping landlords to better price their properties by comparing them with others in the same range.



    Cons of TurboTenant



    Paid Add-ons

    While the basic version is free, some advanced features, such as expedited payouts and unlimited bank account connections, require a Premium subscription, which costs around $9.92 per month.



    Limited Background Screenings

    The background screening capabilities are somewhat limited, which might be a concern for landlords who need more comprehensive screening reports.



    Not Ideal for Large Portfolios

    TurboTenant is not ideal for managing more than 100 properties, making it less suitable for large-scale property management operations.



    Additional Costs for Accounting Features

    For more advanced accounting features, such as those offered through the REI Hub subscription, landlords need to pay an additional fee, ranging from $15 to $80 per month.

    Overall, TurboTenant is a versatile and user-friendly tool that simplifies many aspects of property management, but it may have limitations for larger property portfolios or those requiring more extensive background screenings.

    TurboTenant - Comparison with Competitors



    When Comparing TurboTenant to Competitors

    When comparing TurboTenant to its competitors in the real estate property management and AI-driven tools category, several key features and differences stand out.



    Unique Features of TurboTenant

    • Comprehensive Marketing Tools: TurboTenant syndicates listings to over 50 popular marketing sites, including Apartments.com, Redfin, and ApartmentList, generating an average of 28 leads per listing and helping landlords find qualified renters quickly.
    • AI-Driven Listing Descriptions: TurboTenant features an AI Property Listing Description tool that creates unique and attractive listing titles and descriptions in seconds, enhancing the marketing process.
    • All-in-One Solution: The platform offers a full suite of property management features, including rent collection, tenant screening, maintenance management, lease e-signing, and comprehensive financial tools, all accessible under a single login.


    Competitors and Alternatives



    RentRedi

    • Specializes in all-in-one property management software for landlords, offering services like rent collection, tenant screening, maintenance management, and lease e-signing. It is particularly geared towards serving the needs of the real estate tech industry.


    Avail

    • Provides online tools and services for landlords, including rent collection, tenant screening, and lease management. Avail is known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive suite of services.


    TenantCloud

    • A cloud-based service that offers personal portals for landlords and tenants to manage rent payments, communicate, store rental information, and handle maintenance requests. It is free and highly rated for its ease of use and reliability.


    Buildium

    • Automates the entire property management lifecycle and helps real estate professionals win new business. It offers a wide range of services including online leasing, tenant screening, electronic lease signing, and financial accounting.


    RealPage

    • Focuses on providing software and data analytics in the real estate industry, offering property management software, data analytics, and other services. It is more geared towards larger property management operations.


    Other Notable Alternatives



    AppFolio Property Manager

    • An all-in-one property management software that allows managers to market, manage, and grow their business across various types of properties, including apartments, residential, commercial, and community associations.


    Hemlane

    • Offers a suite of services including rental listing and tenant placement, lease tracking, online rent collection, document storage, and repair coordination. It is primarily aimed at rental owners and property managers.


    AI Integration in Real Estate Tools

    While TurboTenant uses AI for generating property listing descriptions, other companies in the real estate sector are also leveraging AI in various ways:

    • HouseCanary: Uses generative AI for property valuation, market forecasting, and end-to-end solutions for real estate investors.
    • Zillow: Utilizes AI for its Zestimate tool, which provides quick property value estimates and neighborhood trends.

    In summary, TurboTenant stands out with its comprehensive marketing tools and AI-driven listing descriptions, but alternatives like RentRedi, Avail, TenantCloud, and AppFolio Property Manager offer strong competition with their own unique features and benefits. Each platform has its strengths, so the choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the landlord or property manager.

    TurboTenant - Frequently Asked Questions



    Frequently Asked Questions about TurboTenant



    What is TurboTenant?

    TurboTenant is a free software platform designed for landlords and property managers to manage their rental properties. It helps with marketing rental units, receiving online rental applications, screening tenants, accepting rent payments, and tracking expenses and maintenance requests.

    Is TurboTenant free to use?

    Yes, TurboTenant offers a free plan with basic features. You can manage your entire portfolio for $0/month, and there are no costs to sign up or cancel. Additional features are available through optional upgrades.

    What features are included in the free plan?

    The free plan includes features such as marketing your rental property, receiving online rental applications, tenant screening (covered by the tenant), lead management, and rent collection. You can also connect a bank account for automatic rent collection and track expenses.

    How does TurboTenant make money?

    TurboTenant makes money by collecting and keeping the screening fees paid by tenants. Since they buy these reports in bulk at a cheaper rate, they can make a profit from each report without charging landlords any additional fees.

    Can I customize the rental application?

    With the free plan, you get industry-standard questions in the rental application. However, if you upgrade to the Premium plan, you can customize the application and add your own specific questions.

    How do tenants pay the screening fee?

    Tenants pay the screening fee when they apply to the property. This fee covers the credit and criminal background reports, and there is no additional fee for landlords to view these reports.

    Does TurboTenant offer different pricing plans?

    Yes, TurboTenant offers a free plan and a Premium plan. The Premium plan, which costs $10.75/month when billed annually, provides additional features such as customized applications and other enhanced tools.

    Can I use TurboTenant if I only have a few rental units?

    Absolutely, TurboTenant is suitable for landlords with any number of units, whether it’s one property or hundreds. It streamlines the entire rental process regardless of the size of your portfolio.

    How do I sign up for TurboTenant?

    You can sign up for a free landlord account on the TurboTenant sign-up page. Once signed up, you can immediately start using the platform’s features.

    Is TurboTenant safe to use?

    TurboTenant is dedicated to protecting both landlords and tenants from potential rental housing scams. They ensure safety through measures such as secure online marketing, rent payments, and rental applications.

    Where can I find help and support for TurboTenant?

    You can find help through the TurboTenant Help Center and Knowledge Base, where you can read the online user guide, request and vote on new features, and submit a support ticket.

    TurboTenant - Conclusion and Recommendation



    Final Assessment of TurboTenant

    TurboTenant is a comprehensive and user-friendly property management platform that caters to the needs of landlords and real estate investors, whether they are managing a single property or a large portfolio.

    Key Features



    Free for Landlords

    TurboTenant offers a wide range of features at no cost, including rent collection, rental advertising, lead management, rental applications, tenant screening, and document management.



    Tenant Screening

    The platform allows for quick and thorough tenant screening, including credit checks, criminal background checks, and eviction histories. Premium users also have access to Income Insights, which cross-references applicants’ self-reported income with TransUnion data.



    Lease Agreements

    TurboTenant provides state-specific, lawyer-reviewed lease agreements that can be customized and electronically signed, ensuring compliance and efficiency.



    Online Rent Collection

    The platform features an automated rent collection system with automatic reminders, late fees, and autopay options, making it easy to manage rent payments.



    Financial Management

    TurboTenant integrates accounting features, allowing landlords to track income and expenses automatically, and it also offers integrated landlord accounting for a small monthly fee.



    Who Would Benefit Most

    TurboTenant is highly beneficial for:

    First-Time Landlords

    Those new to property management can streamline their processes and ensure they are following all legal and financial best practices.



    Experienced Landlords

    Those managing multiple properties can leverage the automation and scalability features to reduce their workload and improve efficiency.



    Real Estate Investors

    Investors looking to grow their portfolios can use TurboTenant to manage all aspects of their rental properties in one place.



    Overall Recommendation

    TurboTenant is an excellent choice for anyone looking to manage rental properties efficiently. Here are some key reasons why:

    Comprehensive Toolset

    It offers a wide array of features that cover every aspect of property management, from marketing and tenant screening to lease creation and rent collection.



    User-Friendly Interface

    The platform is easy to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy, making it accessible to a broad range of users.



    Cost-Effective

    With many features available for free and affordable premium options, TurboTenant provides great value for landlords and real estate investors.



    Scalability

    Whether you manage one property or many, TurboTenant’s automation and integration features help reduce the administrative workload, making it easier to scale your operations.

    In summary, TurboTenant is a versatile, efficient, and cost-effective solution for managing rental properties. Its extensive features, user-friendly interface, and scalability make it an ideal choice for landlords and real estate investors of all levels.

    Scroll to Top