Top 4 Benefits a Cloud-Based Property Management Software Brings to Landlords
If you work in the 21st century, you’ve likely had experience with both local and cloud-based software.
Software that’s installed entirely on your computer (like Microsoft Word) saves your files directly to your hard drive. One perk of this type of software is that you can view and edit documents from your desktop even when you don’t have an internet connection.
Cloud-based software, like Google Docs, relies on the internet to store and save your information. However, it also offers much more flexibility when sharing documents, viewing them, and managing multiple users.
If you’re a landlord looking to invest in property management software, you might be wondering which type is better for your business. While you are ultimately the best judge of a software solution’s value for your rental business, cloud-based property management software options are growing more and more popular.
Here are four benefits of cloud-based property management software.
1. Access Your Software Anywhere
Cloud-based software options allow easy accessibility from anywhere you happen to be. For instance, if you’re out of town for the weekend and don’t have your personal computer, simply find any computer, open the company website, and log on to your account.
If your software supports a mobile app for landlords, you will also be able to view your account and use certain features from your smartphone or tablet.
2. Know Your Files Are Safe
Have you ever spilled coffee on your laptop? Dropped it down a flight of stairs? How about booted up your desktop only to find your hard drive has crashed?
If something happens to your computer, don’t panic. With cloud-based software, you don’t need to worry about losing or manually backing up your files, data, and other important information. No matter what happens to your physical computer, your documents are always safe on the cloud.
Some landlords worry about the vulnerability of their information on the web. However, most modern software uses cryptography to protect data in transit. A trustworthy software company will ensure that any data you store on their cloud-based platform is encrypted and safe. If a tenant asks, you can refer them to the software company’s policy on storing and protecting personal information.
3. Use Multiple Devices
Another benefit of cloud-based property management software is that it can be used on multiple devices. This means there’s no need to separately download and install copies of the software on each of your team members’ computers. Simply make your account, pay any applicable fees, and you should be able to access the software from any computer with an internet connection.
Additionally, cloud-based software allows for multi-user management. If your software supports this feature, you can give your team members access to the features they need for their responsibilities.
For instance, you can add your electrician and plumber as additional users who can view and update maintenance tickets. They can respond to tasks, communicate with tenants, and check in with you once they’ve completed a ticket.
4. View Documents On-Demand
A final benefit of cloud-based property management software is that it allows instantaneous document viewing.
With a server-based platform, you need to be in front of the computer you originally used to install the software in order to view any leases, payment records, or rental applications. Cloud-based software solves this problem by saving all documents to the cloud. All your important files are at your fingertips, no matter where you are or what device you’re on.
Additionally, this feature offers you as a landlord a lot of mobility. You can feel comfortable traveling throughout the day or over the weekend, knowing you can quickly reach important documents and information should you need to.
Choose Cloud-Based Software for Your Property Management Needs
Cloud-based software offers a lot of flexibility for both you and your tenants. From safety to convenience to multiple users, cloud-based property management software will prove invaluable for your rental business.
