5 Best Property Management Work Order Software (Review)

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Doesn’t every property manager wish they had an efficient coordinator who remembers every repair need, tracks technician availability and provides real-time updates on all maintenance activities? Property management work order software does just this, acting as your digital headquarters for monitoring, delegating and finishing maintenance tasks throughout your property portfolio.

Property managers handling numerous buildings, resident concerns and contractor coordination find that software converts messy paper trails and endless phone calls into organized systems, where data can be found in one place. But which software is the best? Let’s discuss the top five solutions and compare the pros and cons of each to see what makes the most sense for your business.

Our Top Picks

1
Best Option

For streamlining tenant requests

Try for Free
2

For vendor management

3

For larger property management portfolios

What Makes the Best Work Order Software?

Superior property management work order software goes far beyond simple task tracking. We found that effective platforms serve as the central nervous system for your internal maintenance team, connecting everything from asset management and parts inventory to tenant communications and vendor coordination.

A robust work order management system enables property managers to create, assign and track property maintenance requests from initial tenant complaints through to completion. Good software lets property managers, maintenance crews and contractors message each other directly through the app. Built-in messaging eliminates the back-and-forth phone calls and random text messages that typically make coordination a headache.

Managing multiple properties means staying on top of regular maintenance schedules. Strong software automatically generates recurring tasks based on asset age, usage patterns or calendar intervals, helping prevent costly emergency repairs that disrupt tenant satisfaction and eat into profit margins.

Customization capabilities separate good software from great software. Every property management company faces unique challenges — from managing historic buildings with specialized maintenance needs to handling high-volume apartment complexes with rapid turnover. Software must adapt to your workflows, not force you to adjust to rigid processes.

How We Chose the Software

We evaluated various property management work order software platforms based on the needs of property managers who deal with stressed tenants and tight deadlines. We sought platforms that effectively handle property management work order software tasks, including tracking tenant complaints, coordinating with contractors, managing multiple buildings and staying on top of all regulatory requirements that can be costly if not carefully managed.

Our assessment focuses on the daily challenges property managers face. We evaluated each platform based on how well it works for property managers rather than getting distracted by fancy features that don’t aid in daily tasks. This is what we found.

Trust Icon Why Trust Coast?

At Coast, we take our software reviews seriously. Our review methodology evaluates software across seven critical categories that help differentiate the solutions from one another. Each category receives a score from one to five, with five being the highest, and a maximum possible score of 35 points.

Best for Standout Feature Pricing
Streamlined maintenance requests QR code asset management for instant tenant requests Free plan available;
paid plans from
$20/month per user
Vendor management Mobile-first design with integrated vendor payments Contact for details
Larger property portfolios Enterprise-level reporting and analytics Contact for details
Single-family rentals Automated inspection scheduling From $1/unit/month with possible additional services
Preventive maintenance Color-coded PM calendars with visual workflows Contact for details

Top 5 Property Management Work Order Software

Each platform brings unique strengths to property management, but they differ significantly in terms of customization capabilities, mobile functionality and their approach to addressing the challenges that arise in day-to-day operations.

34
out of 35
Ease of Use
5
Mobile Experience
5
Core Features & Functionality
4
Adaptability & Customization
5
Customer Support
5
Pricing
5
Current Reviews
5

After testing everything, Coast emerged as the top choice for property managers seeking a flexible yet uncomplicated solution. Coast manages to pack in useful features while keeping the interface simple to navigate. It’s especially easy for tenants to report an issue that’s then sent directly to the property management team to assign out. 

This streamlined process means that property management companies can process work orders significantly faster — from weeks to a matter of days or even hours. Its ease of use helps teams save time, which in turn, decreases downtime. Plus, Coast’s customer support team consistently receives rave reviews from users.

  • QR code asset management: Coast's QR code feature enables tenants to report maintenance issues without needing to make a call. Tenants scan codes and submit service requests, along with photos, through a simple online form, improving overall response times.

  • Automated preventive maintenance: Coast's dashboards and alerts provide flexibility for property managers. The system generates preventive maintenance (PM) schedules for building systems and automatically creates work orders with alerts days before due dates.

  • Workflow customization: Coast allows property managers to customize workflows, define approval processes, assign priority levels and route work orders based on property location.

Pros

  • User-friendly dashboards: Coast's dashboard prioritizes the most urgent jobs at the top and organizes them by location, allowing technicians to know what to tackle first.
  • Document attachments: Coast makes it easy to add checklists, step-by-step instructions and photos directly to work orders. Think maintenance manuals and warranty information for specific assets.
  • Real-time communication: Coast provides seamless communication within work orders through real-time messaging and photo uploads, ensuring a transparent and efficient workflow. Messages and status changes appear in chronological order within each work order.

Cons

  • Limited integrations: Integration options with specialized property management software can be limited.
  • Advanced customization only available on paid tiers: Coast's free version allows for basic customization, but advanced automation features are only available with a paid subscription.

Super Simple & It Integrates With Fleetio!

Coast is super easy for our teams in the field to use. They have used it more often than other cards we have made available. It has become our No. 1 card. The fact that it integrates with Fleetio is also a huge win for us. We can capture fuel and mileage in one location and get great reporting thanks to Coast.
Lisa L., Special Projects Management, Mid-Market Business

Free - $0 / user / month

  • Unlimited Work Orders
  • 5 Repeating Work Orders
  • Real-Time Messaging
  • 7-Day History
  • File Uploads Up to 3 MB

Starter - $20 / user / month

  • Unlimited History
  • Unlimited Repeating Work Orders With Procedures
  • Unlimited Request Users
  • No Limits on File Uploads
  • Workspace Permissions
  • Time & Cost Tracking
  • 5 Workflow Automations

Pro - $49 / user / month

  • Full Workflow Customization
  • Reporting Analytics
  • Unlimited Customizable External Work Request Forms
  • Unlimited Custom Dashboards
  • Automated Downtime Tracking
  • 30 Workflow Automations
  • Implementation, Setup & Training
26
out of 35
Ease of Use
5
Mobile Experience
4
Core Features & Functionality
4
Adaptability & Customization
3
Customer Support
3
Pricing
3
Current Reviews
4

Appfolio vendor portalAppFolio aims to be an all-in-one property management platform, and it does a commendable job with work orders, particularly when managing outside contractors. It offers robust core capabilities for property managers, including tenant screening, online leasing and rent collection. Plus, vendor payment processing is built in, which makes working with vendors smoother.

  • Mobile-first design: AppFolio's mobile application mirrors the desktop experience more completely than most competitors. During our testing, we were able to create work orders, assign vendors, approve estimates and process payments entirely from a mobile device. Property managers can handle emergencies and approve urgent repairs while away from their desks.

  • Vendor management: AppFolio's vendor portal impressed us with its comprehensive approach to contractor relationships. External vendors receive work order notifications, can submit estimates through the platform and can upload completed photos. AppFolio's integrated payment processing enables you to approve vendor invoices and process payments seamlessly, eliminating the need to switch systems.

Pros

  • Seamless vendor integration: AppFolio's vendor portal creates transparency throughout the repair process for property managers. Vendors can update work order status, upload progress photos and submit invoices through a dedicated interface.
  • Complete mobile functionality: AppFolio's mobile app doesn't feel like a watered-down version of its desktop counterpart. Property managers can efficiently manage complex workflows and multiple properties from their phones.
  • Integrated financial tracking : Work order costs automatically flow into AppFolio's accounting system. Property managers get real-time visibility into maintenance expenses across their portfolios.

Cons

  • Lack of true customization: AppFolio works well for regular property management tasks, but it's limited in customization options if your business has specific needs.
  • Higher costs for smaller portfolios: AppFolio's pricing is better suited for larger property management companies. Small operators might find it too expensive.
  • Complex initial setup: AppFolio does a lot of things, which means you'll spend a considerable amount of time setting it up initially.

AppFolio for SFR

Overall, AppFolio really does make it simple; the platform is user-friendly, and the support is great. If I don't know how to do something particular, their system provides support to teach me, and if it doesn't, they have reps who can help.
Jordan C., Property Manager, Real Estate Industry
28
out of 35
Ease of Use
4
Mobile Experience
5
Core Features & Functionality
4
Adaptability & Customization
4
Customer Support
3
Pricing
4
Current Reviews
4

Maintenance connection reportingMaintenance Connection targets enterprise-level property management with detailed reporting capabilities and extensive integration options. We found their platform particularly well-suited for organizations managing large portfolios of typically commercial properties where detailed analytics and compliance tracking are essential.

  • Enterprise-level reporting system: Maintenance Connection's reporting features stood out to us. You can delve deeply into the data and customize reports as needed. We generated reports that tracked maintenance costs by property, vendor performance analytics and preventive maintenance compliance across multiple locations.

  • Advanced preventive maintenance scheduling: Maintenance Connection's PM scheduling system does more than just set calendar reminders. We can create complex maintenance schedules that trigger based on various factors and periods, including usage levels and other conditions specific to each piece of equipment.

  • Extensive third-party integrations: Maintenance Connection connects well with popular property management platforms, accounting software and IoT devices.

Pros

  • Comprehensive analytics: Maintenance Connection's reporting system provides information that helps optimize maintenance operations. The system allows property managers to identify trends in equipment failures and analyze vendor performance.
  • Scalable architecture: Maintenance Connection manages large property portfolios without compromising performance.
  • Regulatory compliance tracking: Maintenance Connection tracks compliance requirements and generates the necessary paperwork for audits and inspections, ensuring you stay up-to-date with all regulatory requirements.

Cons

  • Complex user interface: Maintenance Connection has numerous features that can make new users feel overwhelmed when they first start using it.
  • Limited customizations: We found customization options restrictive for organizations with unique operational requirements.
  • Higher implementation costs: Maintenance Connection typically requires significant implementation services, training and ongoing support.

Great Optimization of Maintenance Response & Time Management

Overall, very pleasurable experience coming from an antiquated system focused on paper for the most part. I highly recommend anyone looking to better organize and track work orders from a maintenance standpoint.
Keith L., Associate Director of Physical Plant, Higher Education
23
out of 35
Ease of Use
3
Mobile Experience
2
Core Features & Functionality
4
Adaptability & Customization
3
Customer Support
4
Pricing
4
Current Reviews
3

PropertywarePropertyware targets single-family rental managers and builds its work order system around managing rental properties spread across different neighborhoods, rather than apartment buildings in one location. It’s especially good at inspection management as well as financial tracking per property.

  • Streamlined inspection management: Propertyware's inspection feature handles scheduling automatically and keeps track of tasks completed across all your properties. We tried out their move-in and move-out inspection process, which automatically generates work orders when inspectors identify issues.

  • Useful mobile application: Propertyware's mobile app works well for inspections and work orders when you're out at properties. The app allows property managers to conduct complete property inspections even without an internet connection, then upload photos and notes once they are back online.

  • Integrated financial management: Work order costs automatically integrate with Propertyware's accounting system, enabling detailed tracking of maintenance expenses per property.

Pros

  • Single-family optimization: Propertyware understands the challenges of managing properties across different neighborhoods. Propertyware effectively handles varied lease terms, multiple property types and disparate maintenance teams.
  • Automated inspection workflows: Propertyware's inspection-to-work-order process eliminates manual data entry, streamlining the workflow. Discovered issues automatically become trackable work orders with photos and descriptions already populated.
  • Organized property financial tracking: Each property maintains separate financial records, allowing for easy analysis of profitability and maintenance costs on a per-unit basis.

Cons

  • Limited workflow customization: Propertyware effectively handles standard single-family rental processes, but we found limited options for customizing workflows to match unique operational preferences.
  • Higher learning curve: Propertyware packs in so many features that new users need more time to figure out how everything works, compared to simpler platforms that focus solely on work orders.
  • Integration limitations: You don't have many choices when you want to connect it with specialized maintenance software or other industry apps.

Easy to Use for Both Owners & Renters

Very user-friendly; also very easy to put in maintenance requests; easy to put in inspections right to owner portal and see owner information.
Kate M., Property Manager, Small Business

Basic - $1 / unit / month

  • Global Customization & Reports
  • Marketing
  • Property Management
  • Owner & Tenant Portals
  • Unlimited Storage

Plus - $1.50 / unit / month

  • Two-Way Text Messaging
  • eSignature
  • Inspections

Premium - $2 / unit / month

  • Maintenance Projects
  • Vendor Portals
25
out of 35
Ease of Use
4
Mobile Experience
3
Core Features & Functionality
4
Adaptability & Customization
3
Customer Support
4
Pricing
3
Current Reviews
4

Customer support limble Limble preventive maintenanceLimble positions itself as a maintenance-first platform, with a particular focus on preventive maintenance capabilities. We found their visual approach to PM scheduling and handy offline functionality especially valuable for property managers prioritizing proactive maintenance strategies.

  • Color-coded PM calendars: Limble's visual approach to preventive maintenance scheduling caught our attention during testing. Their calendar interface displays different colors to show the type of maintenance, its urgency and completion status.

  • Helpful asset management: Limble's asset management system keeps detailed equipment histories, warranty info and maintenance schedules all in one spot.

  • Offline mode: Limble's mobile app works even without an internet connection. Technicians can complete work orders and take photos, even in areas with poor cell service. That said, some users report only being able to access limited features when offline.

Pros

  • Intuitive visual interface: Limble's color-coded calendar system enables you to quickly view maintenance schedules without needing to dig through details.
  • Proactive maintenance focus: Limble focuses on preventive maintenance, which helps property managers stop waiting for things to break and start taking care of equipment before problems happen.

Cons

  • Limited integrations: We found limited integration options with property management-specific platforms, like tenant portals and lease management systems.
  • Workflow customization constraints: We encountered limitations when attempting to tailor the platform to meet the unique needs of some property management workflows.
  • Customer support: Limble's customer support receives mixed reviews from users. Some absolutely love it, while others report slow response times.

An Easy-to-Use CMMS That You Hardly Need the Almost Instant Support

We were able to add over 200 assets and 2,000 parts in the first two weeks. We started the work request and work orders in the third week. We were not using a CMMS at the time we started, yet our technicians and parts department had no problems adapting to this platform.
Bob W., Maintenance Manager, Oil & Energy Industry

Making the Right Choice

Each platform offers distinct advantages for property management. However, customization capabilities determine long-term success at improving maintenance processes and creating robust asset inventory management. Coast leads with flexible workflows and tenant-friendly features, while AppFolio excels in vendor management, and Limble dominates in preventive maintenance scheduling. 

Select technology that flexes around your specific property management business requirements instead of making your staff conform to inflexible constraints.

  • Daniel Doan is a conversion copywriting and content marketing expert who has crafted high-converting sales pages, emails, ads and articles for over 224 of America's largest B2B companies and digital brands. His 12-plus-year expertise in bridging the communication gap between companies and their ideal customers has led him to develop a cutting-edge "Neuro-Response" framework that drives significant conversions.

Why worry when you can Coast?

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