In this guide, we’ll walk through the top vendors and software solutions for property managers who want to simplify move-ins, generate revenue, and prepare for an uncertain economy.
The Move-In Moment: Make It Count
Move-in day sets the tone for the entire lease. It’s also one of the most operationally intense parts of the leasing cycle. Between collecting deposits, confirming insurance, onboarding residents, and coordinating maintenance, it’s easy for things to go sideways.
And here's the truth:
- 76% of renters say the move-in experience influences their decision to renew. (NMHC Renter Preferences Report)
- High move-in costs are one of the top three reasons renters abandon applications.
Solution? Use tools that reduce friction and eliminate surprise costs. Here are the vendors leading the charge.
Beagle: Turn Move-Ins Into a Win-Win with Deposit Alternatives
Beagle’s Security Deposit Alternative is designed to help tenants move in faster, while giving property managers rock-solid financial protection.
How it works:
Instead of a $1,500 upfront deposit, tenants pay a small increase in rent. Beagle reimburses the property manager for any approved damage claims—fast.
Benefits:
- Zero operational lift: Beagle handles billing, support, and documentation.
- Faster lease-ups: Eliminate sticker shock and reduce application drop-off.
- Landlord protection: Coverage up to the full deposit amount.
- Revenue boost: Properties can opt to add a small margin to generate monthly income.
This isn’t just about reducing friction. Beagle also improves NOI, lowers vacancy gaps, and integrates seamlessly with your current property management software.
“Since offering Beagle, we’ve seen a 19% increase in lease conversions. Tenants love the flexibility. We love the protection.” — Regional PM, Atlanta
Want to go further? Beagle also offers:
- Pet Damage Waivers (covering up to $1,500 in damage and $20K in liability)
- AI-Powered Late Rent Nudges (personalized and proven to work)
- Move-In Concierge & Move-Out Coordination (white-glove service with no added work)
All designed to boost tenant satisfaction, increase tenant retention, and reduce move-in costs.
Flex: Payment Flexibility That Doesn’t Delay Rent
Flex is a game-changer for property managers who want to offer tenants more financial breathing room without sacrificing their own cash flow. Flex lets residents split rent into smaller payments throughout the month—but you, the landlord, still get paid in full on the first.
Why Property Managers Love Flex:
- On-time payments: You get the full rent up front while tenants pay Flex over time.
- Reduces delinquencies: More flexibility = fewer missed payments.
- Drives satisfaction: Financial flexibility is a top tenant want in 2025.
Why Tenants Love Flex:
- Budget-friendly rent payments that align with their pay schedule.
- No more scrambling at the start of the month.
Zego: Resident Payments and Engagement in One Platform
Zego helps you streamline rent collection while giving residents the modern experience they expect. With digital wallets, recurring payments, and real-time payment tracking, Zego makes paying rent as easy as tapping a phone.
Key Features:
- Mobile-first payments
- Custom billing and utility management
- Integrated communication tools
Zego improves both the resident experience and your team’s back-end efficiency—perfect for scaling portfolios.
AppFolio: The Command Center for Property Managers
AppFolio isn’t just accounting software. It’s a full operational suite built for property managers who want to do more with less.
Highlights:
- Automated leasing workflows
- Online applications and renewals
- Smart maintenance tracking
- Built-in AI tools for communication and analytics
If you're preparing for a potential recession, platforms like AppFolio can help you centralize operations and reduce staffing pressure without sacrificing service.
Checkr: Fast, Compliant Tenant Screening
Checkr provides modern background checks designed for the rental industry. With real-time status updates and built-in compliance features, you can make faster decisions with less risk.
Features:
- Instant identity verification
- Customizable background checks
- Fair Housing compliance baked in
Preparing for a Recession: The Smart PM's Playbook
With inflation still high and a soft housing market in some areas, now is the time to shore up your operations. That means:
- Lowering barriers to lease-up (like deposits)
- Protecting cash flow (through guaranteed rent or rent splitting)
- Improving retention (by adding high-value services and perks)
Beagle, Flex and platforms like Zego or Checkr aren’t just convenient. They’re strategic investments that pay off in tenant satisfaction, landlord protection, and reduced operational drag.
"Properties using Beagle report 127% revenue growth year over year, thanks to protection programs and add-on perks."
Final Thoughts: Build a Tech Stack That Works For You
The best vendors and software for property managers don’t just digitize old processes. They unlock new value: faster lease-ups, happier tenants, fewer admin tasks, and better protection.
With tools like Beagle, Checkr and Flex, you can reduce friction without sacrificing control. With platforms like AppFolio and Zego, you can scale up smartly.
In this industry, time is money—and good tech buys you both.
Want to reduce move-in costs and boost renewals?
Explore Beagle’s Security Deposit Alternative today →
Looking to offer payment flexibility without losing cash flow?
External Sources Cited:
- NMHC | 2024 NMHC and Grace Hill Renter Preferences Survey Report
- https://www.checkr.com/resources/articles/tenant-background-check
- https://www.appfolio.com/
- https://www.getflex.com/
- https://www.gozego.com/platform/zego-pay/
Beagle is the #1 platform for property managers to launch profit-maximizing reinsurance and resident benefit programs that tenants love through our association.
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