
A Familiar Struggle
It’s 8 PM on a Tuesday and you’re still staring at a spreadsheet that’s supposed to track dues payments. In your inbox sits a frustrated email about a maintenance request, right next to three violation notices waiting to be printed and hand-delivered. Somewhere in that folder labeled “Important Stuff,” there’s probably an uncashed HOA check from last month.
Sound familiar?
✨ Before we get into the full reviews, we pulled insights from real HOA managers on Reddit, LinkedIn, Quora, and forums. The details are coming up, so keep reading.
The Bigger Picture
- 369,000 community associations now operate across the U.S.
- These associations house over 77.1 million residents.
- The global HOA property management software market was valued at $9.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $18.0 billion by 2032 with a steady 7.1% CAGR.
💡 In other words, demand for streamlined HOA management tools has never been higher.
What This Guide Covers
Before diving into detailed reviews, here’s what to expect:
- Insights from real HOA managers on Reddit, LinkedIn, Quora, and dedicated forums (so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling).
- A breakdown of trends shaping HOA software in 2025.
- Tools and features volunteer boards, management companies, and condo associations actually want.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is designed for:
- Volunteer-run boards who are tired of manual processes
- Property management companies looking for scalable tools
- Condo associations that need better communication and payment tracking
What HOA Boards Are Saying Online (Real Reddit, LinkedIn & Forum Voices)
Join It was also mentioned as a solid membership management software in the Reddit community discussion, highlighting its growing recognition in the space.
How We Picked (and What to Look For)
Our Methodology
We double-checked pricing directly on vendor websites wherever possible, and cross-referenced with trusted listings from Capterra and GetApp. To keep this guide grounded in reality, we also gathered authentic user feedback from community spaces like HOATalk.
💡 The goal was simple: cut through marketing fluff and focus on what HOA managers actually need.
Evaluator Checklist
When evaluating HOA management software, here are the areas that really matter:
- Accounting & Dues: General ledger, AR/AP, reconciliations, assessments
- Communications & Portals: Owner and board interfaces, notices, community forums
- Operations: Violations tracking, architectural requests, maintenance workflows
- Payments: Transparent ACH and credit card fees, lockbox options, no hidden charges
- Data Ownership & Portability: Always confirm export rights before you buy
- Support & Onboarding: Responsive help that prevents common headaches
👉 Think of this as your pre-purchase checklist. If a platform misses the mark on one or more of these, it may not be the right fit.
TL;DR—Top Picks at a Glance
Want to try it yourself? Start your free trial with Join It.
The 10 Best HOA Management Software (Deep Dive)
Join It
All-in-one memberships for HOAs who want simple, modern dues + digital cards.
Why it stands out
Join It delivers a refreshingly clean UX for HOA management, with digital membership cards for Apple and Google Wallet, a robust member CRM, and smart automations that actually work. Many HOA tools feel dated, but Join It uses modern design principles that make volunteer board members actually want to use it.
The unlimited administrator feature is a game-changer. Unlike competitors that charge per user, Join It lets the entire board collaborate without extra fees.
Board members consistently praise its intuitive interface, and automated invoicing has reduced delinquencies by streamlining payments. The built-in website builder with HOA templates means you can finally retire that outdated community site and manage everything in one hub.
Overall Rating
4.7 / 5 — based on 81 reviews
👉 See full profile & reviews
Secondary Ratings
- Ease of Use: 4.7 / 5
- Customer Support: 4.9 / 5
- Value for Money: 4.7 / 5
- Functionality: 4.4 / 5
Latest Reviews
Review 1 (February 2024)
- Pros: Straightforward interface makes it easy to add, delete, and check member details. Sending emails is quick and simple.
- Cons: Email options feel somewhat limited.
⭐ 5-star, Software Advice
Review 2 (October 2023)
- Pros: Intuitive and easy for the entire team to use. Standout features include Eventbrite integration, reporting tools, and membership profile management. Customer service is friendly and very accommodating.
- Cons: Could use more customization in some areas, but the support team helps find workarounds.
⭐ 5-star, Software Advice
👉 See full details at Join It’s pricing page or or start your free trial.
Condo Control
Highlights
Condo Control focuses on condo and HOA boards, consolidating communications, records, maintenance, and payments. Its biggest strength is community engagement with tools like online voting, amenity booking, and package management.
It integrates smoothly with accounting systems and offers dedicated board portals to keep sensitive info separate from resident-facing features. Boards also value the structured violation tracking system and architectural request workflows.
Overall Rating
4.6 / 5 — based on 204 reviews
👉 See full profile & reviews
Secondary Ratings
- Ease of Use: 4.7 / 5
- Customer Support: 4.7 / 5
- Value for Money: 4.7 / 5
- Functionality: 4.5 / 5
Latest Reviews
Review 1 (July 2025)
- Pros: Well-made platform that is user-friendly and straightforward. The e-voting system is highlighted as secure and transparent.
- Cons: Occasional downtime during working hours.
⭐ 5-star, Software Advice
Review 2 (July 2025)
- Pros: Easy to access booking amenities and announcements. Helpful for managing condos.
- Cons: Linking multiple condos can cause errors; changes to one condo’s email address sometimes affect others incorrectly.
⭐ 2-star, Software Advice
AppFolio Property Manager
Highlights
AppFolio combines HOA management with property management in one cloud-based platform. It covers accounting, dues collection, board comms, violations, and architectural reviews, with strong mobile apps that work seamlessly across devices.
Reddit users often recommend AppFolio for mid-sized communities. One board member wrote: “I absolutely recommend AppFolio. It’s incredibly user friendly… since our HOA’s financial manager switched to it, it’s been much easier for homeowners to pay dues online.”
It excels at automated invoice reminders, maintenance management, and financial reporting. Higher-tier plans add AI workflow automation and business intelligence for larger communities.
Overall Rating
4.5 / 5 — based on 1,938 reviews
👉 See full profile & reviews
Secondary Ratings
- Ease of Use: 4.5 / 5
- Customer Support: 4.3 / 5
- Value for Money: 4.3 / 5
- Functionality: 4.3 / 5
Latest Reviews
Review 1 (July 2025)
- Pros: Comprehensive platform covering tenant, lease, and payment management. Onboarding is smooth, customer support is responsive, and payment features save time.
- Cons: Pricing is considered high by some users, though most still feel it delivers strong value.
⭐ 5-star, Software Advice
Review 2 (July 2025)
- Pros: Offers a wide range of tools for property management, from processing applications to handling accounting. Helps manage leads, payments, and communications effectively.
- Cons: Accounting system can feel rigid and complex; customer support sometimes escalates issues slowly; certain tasks require too many manual steps.
⭐ 2-star, Software Advice
Yardi Breeze
Highlights
Yardi Breeze is a cloud-based platform tailored for community associations, known for its powerful accounting capabilities. It includes general ledger, AP/AR, and budgeting tools, making it a favorite for detail-oriented treasurers.
Reviewers on Capterra highlight its easy navigation, intuitive design, and responsive chat support. Features like violation management, document storage, and customizable workflows add real flexibility for boards.
Overall Rating
4.2 / 5 — based on 297 reviews
👉 See full profile & reviews
Secondary Ratings
- Ease of Use: 4.2 / 5
- Customer Support: 4.2 / 5
- Value for Money: 4.2 / 5
- Functionality: 4.0 / 5
Latest Reviews
Review 1 (July 2025)
- Pros: Helpful support agents, useful reports, and ability to find tenant and vendor information in one place. Makes managing daily tasks more efficient.
- Cons: Chat support isn’t always quick to respond, and fixing mistakes can be challenging.
⭐ 4-star, Software Advice
Review 2 (July 2025)
- Pros: Easy to navigate for most tasks, especially for multifamily operations. Migration from other platforms was straightforward.
- Cons: Customer support is often limited to chat, with no live assistance available, which can be frustrating.
⭐ 3-star, Software Advice
Buildium
Highlights
Buildium is one of the most widely used property management tools and offers specialized HOA modules. It includes accounting, resident portals, communication tools, and maintenance tracking.
It scales with your community, from small HOAs to enterprise-level needs. Higher-tier plans include community websites, bulk communications, and open API integrations for tech-savvy boards. Violation and task tracking are especially strong.
Overall Rating
4.5 / 5 — based on 2,162 reviews
👉 See full profile & reviews
Secondary Ratings
- Ease of Use: 4.3 / 5
- Customer Support: 4.4 / 5
- Value for Money: 4.4 / 5
- Functionality: 4.3 / 5
Latest Reviews
Review 1 (July 2025)
- Pros: Makes updating projects and billing easy. The ability to upload pictures is useful for sharing updates with clients. Overall experience described as smooth and reliable.
- Cons: Limited number of pictures can be uploaded at once; users would prefer unlimited uploads.
⭐ 5-star, Software Advice
Review 2 (July 2025)
- Pros: Very user-friendly software that supports self-managed HOAs. Provides strong functionality across management needs and is praised as reliable.
- Cons: Nothing significant noted; highly positive feedback.
⭐ 5-star, Software Advice
PayHOA
WHighlights
PayHOA is built specifically for HOAs, focusing on automated dues collection, financial reporting, and simple communication. It’s ideal for volunteer boards who want essentials without overwhelming complexity.
Users appreciate its streamlined invoicing and professional reports that improve board meetings. Bank integrations also simplify reconciliations, saving treasurers hours each month.
Overall Rating
4.7 / 5 — based on 522 reviews
👉 See full profile & reviews
Secondary Ratings
- Ease of Use: 4.6 / 5
- Customer Support: 4.7 / 5
- Value for Money: 4.7 / 5
- Functionality: 4.6 / 5
Latest Reviews
Review 1 (August 2025)
- Pros: Makes it simple to manage properties, send notices, and collect dues from homeowners. Collecting revenue is straightforward.
- Cons: Deposits from collected dues take longer than expected to reach accounts.
⭐ 4-star, Software Advice
Review 2 (August 2025)
- Pros: Easy to set up and use. Helpful for HOAs moving away from management companies, saving time and money with more proactive control. Customer support answers most questions effectively.
- Cons: Deposits into bank accounts can feel slow; some processes could be streamlined further.
⭐ 5-star, Software Advice
ManageCasa
Why it stands out
ManageCasa supports residential, HOA, and commercial properties. Its community association module covers accounting, payments, maintenance, documents, and board communication.
Reviews highlight responsive tech support, often going above and beyond. The platform’s mobile accessibility is solid, making it convenient for both board members and residents.
Overall Rating
3.9 / 5 — based on 26 reviews
👉 See full profile & reviews
Secondary Ratings
- Ease of Use: 3.8 / 5
- Customer Support: 4.3 / 5
- Value for Money: 4.2 / 5
- Functionality: 3.7 / 5
Latest Reviews
Review 1 (February 2024)
- Pros: Easy to set up with helpful support from the ManageCasa team. Users appreciate the functionality and ability to access features on the go.
- Cons: Bank account verification process took longer than expected.
⭐ 5-star, Software Advice
Review 2 (February 2024)
- Pros: Customer service staff were noted as kind and helpful when available.
- Cons: Users reported issues with communication, difficulty resolving support tickets, and limited functionality that didn’t meet expectations.
⭐ 1-star, Software Advice
CINC Systems
Highlights
CINC Systems is built specifically for professional management companies that handle multiple associations. It provides real-time bank integrations, AR/AP management, and violation workflows that streamline operations across portfolios.
Unlike platforms adapted from rental property management, CINC is designed around HOA workflows, which means features like covenant violations, architectural reviews, and amenity management feel native to the system.
Overall Rating
4.2 / 5 — based on 250 reviews
👉 See full profile & reviews
Secondary Ratings
- Ease of Use: 4.2 / 5
- Customer Support: 4.3 / 5
- Value for Money: 3.7 / 5
- Functionality: 4.2 / 5
Latest Reviews
Review 1 (June 2025)
- Pros: Provides a solid technology platform with useful CRM tools. Some users found it reliable for managing leads and basic tasks.
- Cons: High cost relative to value. Many leads were considered low quality, and customer service received criticism for slow response and limited customization.
⭐ 2-star, Software Advice
Review 2 (June 2025)
- Pros: The system has potential but users highlighted some functional positives such as the ability to register leads.
- Cons: Customer service was rated poorly. Users reported long wait times, lack of follow-ups, and even unexpected charges.
⭐ 1-star, Software Advice
ONR App
Highlights
ONR App focuses on community engagement and resident experience. It centralizes communication, amenity booking, e-voting, and payment processing for condos and HOAs.
Core features include:
- Community website
- Mass communications
- Electronic voting
- CRM for resident data
- Amenity reservation scheduling
Advanced tiers expand into digital concierge services, package and parking management, and even AI-powered analytics.
Overall Rating
4.8 / 5 — based on user reviews
👉 See full profile & reviews
Secondary Ratings
- Ease of Use: 4.8 / 5
- Value for Money: 4.8 / 5
- Customer Support: 4.9 / 5
- Functionality: 4.8 / 5
Latest Reviews
Review 1 (April 2023)
- Pros: Excellent customer service and strong attention to detail. The app is user-friendly and reliable, covering essential community management needs.
- Cons: Occasional app crashes, though not considered significant issues.
⭐ 5-star, Software Advice
Review 2 (October 2024)
- Pros: Intuitive platform with modern design and broad functionality. Helps both managers and residents streamline community operations. Strong support team.
- Cons: Onboarding could feel complex, but support was noted as highly responsive.
⭐ 5-star, Software Advice
FRONTSTEPS
Highlights
FRONTSTEPS offers cloud-based HOA management software with a unique focus on security integration. For gated communities, its ability to connect with gate and access control hardware is a major advantage.
The platform also covers:
- Event calendars
- Multi-page community websites
- Bulletin boards
- Document storage and sharing
- Violations and maintenance tracking
- Online payment portals
Specialized plans add accounting, condo management features, and more robust security tools.
Overall Rating
3.7 / 5 — based on 64 reviews
👉 See full profile & reviews
Secondary Ratings
- Ease of Use: 3.5 / 5
- Customer Support: 3.6 / 5
- Value for Money: 3.4 / 5
- Functionality: 3.5 / 5
Latest Reviews
Review 1 (August 2025)
- Pros: Support team is responsive and helpful. The integration of accounting, communication, and management tools in one platform makes daily operations easier and keeps residents informed.
- Cons: Some features feel limited, but improvements have been noted over time.
⭐ 5-star, Software Advice
Review 2 (March 2025)
- Pros: Provides basic functionality for HOA websites and announcements.
- Cons: Users report multiple issues with system stability, limited features, and very slow response times from support when problems occur.
⭐ 1-star, Software Advice
Pricing Reality Check: Fees, Minimums, and "Gotchas"
Common Surprises to Budget For
When you start digging into HOA software contracts, a few extra costs often pop up:
- Transaction fees: Most platforms charge 2–3% for credit card payments and $0.50–$1.00 for ACH transfers
- Statement fees: Monthly statement generation can cost $1–2 per unit
- Setup costs: Bank integrations, lockbox setups, and data migration often come with one-time fees
- Per-user charges: Some vendors charge extra for additional administrator accounts
- Add-on modules: E-signatures, advanced reporting, or API access may be separate upgrades
Per-Unit vs Flat Tiers: When Each Makes Sense
Flat tier pricing (like Join It’s model) is ideal for:
- Smaller HOAs (under 100 units) with predictable need
- Communities that want unlimited administrator access
- Boards that prefer simple, predictable monthly costs
Per-unit pricing is often better for:
- Large communities (200+ units) where per-unit costs are economical
- Management companies handling multiple properties
- HOAs with minimal admin needs per unit
How to Choose (Fast)
If You're a Volunteer Board (≤200 homes)
Shortlist: Join It, PayHOA, Yardi Breeze
👉 Focus on ease of use, transparent pricing, and responsive support. You want software board members can pick up quickly, without long training sessions that nobody has time for.
If You're a Management Company
Shortlist: AppFolio, Buildium (Premium with API), CINC Systems
👉 Prioritize scalability, integrations, and features that make it easier to manage multiple communities. API access and bulk operations become critical at this scale.
If Voting or Amenities Are the Pain Point
Shortlist: ONR App, Condo Control, FRONTSTEPS
👉 These tools shine when you need digital voting, amenity reservations, and community engagement that goes beyond notices and emails.
If you're unsure whether to self-manage or outsource, see our guide on choosing an HOA management company.
Implementation Playbook (Migration + Rollout)
Data Ownership and Export: Contract Checklist
Before you sign with any vendor, confirm your contract includes:
- Explicit language that all HOA data belongs to the association
- Export capabilities in standard formats (CSV, PDF, etc.)
- Transition assistance if you move to another system
- Clear data retention policies after termination
As HOALeader points out, even if a management company provides the software, the HOA’s data belongs to the association and must remain transferable.
Phased Rollout Strategy
- Month 1: Implement payment processing and basic accounting
- Month 2: Launch owner and board portals plus communication features
- Month 3: Add violations tracking and maintenance workflows
This staggered approach keeps things manageable and avoids overwhelming board members or residents.
Training the Board and Residents
- For board members: Schedule hands-on training during regular meetings
- For residents: Send step-by-step email guides with screenshots for accessing the portal
- Change management tip: Clearly communicate the benefits such as faster responses, easier payments, and better transparency
Join It is built to help HOAs migrate smoothly—start your transition today.
FAQs
What is the best HOA management software?
It depends on your community’s size and needs. For smaller, self-managed HOAs, Join It balances features, ease of use, and transparent pricing. Larger HOAs or management firms might prefer AppFolio or Buildium for their scalability.
HOA vs condo association software – what’s different?
The basics are the same, but condo associations often need modules for parking, package tracking, and more complex architectural controls. Most modern HOA software can handle both.
How much does HOA software cost?
Expect $1–5 per unit per month with per-unit pricing, or $29–200+ monthly for flat tiers. Don’t forget transaction fees (2–3% for cards), setup costs, and add-on modules when budgeting.
Want to explore more about board responsibilities? Check out our HOA board responsibilities guide.
Sources
- Foundation for Community Association Research. Statistical Review 2024
- Allied Market Research. HOA Property Management Software Market
- Stan.ai. Statistical Analysis of Benefits for HOA Managers
- Reddit r/HOA. HOA management software yardi or appfolio
- Reddit r/HOA. Recommended HOA management software
- Reddit r/SaaS. Join It recommendation
- Reddit r/HOA. State-based community association statistics
- Reddit r/HOA. Feedback on HOA software
- Reddit r/HOA. Open source HOA software
- Stack Exchange. Software package homeowners association
- Webmasters Stack Exchange. FOSS web app for homeowners associations
- HOATalk. Forum discussion
- Capterra. Software reviews and comparisons
- Capterra. AppFolio vs LegFi comparison
- Software Advice. Property management software reviews
- SoftwareAdvice. Community HOA software comparison
- Software Advice. Enumerate profile reviews
- Trustpilot. Enumerate reviews
- HOALeader. Who Owns Your HOA Software
- Buildium Blog. 9 Best HOA Software 2025
- HOALife Blog. Best HOA Software 2025
- Vantaca Blog. Best HOA management software 2025
- PayHOA Blog. Technology trends shaping HOA future
- ManageCasa Blog. Adopting streamlining software
- HOA Management. HOA software guide
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