Why a modern specialist rental operating system outperforms legacy property management software

Editor note:

To clarify what Residently is and does, we are the experience layer that sits on top of your property management software and accountancy systems—the front-end user experience and workflows your operating teams and residents engage with.

We’re not here to replace these systems. Our pitch is, use Residently + whatever PMS/accountancy software to get the best of both worlds.

"You don't want the same people who build your accounting software to build your front end, user experience and workflows"

A more accurate title might be ‘Why a modern specialist rental operating system outperforms legacy property management software for marketing and leasing operations and community building and resident experience...

If you're still unsure, please do get in touch.

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Here's why utilising a purpose-built solution for resident management is the smart move for forward-thinking property professionals.

A specialist system vs A jack-of-all-trades

Legacy systems were initially designed as accounting-first platforms, with resident experience functionality bolted on later. This results in a disjointed user experience that fails to address the core challenges of leasing, renewals, and resident experience.

Residently, on the other hand, is built with a resident-first approach, offering:

• A fully integrated resident experience layer that enhances interactions from application to renewal.
• Automated workflows that eliminate error-prone, time-consuming manual processes.
• Data-driven decision-making, providing real-time insights into tenancy trends, voids, and operational efficiencies.

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Say goodbye to stitched-together solutions

Legacy systems often acquire point solutions and attempt to integrate them to keep up with customer demands. The result? A patchwork of tools that don't communicate effectively, leading to data silos, inefficiencies, and frustration for property managers and residents alike.

Residently is built as a unified platform, ensuring:

• All features work seamlessly together rather than being stitched onto an old framework.
• A single source of truth for property, resident, and financial data.
• Elimination of data silos, enabling real-time insights and better operational decisions.

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Agile, personalised support vs. Being at the back of the queue

A significant challenge of using a legacy system built in the US is that product development is prioritised for larger, more lucrative markets. This means UK-specific feature requests often sit at the bottom of the backlog. Even when updates arrive, they tend to be generic solutions designed to serve multiple asset classes rather than tailored to UK residential rental needs.

With Residently, you gain access to:

• A UK-based team that actively listens and adapts the platform to meet your specific needs.
• Faster feature deployment and continuous innovation focused solely on the UK rental market.
• Dedicated support that acts as an extension of your team, ensuring seamless implementation and ongoing optimisation.

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Built for the UK residential market, not adapted for it

Unlike legacy systems initially designed for the US market and later adapted for the UK, Residently has been built specifically for the UK residential rental sector's unique dynamics, regulations, and demands.

This means:

• Seamless compliance with UK housing regulations and legal frameworks.
• Purpose-built automation that understands the nuances of UK lease agreements, resident expectations, and property management workflows.
• Localised support and development ensures the platform evolves in line with the needs of UK property managers rather than being an afterthought in a system designed for different asset classes and markets.

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The best of both worlds: Keep your legacy accounting system and upgrade your resident experience

One of the biggest concerns for property management firms considering a system upgrade is the disruption to their existing accounting infrastructure. Finance teams have invested significant time in reporting and compliance, making a full transition challenging.

With Residently's seamless integrations, you don't have to rip out your existing accounting software. 

Instead, you can:

• Retain your property and financial data in your legacy system.
• Layer Residently on top to enhance the resident experience and operational efficiency.
• Achieve the best of both worlds, combining trusted financial reporting with modern, automated leasing and management workflows.

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Future-proof your portfolio with Residently

The UK rental market is evolving, and operators need technology that keeps pace with these changes. Legacy property management systems have their purpose, but today, automation, integration, and resident experience are the keys to success.

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