Running a homeowner’s association is no cakewalk. With the diverse number of tasks your team needs to complete, it’s hard to get by without SOME kind of software- be it Excel, QuickBooks or Google Sites. However, if you’re finding that your association has outgrown the mix-and-match free software it’s using, but paid HOA software is out of your price range, you’ve come to the right place! There aren’t a lot of free and open source HOA software solutions out there, but these are some that should suffice for a team that’s ready to leave the generic solutions behind.
This article looks at five highly rated free HOA software options. See the full list of free HOA software solutions here.
1. Bitrix24
Bitrix24 is one of those programs that packs a punch—and it isn’t afraid to say it. Though not every feature is available for the free version, it should cover almost everything an HOA needs (most of the restricted features are for help desk and CRM functions). If your association finds that it needs more sophisticated features like workflow automation, there is always the chance to upgrade, or self-host and customize. Also, notably missing- budgeting features. Don’t chuck your Quickbooks license just yet.
How Free? Unlimited users, up to 5GB storage, up to 5 task dependencies, up to 12 integrated email accounts.
Features:
Company Social Network
Project Management (Gantt charts, reports, tasks)
Document Management (integrates with Microsoft Office and Google Docs)
Calendars
Telephony
Sharing & Restrictions
App for iPhone & Android
2. pHKondo
Developed in Lisbon, Portugal, this is one of the only specifically HOA-oriented, completely free solutions on this list. There is an English version of the software, which is distributed under the GPL 2.0 open source license, but there’s a bit of quirky wording on the English site so just make sure to demo the software first to see that nothing gets lost in translation. Support and training are offered, which is definitely a plus, though possibly not for free (the site says only to contact the developers). All the extra plugins can be purchased for a one-time fee of $15, so even with hidden costs included this isn’t too bad of a deal for a small-to-medium size HOA.
How free? Plugins cost $15 total, possible training/support/customization costs.
Features:
Property Management
Budgeting
Billing
Maintenance Management
Insurance
With Added Plugins:
Document Management
Reports
Receipt Printing
3. Vinteum
Vinteum’s web-based and mobile software Neigbrs boasts that it will eliminate headaches, which is the kind of promise I like to hear. Similar to Bitrix24, it has a free and a paid plan, which both pack a lot of features, but this one was designed specifically to be used as HOA software. Some more HOA-specific features include reservation management, and the ability to create classified ads. The pricing starts at $1/unit/mo so even if you outgrow the free version, it’s still great for a small to mid-size association.
How Free? Limited texts and document upload (site does not specify limits), unlimited users.
Features:
Community Social Network & Texting Features
Reservation Management
Document Attachment
Calendar
Role Based Access
Mobile App
Email Support
4. Monthli
Currently Monthli looks like it might be the most completely free option on this list. Their site mentions that ‘in the future’ they will be providing optional paid features, but right now the only thing you can pay for is their ancillary services like helping you find the best insurance and local vendors for your association. Like Bitrix24, budgeting features are not included here so it’s not a total all-in-one package, but the inclusion of ticketing is a nice touch.
How Free? Completely! (though possible added costs in the future, and support is not mentioned)
Features:
Ticketing
Member rosters
Communications Board
Document Management
Calendar
Member Notifications
Reporting
5. Gladly
Though Gladly doesn’t market itself as HOA management and focuses more on the social communication aspects of running an HOA, it’s actually a decent all-in-one solution. In addition to keeping your association members connected through a bulletin board, website, and Facebook integration, you can collect dues, view a community calendar, and manage reservations like most of the other options on this list. Only downside- the free version includes ads. There’s a pretty big jump to the paid version ($49/community/month) but all the features are included in the free version so even with ads factored in that’s hard to argue with.
How free? Free version “may” include ads.
Features:
Bulletin Board & Community Website
Document Management
Calendar
Reservation Management
Dues Payment
Email Blasts
More?
Have you found any free HOA software solutions that weren’t included on this list? Any experiences you want to share with the ones that were included? Please leave your comments down below!