Before you automate anything at a property management company, you need to know one thing: can other software read and write data in your PMS? The answer decides whether a project takes two weeks or two months, and whether it needs a workaround.
Here is where the common platforms stand, based on each vendor’s own documentation where we could find it. Access rules change, so confirm with your vendor before you scope a build.
Quick answer by platform
| Platform | API access | How you get it |
|---|---|---|
| Buildium | Public Open API (REST) | Premium tier. An admin creates the keys. |
| Rentvine | Public API with an OpenAPI spec | You create API keys in your account settings. |
| Rent Manager | Web API (REST, read and write) | Customers can add API access to their subscription. Vendors join an integrations program. |
| Propertyware | REST API with public docs | An admin creates the keys. |
| AppFolio | Gated | Vendors apply to the AppFolio Stack partner program. |
| Vantaca (HOA) | API | Each management company authorizes the vendor. |
| CINC Systems (HOA) | REST API | Credentials are issued by CINC after partner approval. |
Does Buildium have an API?
Yes. Buildium’s Open API is a REST API with public documentation at developer.buildium.com. It requires the Premium plan, and an account admin generates the API keys (Buildium). That makes Buildium one of the easier platforms for custom integrations, like syncing leads from a CRM, pulling data into a dashboard, or creating work orders from an intake form.
Does Rentvine have an API?
Yes. Rentvine publishes API docs with an OpenAPI spec at docs.rentvine.com, and you create API keys in your own settings (Rentvine help). Of the platforms in this list, it is the easiest to start building on.
Does Rent Manager have an API?
Yes. Rent Manager’s Web API is a REST API that supports reading and writing data (Rent Manager). Property management companies can add API access to their subscription. Software vendors that want a listed integration go through Rent Manager’s integrations program.
Does AppFolio have an API?
Access is gated. Software vendors connect through the AppFolio Stack partner program, which involves an application and certification. Unified-API providers such as Propexo describe a separate database API tied to higher AppFolio plans (Propexo), though that is a third-party description and AppFolio has not certified it.
AppFolio also has its own workflow engine, Realm-X Flows. If you are on AppFolio, check what Flows can already do before paying for anything custom.
Does Propertyware have an API?
Yes. Propertyware has a REST API with public documentation (Propertyware), and an admin creates the keys.
HOA platforms: Vantaca and CINC
Vantaca says its API is open, and each management company authorizes which vendors can connect (Vantaca). CINC Systems issues API credentials after a vendor is approved as a partner (Supergood). For HOA managers, the practical step is the same on both: your company has to approve the integration.
What to do when the API is closed
A closed API slows a project down without stopping it. Common workarounds:
- Scheduled report exports. Most platforms can email a report on a schedule. An automation reads the export and moves the data where it needs to go.
- Email parsing. Many PMS notifications (new applications, work orders, payments) go out by email, and those emails can trigger a workflow.
- Zapier or Make. Several tools in the property management stack have Zapier apps even when the PMS itself is closed. ShowMojo, Tenant Turner, and LeadSimple all do.
- Unified-API vendors. Companies like Propexo connect to many PMS platforms through one interface, usually for a monthly fee.
How to check your own setup
- Find out which plan you are on. API access is often tied to a tier.
- Ask your account rep directly: “Can we generate API keys, and is read and write access included?”
- List the tools you want connected, and check which ones already have a native integration with your PMS.
- Only then decide whether you need custom work.
We do this mapping in the first week of every assessment. If you want help connecting your systems, see our integrations and custom software service.