Top 5 Tenant Apps Powering Build-to-Rent Living in Australia

Technology is changing the way Australians rent - and Build-to-Rent (BTR) is at the front of the pack. Forget the old days of calling a property manager to fix a leaky tap or chasing lost keys.

Today’s BTR buildings use smart tenant apps to make everyday living seamless, connected, and stress-free.

Here’s a look at the top 5 tenant experience apps making waves across Australia’s Build-to-Rent scene - starting with the one leading the charge.

1. ResiKEY - Australia’s All-in-One Smart Access & Tenant App

Best for: Secure wallet credentials, smart access, and community engagement

What it is:
ResiKEY is redefining the BTR experience across Australia by putting everything renters need inside one secure digital wallet. From unlocking your apartment with your Apple or Google Wallet, to managing visitors, booking amenities, and reporting maintenance issues - it’s all in one beautifully designed app.

Key features:

1. Wallet-based access: Tap your phone or watch to unlock doors - no plastic cards or keys.
2. Maintenance requests: Log an issue in seconds and track progress in real-time.
3. Community feed: Connect with neighbours, book events, and stay in the loop.
4. Security-first design: Backed by integrations with HID Origo, SALTO, Gallagher, and Integriti.
5. Built for BTR: Designed specifically for operators and residents in large-scale residential communities.
6. Online rent payments and renewals
7. Building announcements
8. Cloud-based management dashboard

Why it’s number one:
ResiKEY isn’t just another building app - it’s a credential, communication, and community platform built by Australian developers for Australian living. It’s already being rolled out in flagship properties like 101 Collins Street and Rialto Towers, and is fast becoming the gold standard for digital access and resident engagement.

2. BuildingLink - The Original PropTech Classic

Best for: Maintenance tracking and resident communication

What it is:
An early pioneer in the property management space, BuildingLink is still widely used in BTR and strata properties across Australia. It provides building managers with a central hub for maintenance requests, deliveries, and communication.

Key features:

1. Maintenance logging and photo uploads
2. Community announcements
3. Package notifications
4. Resident database for managers

Why it works:
BuildingLink has proven reliability and depth, but it’s showing its age — with newer platforms offering better mobile UX and integration with smart access systems.

3. Utopia by Greystar – Exclusive to Greystar BTR Communities

Best for:  Large-scale BTR operators managing their own ecosystem

What it is:
Developed by Greystar, one of the world’s largest BTR operators, Utopia is their internal tenant platform designed to handle leasing, payments, maintenance, and communication in one branded environment.

Key features:

1. Lease signing and renewals
2. Event booking and resident chat
3. Integrated payment systems
4. Push notifications for updates

Why it works:
Utopia shows how operators are personalising the renter experience with branded digital layers — though it’s limited to Greystar-managed buildings.

4. MRI Living (Resident Connect App)

Best for: Enterprise-grade management across multi-site portfolios

What it is:
MRI Software is a global property technology provider, and their Resident Connect app is designed for institutional-scale housing — including Build-to-Rent portfolios in Australia.

Key features:

1. Online rent payments and renewals
2. Building announcements
3. Maintenance scheduling
4. Cloud-based management dashboard

Why it works:
It’s built for scalability and integration, making it a strong option for operators who need full-stack data and analytics. For renters, it’s functional but not particularly engaging.

5. Tether – The Sustainability-Focused Living App

Best for: Energy monitoring and eco-friendly communities

What it is:  Tether helps residents and operators monitor energy, water, and waste usage in real-time — promoting sustainability and smarter resource management.

Key features:

1. Personalised sustainability dashboard
2. Live data on energy and water usage
3. Building-wide efficiency insights
4. Push alerts to reduce waste and bills

Why it works:
Tether adds an ESG edge to modern BTR living — perfect for eco-conscious tenants and forward-thinking developers.

The Smart Future of Renting

The future of Build-to-Rent isn’t just about great architecture - it’s about smart technology that connects people, spaces, and services.

Apps like ResiKEY show what’s possible when digital access, community engagement, and security come together seamlessly. They’re turning apartment living into something smoother, safer, and genuinely connected.