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Getting Started

Getting Started with PlaceDock: A Complete Guide for New Landlords

Learn how to set up your rental portfolio in PlaceDock and start managing your properties like a pro. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the onboarding process.

By PlaceDock Team
August 15, 2026
8 min read
Getting Started with PlaceDock: A Complete Guide for New Landlords
Clarity over complexity

Welcome to PlaceDock!

If you're a self-managed landlord with 2-50 rental units, PlaceDock is built specifically for you. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started.

Step 1: Create Your Account

Getting started is simple:

  1. Visit placedock.com and click "Get Started"
  2. Enter your email and create a password
  3. Verify your email address
  4. You're in! Start with our 30-day free trial

Step 2: Add Your Properties

The first thing you'll want to do is add your rental properties:

  • Click on "Properties" in the sidebar
  • Click "Add Property"
  • Enter the property address, type, and number of units
  • Add photos and important details
  • Save your property

Pro Tip: You can import your existing data from Excel to save time!

Step 3: Add Your Tenants

Next, add your current tenants:

  • Navigate to "Tenants"
  • Click "Add Tenant"
  • Enter tenant contact information
  • Assign them to their unit
  • Set up their lease agreement

Step 4: Set Up Leases

Create lease agreements for each tenant:

  • Go to "Leases"
  • Click "Create Lease"
  • Select the tenant and unit
  • Enter lease terms (start date, end date, rent amount)
  • Upload the signed lease document
  • Save

Step 5: Track Rent Payments

PlaceDock makes rent tracking effortless:

  • Navigate to "Rent Payments"
  • Click "Generate Payments" for the current month
  • Mark payments as received when rent comes in
  • View your collection rate and outstanding balances

Step 6: Log Expenses

Keep track of all your property expenses:

  • Go to "Expenses"
  • Click "Add Expense"
  • Categorize your expense (maintenance, utilities, etc.)
  • Upload receipts
  • Track your profitability

Step 7: Monitor Your Portfolio

Use the Dashboard to get a bird's-eye view:

  • Total portfolio value
  • Monthly cash flow
  • Occupancy rates
  • Upcoming lease renewals
  • Maintenance requests

Next Steps

Now that you're set up, explore these features:

  • Maintenance Tracking: Log and track maintenance requests
  • Document Storage: Upload and organize important documents
  • Financial Reports: Generate P&L statements and tax reports
  • Tenant Portal: Invite tenants to pay rent and submit requests online

Need Help?

We're here to support you:

Welcome to the PlaceDock community! 🎉

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