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AppFolio Property Manager

AppFolio Property Manager

Overview

What is AppFolio Property Manager?

AppFolio Property Manager is a cloud-based property management software that allows multifamily and single-family, commercial, student housing, homeowners and condo association, and mixed portfolio property managers to market, manage and grow their business. AppFolio includes accounting and property management functionality,…

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Recent Reviews

TrustRadius Insights

AppFolio has proven to be a valuable tool for property management, leasing, accounting, and maintenance operations. Users find the …
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AppFolio Limitations

4 out of 10
October 21, 2022
We started using AppFolio when our previous property management software stopped doing updates. They were bought out and destroyed by a …
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Reviewer Pros & Cons

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Pricing

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Community Associations

$0.85

Cloud
per unit/per month

Plus - Community Associations

$0.85

Cloud
per unit/per month

Student Housing

$1.25

Cloud
per unit/per month

Entry-level set up fee?

  • No setup fee
For the latest information on pricing, visithttps://www.appfolio.com/pricing

Offerings

  • Free Trial
  • Free/Freemium Version
  • Premium Consulting/Integration Services
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Product Details

What is AppFolio Property Manager?

AppFolio Property Manager is a cloud-based property management software that allows multifamily and single-family, commercial, student housing, homeowners and condo association, and mixed portfolio property managers to market, manage and grow their business. AppFolio includes accounting and property management functionality, including the ability to: provide instant access to reports & statements, post & market vacancies, apply & lease online, screen residents, streamline rent collection, and mobile inspections.

AppFolio Property Manager Screenshots

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AppFolio Property Manager Competitors

AppFolio Property Manager Technical Details

Deployment TypesSoftware as a Service (SaaS), Cloud, or Web-Based
Operating SystemsUnspecified
Mobile ApplicationApple iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Blackberry, Mobile Web
Supported CountriesUnited States
Supported LanguagesEnglish

Frequently Asked Questions

AppFolio Property Manager is a cloud-based property management software that allows multifamily and single-family, commercial, student housing, homeowners and condo association, and mixed portfolio property managers to market, manage and grow their business. AppFolio includes accounting and property management functionality, including the ability to: provide instant access to reports & statements, post & market vacancies, apply & lease online, screen residents, streamline rent collection, and mobile inspections.

Yardi Voyager and Buildium are common alternatives for AppFolio Property Manager.

Reviewers rate Support Rating highest, with a score of 1.

The most common users of AppFolio Property Manager are from Small Businesses (1-50 employees).
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(48)

Community Insights

TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content? Let us know!

AppFolio has proven to be a valuable tool for property management, leasing, accounting, and maintenance operations. Users find the program's layout easy to follow and appreciate its pleasing visual design. With AppFolio, users can easily track vendors, owners, tenants, and billing/invoicing, allowing them to streamline their operations effectively. Customer support is quick with a fast turnaround time, and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. One of the standout features of AppFolio is its commitment to customer feedback, as it welcomes suggestions and implements updates to improve the software's efficiency. Maintenance orders are made more efficient with integrated vendor and billing information. Additionally, users find it easy to advertise with AppFolio as it reaches multiple locations and websites. The software also integrates seamlessly with company websites to save time in making updates and ensure accurate information. It simplifies the rental application process, including background checks and online rent and deposit payments. Users also benefit from its integration with the investor management portal, which enables property performance assessment. Additionally, AppFolio acts as a portal for residents to make rental payments and access resident files conveniently. The software helps with organizing tasks such as scheduling tours, preparing for move-ins, generating reports, and providing valuable analytics and data insights for market rent and budgeting. One of the key advantages of using AppFolio is its ability to handle multiple entities in one system with a single login. Overall, AppFolio has been praised for improving leasing processes, increasing online availability, tracking vacancies, rent, expenses, work orders, financial statements for multiple rental properties effectively. Moreover, it extends its functionality to managing HOAs by providing a digital platform for all aspects of HOA management. The software offers deep and complex functions for property management tasks and reporting that have been highly beneficial across corporate offices for accounting functions and investment management.

However, some users have noted a decline in customer service quality over time, particularly in the online chat support system. Despite this, AppFolio remains widely used for its communication and collaboration features, addressing the business problem of streamlining communication and avoiding miscommunication between property managers and asset managers. Overall, AppFolio has proven to be a reliable solution for property management businesses, allowing them to efficiently organize their operations and streamline communication between various stakeholders.

Clear Overview of Work Orders: Many users have praised AppFolio Property Manager for providing a clear overview of work orders, allowing them to easily track the progress of maintenance tasks. This feature has been particularly helpful in keeping the maintenance side of their business organized and efficient.

Efficient Tracking of Tenant Payments: Several reviewers appreciate how AppFolio Property Manager makes it easy to track tenant payments and categorize charges and credits efficiently on ledgers. They can quickly see if tenants owe various charges such as water/sewer fees, pet fees, late fees, etc. The system's chronological order organization further enhances usability.

Useful Reports and Letters Section: A number of users frequently utilize AppFolio Property Manager's Reports and Letters section. They find it helpful to have a uniform format that maintains professionalism and consistency when generating reports or sending selective letters to tenants without including everyone. The user also notes that the formatting in this section has improved over the past two years.

Difficult to Use: Several users have found the system difficult to use, particularly for non-technical individuals. They have expressed frustration with navigating through the software and understanding its features.

Issues with Parking Tracking and Reporting: Users have mentioned issues with parking tracking and generating reports that contain all the necessary information for their company's vehicles. This has caused inconvenience and hindered their ability to effectively manage their parking operations.

Challenging Pricing Structure: Some users have complained about the pricing structure, especially for large multi-unit buildings with parking. They feel that the costs are not reasonable or transparent, which has led to dissatisfaction among customers.

The recommendations from users are as follows:

  • Take advantage of the training videos offered for free with the program.
  • Balance accounts before transitioning to the AppFolio accounting system.
  • Avoid using the software for larger properties with many regulations.
  • Switch to AppFolio+.
  • Ask questions and request a hands-on demo when meeting with the AppFolio team.
  • Utilize the help offered by the support team.

Users highly recommend:

  • Making the switch to AppFolio for property management needs.
  • Taking advantage of all the helpful trainings and features.
  • Asking for help from the community of experts for quick and personalized service.

Users find AppFolio:

  • Easy to learn and navigate with responsive support staff.
  • A great value for property management software.
  • Immensely helpful for property management.
  • Great for simplifying accounting processes and improving efficiency.

Users recommend:

  • Using AppFolio for larger companies or those managing different types of properties.
  • Researching the right software before making a decision.
  • Testing the system and not being afraid to explore it.
  • Tracking and updating home inspections for better reporting.

Some users suggest:

  • Creating more opportunities for user customization and improving usability.
  • Using AppFolio despite higher costs, as it has been a huge success for their business.

Users highly recommend using AppFolio:

  • For managing complexes remotely, as it gives their business an advantage over competitors.

They believe that using AppFolio:

  • Is a great product with a great team that listens to feedback.

Users highly recommend taking advantage of all of AppFolio's features. They also find it to be:

  • Great software with an affordable price.

They praise:

  • The ease of use, mobility, and customer service of AppFolio.

Overall, users think that AppFolio:

  • Is constantly evolving and highly recommend it.

They suggest using the online help center for quick answers to any questions.

Attribute Ratings

Reviews

(1-7 of 7)
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Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
It has streamlined our application process for our rental units. It has also streamlined the background checks and has allowed for online payment of their rent and deposit. It has made everything easier to search for information. It has shortened the time it takes for an applicant to apply for a rental unit and get accepted since everything is in a one stop shop with appfolio. We are able to connect it to the investor management appfolio portal, which has allowed us to see how successful our properties are with our investors.
  • Easy to use application process
  • Easy for our renters to pay their rent online
  • Easy to connect to our investors who have invested in these properties
  • Being able to integrate our old system into appfolio in a more streamline easier way
  • Be able to seperate some "owners" from the investment management and property management
  • Allow for additional customization based on how our organization operates
We have 6 apartment buildings that we manage. Every month we were having to drive to each location to collect rent checks. Since using appfolio, we only have a couple of renters that still send in a paper check, the rest pay online, so we are ensuring that our renters are paying on time.

Once we have an applicant apply, the old way was to take their scanned application, review, and then pay to have a background check conducted. Now, with appfolio, we are able to have them apply, sign off on the background check, and pay their deposit all in one shot. It has allowed our property managers to focus on other property items rather than conducting background checks.
May 26, 2021

AppFolio Review

Score 6 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
Our entire company uses AppFolio Property Manager - [it's] predominantly used as a portal for our residents. AppFolio Property Manager is the most common way we receive rental payments.
  • Prior to purchasing AppFolio Property Manager we used a texting app so we could mass text tenants. AppFolio allows us to text them by their unit along with their guarantors (if needed.) We use this feature daily. It is so convenient when we need to reach out residents quickly.
  • The online payment system makes it easy for our commercial and residential tenants to make rental payments. The system has also lessened the work of out Account's manager since it's all in once place now and we do not have to enter payments into a separate system.
  • Navigating AppFolio Property Manager is extremely easy. When we have new hire, it does take any time for them to become comfortable with the system. The main page dashboard makes it simple to get from point A to point B and beyond. The Search engine on AppFolio Property Manager is so efficient. You can search almost anything- phone number, first names, last names, addressed, license plate numbers to successfully find what you are needing.
  • We work with mostly college students. As you can imagine there is a lot of roommate drama which brings lease changes. Or perhaps tenants forget to renew their lease agreement and new residents sign and we have to move people around to different addresses. There is NO feature that will allow you to delete a tenant. There is not way to make changes of address once someone is entered. And the "tenant transfer" feature is not useful for us.
  • We have some issues using the email feature on AppFolio Property Manager. The "letters" feature will allow you to send out an email/ letter and will attach it to everyone's account. If I want to send a personalized email- I have to send it to one resident and BCC the other tenants and their guarantors, anyone blind copied will not have the email attach to their account. So this feature becomes almost unusable for us because of that.
  • Sometimes it's difficult to receive customer support. The chat feature is helpful but, most of the time the question we have is not easily answered and we are passed off to several other people.
AppFolio Property Manager for our residents is phenomenal. It serves us and our residents very well as far as them having access to their portal. I find the program difficult to use from a data entry standpoint. There are many features on our end that make usage for us much more difficult.
Score 7 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
AppFolio Property Manager is used across our entire corporate office for all accounting functions for both property, and non-property-related entities of ours. We also utilize their Investment Management add-on which ties our investment entities and related investor distributions directly into the property management software. One of the main reasons we use AppFolio is that it makes it easy for us to navigate many LLCs/entities in one system (i.e. we do not need separate files for each entity but can access everything via one login).
  • Multi-entity accounting management
  • Checking printing: We have multiple bank accounts tied to our account and utilize blank check stock. Appfolio automatically prints the routing numbers and account numbers at the bottom of the blank checks based on which property we are paying a bill from.
  • Tie-in with their Investment Management tool gives our investors a great resource while keeping our investments in sync with our accounting software.
  • Customer support is horrendous. It can take weeks to get a live person on the phone and once you get someone, they typically will need to escalate your issue.
  • If you have multiple bank accounts at different banks, the bill-paying feature has trouble properly defaulting to the right bank account.
  • Multiple bank accounts also have issues tying incorrectly to the Cash section of the balance sheet.
I think it is one of the best solutions out there for the price. Cheaper solutions don't have the same features (i.e. check printing for multiple bank accounts). If you need personal support or are not overly tech-savvy, you will be better off with a higher-end product that delivers more personalized service. If you are a tech-forward organization that can figure out your needs and features on your own, then I think Appfolio is a great solution.
Chantal Matthews, MSEd, CHES®, CHWC | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
AppFolio is being used across the company and houses our resident files. It has helped us make our move-in process almost completely electronic. It also allows easy access to resident ledgers and accounts. In addition, Appfolio’s set-up helps us stay organized, from scheduling tours to preparing for move-ins, everything we need is at our fingertips. Reports are also housed in this system.
  • Ease of use
  • Customer Support & FAQ Articles
  • Organization of the Website
  • Ability to Customize
  • Application Screening
  • Constant Updates to Site
  • Customer service hours could be extended
  • Quicker application results
  • Ability to better keep track of follow-up for prospects
We are able to manage the move-in process from scheduling a tour to the day of move-in through AppFolio. On the management side, budgetary things are managed in this system as well. When it comes to a true tool that’s easy to use and effective in helping to manage a property--this is it! Leasing consultant performance can even be tracked easily in this system.
Arcoma L. Briceño | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
AppFolio Property Manager is a very robust Property Management SYSTEM. It is not just an app, not only an interface. It has deep and complex functions that integrate to allow a PM to control and utilize the SYSTEM to complete all the daily tasks necessary to manage, report, and act on PM accounts.
  • Scheduling Showings with Integrated Calendar
  • Creating Leases
  • Accounting Functions are STELLAR
  • Accounting is not as user-friendly for the general Property Manager type, the folks who are actual accountants, like a dedicated accounting person will be fine.
  • Rental Comps are limited and can be quite OFF on the numbers since it only takes into account Appfolio rents...not any other integration. I use this for a bird's eye view only.
  • Scheduling Tasks with a team has come a LONG way in recent years. It still needs some integration to split tasks among users.
AppFolio Property Manager has focused on larger PM clients for the past couple of years. In the past, circa 2014, any company willing to pay their fees would be able to get the program. They experienced more problems with smaller PMs who were growing (probably because the businesses were growing and the staff was not as seasoned), so they blocked smaller PMs in 2018 or so. This made them more profitable because the 80/20 rule was used to focus on their best, most efficient use of resources, but it limited the clients who could get the program. I think this was a mistake long term. It was short-sighted, and instead of fixing and supporting the small PM problems and helping them grow into larger PMs that could utilize the program, they just blocked anyone who was not yet their most profitable client.
Score 10 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
AppFolio Property Manager system is incredible for my position. As a company, we switched from another property management software to this one about 2 years ago and it has been a seamless transition. With the ability for tenants to pay rent online, set up automatic transactions and even request maintenance, it makes my job a lot easier! There are also TONS of analytics and data insight that is valuable in my position. You can see your market rent and what you are getting per month, adjust budgeted amounts, and so much more. The few times that I have reached out to them, they were quick to respond and answered my question as best as possible. I would recommend 100% for any landlord management company.
  • Wonderful user experience. I can log on to the interface, see exactly what is going on for the day: move-outs, move-ins, who owes rent, late fees, etc. You can also modify your screen exactly how you want it!
  • I love the quicklinks. You can see who is delinquent with their rent and automatically add late fees or even send a quick email/text.
  • LOVE the option to text the entire property. Ex: the pool shut down for emergency cleaning, and I was able to send out a quick text so that all tenants were notified, even if they were out of state.
  • There are so many reports that I still need to view and see their value, sometimes it's hard to see with so many options available as a user.
  • Would love to be able to message a prospective tenant their showing time without entering in so much information. Sometimes a quick email, phone number, and name would be ideal to contact them as opposed to so much information as a guest card.
  • One more con would be the timeout of the website. I understand it's for security, but sometimes it will time out after a few minutes of inactivity. It would be nice to have a longer time out period.
If any colleague or resident asked about the system we used, I would highly recommend it. It is a huge step up from the other platform software we were using, so there are so many more features for both managers and our tenants. As a tenant, it seems they really enjoy the cleanliness of logging in, paying rent, asking for maintenance or contacting the manager. Easy and clean!
Heather Urban | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 8 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Incentivized
This is our MAIN program in the office; therefore, I use it every single day. It's always open on one of my Internet tabs on Mozilla. The actual layout of the homepage, including the color scheme of the program, is easy to follow, read, understand, and pleasing to the eye (soft blue hues). You can easily keep track of vendors, owners, tenants, and billing/invoicing. I think it's a quick program to learn even though there are so many features I don't personally use - I know several other people in our office use them. If we ever have an issue we can contact them and the turn around time is super fast. They call us the same day and are always helpful and knowledgeable and even follow up with emails after the calls. AppFolio welcomes suggestions from clients and actually follows through with implementing the updates! They are always evolving and making things easier and more efficient.

Maintenance orders are a breeze with our system. Vendors are integrated with billing and we have all the information in one place. We also find it very easy to advertise with this program and it goes out to several locations and websites. Our website is also powered through AppFolio so it saves us an additional step when making updates and getting the most accurate information out there. I'd definitely recommend this program 10/10!
  • It helps us to keep the Maintenance side of the business very organized. Anyone from our organization can go in and know exactly where a work order is in process (new, waiting, assigned, completed). We know if a work order has been printed and if the tenants are still having an issue we know to contact the Maintenance team. We can build on existing work orders by adding a "-2" or "-3" work order and keep track of the history when managing ongoing issues.
  • AppFolio makes it easy to see exactly what tenants owe and categorizes charges/credits efficiently on their ledgers. We can tell if there are water/sewer charges, pet fees, electricity allocations, late fees, security deposits, etc... It's all easy to follow and understand and it set up in chronological order.
  • I also utilize the Reports and Letters section of this software program quite often. It's great to have a uniform format which helps us maintain the professional element by remaining consistent and accurate. It's easy to run a report with tenant information at a certain property for maintenance and send select tenants letters at a large property without everyone being included. It's very intuitive and the formatting has definitely improved over the past two years I've been using the program.
  • Only a few very technical items that wouldn't necessarily make sense to non-users and I haven't even cared enough to submit requests on the issues. It'd be nice if parking was easier to keep track of on the system. Right now, if you run a report it doesn't show all the information our company requires for the vehicles and therefore we have to keep track of it elsewhere.
  • Another obstacle we've encountered is that the program charges "by door" so if you have multiple units and properties you can really rack up pricing. That's especially true for large multi-unit buildings with parking.
AppFolio Property Manager is great for small to medium-sized businesses (managing 300 - 1,000 units). I don't know if it would be as useful for extremely large organizations or extremely small organizations. There are so many features that we don't use (we don't currently have a need for) but I can't imagine a smaller business owner needing half of the features this software offers. As I haven't worked for a large organization that utilizes this program, I'm not sure if it would be beneficial or if it would meet all the needs of an extremely large organization (10,000+ units); therefore, I'm unable to speak on that portion.
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