AppFolio vs. TenantCloud: The Property Management Software Comparison

In the modern world of property management, where the ease of handling multiple properties, tenants, financial transactions, and many other day-to-day tasks are paramount, two software platforms have emerged as significant players: TenantCloud and AppFolio. 

These software solutions have tailored their features to address the intricate demands of property managers, landlords, and tenants. They stand out for their robust offerings but differ in their approach, scalability, and target audiences.

TL;DR: Based on our assessment, TenantCloud is more suitable for small to medium property managers (ranging from 1-100 units), while AppFolio is better aligned with the needs of larger and more diverse property portfolios (in excess of 200+ rental units).

Comparison Factors to Consider

When conducting a property management software comparison, consider the unique requirements of your property management company. For instance, TenantCloud's strength lies in its simplicity and appeal to those managing fewer properties. At the same time, AppFolio offers a more sophisticated set of tools suitable for a larger and more varied property portfolio. User reviews often highlight TenantCloud's intuitive nature and AppFolio's comprehensive approach to property management.

Both platforms offer online tools for leasing, payment processing, and document management. They prioritize the ability for property managers to offer online rent payments, a necessity for modern real estate transactions. For those managing commercial properties, TenantCloud is satisfactory for a low commercial to residential-mixed portfolio ratio. In contrast, AppFolio's platform provides specific functionalities tailored to the nuanced requirements of commercial leasing and management.

In the end, the best property management software is one that aligns closely with the company's size, complexity of operations, and the property owner's strategic vision. Whether it's maintaining a handful of rental units or overseeing a vast array of properties, including a large commercial portfolio, choosing the right property management solution is crucial for operational efficiency, financial clarity, and tenant satisfaction.

TenantCloud Overview

TenantCloud is a property management software, but it has its unique set of features and offerings. Here's a breakdown of TenantCloud:

Cloud-Based Platform: TenantCloud is an internet-based property management software, emphasizing a cloud-first approach. This makes it accessible from any device with an internet connection, offering flexibility and mobility for property managers and landlords​​, an absolute necessity for the modern-day property manager.

All-in-One Management Tool: TenantCloud offers a comprehensive range of features for property management. These include online payment collection, accounting, maintenance request management, agreement template builder, online leases, property keys and specs management, insurance tracking, and rental application management. It also provides tenant screening services and tools for listing vacant properties​​.

Tenant, Service Pro & Owner Portals: TenantCloud provides separate portals for tenants, owners, and service professionals. Tenants can pay rent online, manage maintenance requests, apply for rentals, sign lease agreements online, and more. Owners can access property data, accounting activity tracking, and financial management tools. Service professionals can manage tasks, accept maintenance requests, and interact with clients​​​​.

Automated Functions: TenantCloud includes automated features like automated late fees, maintenance requests and scheduling tools, automatic criminal and credit background screenings, and automatic property listings. This automation streamlines several aspects of property management, making the process more efficient​​.

Customization and Scalability: TenantCloud is designed to cater to various users, from landlords with a few properties to those managing hundreds. It offers scalability and a degree of customization to fit different property management needs​​.

Mobile App: TenantCloud offers mobile applications for iOS and Android, enhancing the user experience and accessibility for managing properties on the go​​.

Continuous Updates and Support: TenantCloud is committed to evolving its platform with updates that improve its functionality and user experience. They provide support through email, phone, chat, and within the app through support tickets​​.

Integration Capabilities: While specific integration capabilities of TenantCloud are not as detailed as AppFolio, it does offer synchronization with QuickBooks Online for accounting purposes and Google Calendar for tracking important events​​. A contributing factor to TenantCloud's limited third-party integrations is its development of proprietary tools for functionalities often addressed through other platform integrations.

Pricing Model: TenantCloud's pricing model is based on a tiered structure with different service levels. The lowest available plan starts at just $15 per month, and the Business plan's pricing varies depending on the number of units under management. This structure makes it accessible for a range of landlords and property managers, from those managing a small number of units to those overseeing a large portfolio​​.

In summary, TenantCloud offers a robust, scalable, and flexible property management solution with a strong emphasis on cloud-based accessibility and mobile app support. Its tiered pricing model and comprehensive feature set make it a viable option for various property management scenarios. 

Here is a breakdown of the various plans and pricing options available on TenantCloud:

TenantCloud Pricing

TenantCloud offers various plans with distinct features tailored to different user needs. Here's a breakdown of the features offered in each plan:

Starter Plan: This plan is designed for DIY landlords and small portfolios. Priced at $15.60 per month (or $187 if billed annually), it includes:

• Rent Payments
• Maintenance Management
• Listings and Applications​​

Growth Plan: Aimed at larger portfolios, this plan costs $29.30 per month (or $352 annually). It encompasses everything in the Starter plan, plus:

• Lease Builder
• Landlord Forms
• Property Message Board​​.

Pro Plan: This is the most popular plan designed for property managers and owners. It is priced at $50.40 monthly (or $605 annually). Besides including everything in the Growth plan, it adds:

• Tax Reports
• Application Customization
• Vendor Network​​.

Business Plan: This plan is tailored for property managers or businesses with large portfolios. It offers custom pricing and includes everything in the Pro plan, along with:

• Team Management & Tools
• Task Management
• Listings Auto-Refresh​​.

These varied plans mean that TenantCloud can cater to a wide range of users, from individual landlords to larger property management businesses, providing a scalable solution for diverse property management needs.

For detailed information and the full list of features for each plan, please visit the TenantCloud pricing page at TenantCloud Pricing.

AppFolio Overview

AppFolio is a prominent enterprise software solution in the property management industry, known for its comprehensive and robust features for large portfolios. Launched in 2006, it has become a go-to choice for many property managers, especially those handling a blended residential and commercial real estate portfolio. 

Here are some key aspects of AppFolio:

Cloud-Based Platform: One of the main attractions of AppFolio is its cloud-based nature, allowing users to access it from anywhere with an internet connection. This feature is particularly beneficial for property managers who need to be mobile and access information on the go.

All-in-One Management Tool: AppFolio provides a wide range of functionalities covering nearly every aspect of property management. This includes tenant screening, online rent collection, maintenance request management, accounting, and financial reporting. It also supports the marketing of properties with website creation tools and vacancy posting capabilities.

Tenant and Owner Portals: The software includes dedicated portals for tenants and property owners. Tenants can use the portal to pay rent, submit maintenance requests, and communicate with property managers. Owners can view financial reports, property performance data, and other relevant information. It does not feature portals for Service Providers.

Automated Functions: AppFolio offers several automated features, such as automatic late fee calculation, online lease agreements, and rent increases. These features save time and reduce the administrative burden on property managers.

Customization and Scalability: The platform is known for its flexibility, allowing customization according to the specific needs of a property management company. It's scalable, which means it can efficiently serve small, medium, and large property management firms.

Mobile App: AppFolio provides a mobile application that allows property managers to perform various tasks and access information directly from their smartphones.

Continuous Updates and Support: AppFolio is known for its regular updates, adding new features and improving existing ones. They also provide customer support, which is crucial for software in such a dynamic industry.

Integration Capabilities: The software can integrate with other tools and services, further streamlining the management process and data flow.

Pricing Model: AppFolio typically follows a pricing model that charges per unit managed, making it a cost-effective solution for larger portfolios while potentially being less economical for smaller rental portfolios.

AppFolio Pricing

AppFolio offers three main plans for property management:

Core: This is the basic plan offering essential features like property accounting & reports, end-to-end marketing & leasing, work order management, inspections & unit turns, mobility & convenience, portals & communication, and standard support. The cost is $1.40 per unit per month, with a minimum of $280 per month and a 50-unit minimum.

Plus: This plan includes everything in the Core plan, plus additional features like affordable housing capabilities, advanced leasing metrics, purchase orders & inventory tracking, AppFolio Stack™ premium integrations, scale & control, and enhanced support. The pricing is $3.00 per unit per month, with a $900 monthly minimum.

Max: Aimed at large operators, this plan includes everything in the Plus plan, along with leasing CRM, leasing signals, custom fields, database API, and dedicated customer success management. It costs $5.00 per unit, per month, with a $7500 monthly minimum.

Tenantcloud vs Appfolio: Core Differences

When comparing AppFolio and TenantCloud, several key differences emerge, each reflecting the unique strengths and target markets of these platforms:

Target Market and Scale:

• AppFolio is designed to cater to a wider range of property management companies, including those with large and diverse portfolios. It's particularly well-suited for medium to large property management firms.
• TenantCloud, on the other hand, is geared more towards smaller to mid-sized landlords and property managers. It's ideal for those who manage a smaller number of properties.

Feature Set and Complexity:

• AppFolio offers a more comprehensive set of features, including advanced functionalities suitable for managing larger portfolios. Its features are extensive and cater to almost all aspects of property management.
• TenantCloud provides a simpler, more streamlined feature set. While it covers the essential aspects of property management, it may not offer the same level of complexity and advanced features found in AppFolio.

Pricing Structure:

• AppFolio uses a per-unit pricing model, which can be more cost-effective for larger portfolios but potentially less economical for smaller ones.
• TenantCloud has a tiered pricing structure, offering different plans based on the number of units and the range of features required. This can be more accessible for smaller landlords and property managers.

Customization and Scalability:

• AppFolio provides a high degree of customization and is scalable to serve both small and large property management companies efficiently.
• TenantCloud, while scalable to an extent, is more tailored to smaller operations and might not offer the same level of customization as AppFolio.

User Experience and Ease of Use:

• AppFolio is known for its user-friendly interface, but given its extensive features, it might have a steeper learning curve for new users.
• TenantCloud is often praised for its intuitive and straightforward interface, making it easier for less tech-savvy landlords to navigate.

Integration Capabilities:

• AppFolio offers extensive integration capabilities with various tools and services, enhancing its utility for complex property management needs.
• TenantCloud provides some integration, like with QuickBooks Online, but may not have as broad a range as AppFolio.

Mobile Application:

• Both platforms offer mobile applications, but the functionality and user experience might differ, with AppFolio potentially offering more features in its mobile app due to its broader feature set.

Customer Support and Resources:

• AppFolio is known for its strong customer support and continuous updates, which are crucial for large-scale operations.
• TenantCloud also offers solid customer support (as well as routine software updates and improvements) but is heavily focused on the needs of smaller-scale landlords and property managers.

In summary, AppFolio stands out for its extensive features and suitability for larger, more diverse property management operations, while TenantCloud is more aligned with the needs of smaller-scale landlords and property managers, offering simplicity and ease of use.

The choice between the two rental management platforms would depend on the scale of the operation, the complexity of the property management needs, and the preference for specific functionalities.

Tenantcloud vs Appfolio: Comparison Recap

Conclusion

TenantCloud caters to small to mid-sized landlords and property managers with its user-friendly interface and tiered pricing model. Its plans range from the Starter plan, ideal for DIY landlords, to the Business plan for larger portfolios, each offering increasing features like rent payments, maintenance management, and advanced team and task management tools.

AppFolio, on the other hand, targets medium to large property management firms with a per-unit pricing model, offering a comprehensive set of advanced features suitable for managing larger, diverse property portfolios.

At the end of the day, it's not really about which software platform is better. It's more about the size of your portfolio and which tool caters to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is better, AppFolio or TenantCloud?

The choice between AppFolio and TenantCloud depends on the user's specific needs. AppFolio is ideal for medium to large property management firms seeking advanced features, while TenantCloud is better suited for small to mid-sized landlords and property managers who prefer a more streamlined and cost-effective solution.

What is property management software?

Property management software is a digital tool designed to assist landlords, property managers, and real estate professionals in efficiently managing rental properties. It streamlines tasks like tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance management, and financial reporting.