RentMouse vs AppFolio
AppFolio is an enterprise solution requiring 50+ units and a $400+ setup fee. RentMouse is designed for independent landlords and is free to start.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | RentMouse | AppFolio |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Units | No minimum (1 unit OK) | 50 units minimum |
| Starting Price | Free (first unit) | $1.40/unit/month (min $280) |
| Onboarding Fee | None | $400+ setup fee |
| Rent Collection | ACH & card included | ACH & card included |
| Tenant Screening | Credit, criminal, eviction | Full screening suite |
| E-Signatures | Unlimited included | Included |
| Maintenance | Full workflow | Advanced + AI features |
| Accounting | Built-in basics | Full GL accounting |
| Setup Time | 10 minutes | Days to weeks |
| Canada Support | Full US & Canada | US only |
What is AppFolio?
AppFolio is a publicly-traded enterprise property management platform (NASDAQ: APPF) designed for professional property management companies. Founded in 2006, AppFolio has grown to serve large-scale operators managing residential, commercial, and community association portfolios.
AppFolio requires a minimum of 50 units to become a customer, with pricing starting around $1.40-1.50 per unit per month plus a $400+ onboarding fee. They also charge additional fees for services like tenant screening, payments, and their AI-powered leasing tools.
While AppFolio is a powerful platform with advanced AI features for large operations, their high minimums and enterprise pricing make them inaccessible — and unnecessary — for most independent landlords.
What is RentMouse?
RentMouse is a property management platform built specifically for independent landlords — the segment AppFolio won't serve. Whether you have 1 unit or 50, RentMouse provides professional-grade tools without enterprise minimums or onboarding fees.
Your first unit is free forever with RentMouse, and additional units are just $5/month each. Sign up, add your property, and start collecting rent in about 10 minutes. No sales calls, no implementation process, no minimum commitments.
RentMouse also includes AI-powered assistance for landlord questions — bringing some of the AI benefits that AppFolio reserves for enterprise customers to independent landlords.
Why RentMouse for Small Portfolios
No Unit Minimums
AppFolio won't work with you unless you have 50+ units. RentMouse welcomes landlords with 1 unit — your first one is free.
No Onboarding Fees
Skip AppFolio's $400+ implementation fee. Sign up and add your first property in minutes with no cost.
Transparent Pricing
Simple $5/unit/month pricing with your first unit free. No per-unit fees that scale unexpectedly.
Self-Service Setup
No mandatory training sessions or sales calls. Set up your account on your own schedule in about 10 minutes.
AI Assistance Included
Get AI-powered help with landlord questions, notice drafting, and tenant communication — not reserved for enterprise.
US & Canada Support
Manage properties in both countries with provincial compliance. AppFolio is US-focused only.
When AppFolio Makes Sense
AppFolio is designed for property management companies, not independent landlords. It might be right if:
- 50+ units: You manage enough units to meet their minimums
- Professional PM company: You manage properties for multiple owners
- AI leasing priority: You need their advanced AI Lisa leasing assistant
- Full accounting suite: You need enterprise-grade accounting with owner distributions
If you're an independent landlord with fewer than 50 units, RentMouse offers everything you need at a fraction of the cost (or free).
The 50-Unit Barrier
AppFolio's business model is built around serving professional property management companies, not independent landlords. If you approach AppFolio with fewer than 50 units, they'll politely decline to work with you — or refer you to a different product entirely.
RentMouse has no minimums. Whether you're managing your first rental property or your twentieth, you're welcome here. Start free with one unit and grow at your own pace.
Pricing: Enterprise vs Accessible
AppFolio's pricing is designed for scale: $1.40-1.50 per unit per month, plus onboarding fees ($400+), plus additional charges for tenant screening, payments, and premium features. At 50 units minimum, you're looking at $70-75/month just for the base platform.
RentMouse costs $0 for your first unit and $5/month for each additional unit. A 10-unit landlord pays $45/month total with RentMouse. No onboarding fees, no hidden charges, no minimum commitments.
AI Features: Not Just for Enterprise
AppFolio has invested heavily in AI features like their "Lisa" AI leasing assistant. These are impressive tools — but they're only available to property management companies that meet their minimums and pay enterprise pricing.
RentMouse brings AI assistance to independent landlords. Get help with common questions, draft notices and communications, and troubleshoot tenant issues using our built-in AI chat — included free for all users.
Don't Meet AppFolio's Minimums?
RentMouse is built for landlords like you. Get started free with your first unit.