Why We Use AppFolio: Professional Property Management Powered by Better Technology

Choosing the right property management company isn’t just about who collects rent — it’s about how your property is managed, tracked, and protected behind the scenes.

At Mo Wilson Properties, we believe great management requires great systems. That’s why we use AppFolio, one of the most trusted property management platforms in the industry.

Here’s why that matters to you as a property owner.

What Is AppFolio?

AppFolio is a professional-grade property management software used by top-performing property management companies nationwide. It centralizes everything related to your rental property — from rent collection to maintenance to financial reporting — into one secure, streamlined system.

In short: it replaces spreadsheets, paper trails, and guesswork with clarity and accountability.

1. Faster, More Reliable Rent Collection

Late rent is one of the biggest frustrations landlords face.

With AppFolio:

• Tenants can pay rent online, automatically, and on time

• Payments are tracked in real time

• Late fees are applied consistently according to the lease

• Funds are disbursed to owners promptly and accurately

What This Means for You

You get predictable cash flow, fewer excuses, and fewer follow-ups — without awkward conversations.

2. Clear, Transparent Financial Reporting

One of the most common complaints landlords have about property managers is unclear or delayed financial statements.

AppFolio provides:

• Detailed monthly owner statements

• Easy-to-read income and expense breakdowns

• Secure owner portals with 24/7 access

• Year-end reports ready for your accountant

Why This Matters

You always know:

• What rent was collected

• What expenses were paid

• Where every dollar went

No guessing. No waiting. No surprises.

3. Streamlined Maintenance With Full Visibility

Maintenance problems don’t just cost money — they cost trust when they’re handled poorly.

With AppFolio:

• Tenants submit maintenance requests online

• Requests are tracked from start to finish

• Vendors are coordinated efficiently

• All work orders and invoices are documented

Owner Benefit

You can see:

• When an issue was reported

• How it was handled

• What it cost

• When it was resolved

This protects your property and eliminates “I didn’t know about that” moments.

4. Better Communication, Less Friction

AppFolio centralizes communication so nothing falls through the cracks:

• Tenant messages

• Maintenance updates

• Owner notifications

• Lease documents and notices

Why That’s Important

Clear documentation and consistent communication reduce misunderstandings, disputes, and liability — especially in regulated states like Virginia.

5. Stronger Compliance and Record Keeping

Virginia landlord-tenant law requires accurate documentation, timelines, and consistency.

AppFolio helps ensure:

• Lease documents are stored securely

• Notices are tracked and timestamped

• Deposits, charges, and credits are properly recorded

• Records are available if questions ever arise

This Protects You

If a dispute occurs, proper documentation can make the difference between a smooth resolution and a costly problem.

Why Technology Alone Isn’t Enough

Software doesn’t manage properties — people do.

AppFolio is powerful, but it only works when paired with:

• Knowledge of local laws

• Strong tenant screening

• Proactive decision-making

• Consistent enforcement

• Professional judgment

That’s where Mo Wilson Properties comes in.

Why Mo Wilson Properties + AppFolio Is the Right Combination

At Mo Wilson Properties, AppFolio supports — not replaces — professional management.

You get:
✔ Local expertise and hands-on oversight
✔ Professional tenant screening and leasing
✔ Proactive maintenance coordination
✔ Transparent reporting and communication
✔ Technology that keeps everything organized and accessible

The result is less stress, fewer surprises, and better long-term performance for your rental property.

The Bottom Line

Using AppFolio allows Mo Wilson Properties to deliver:

• Professional systems

• Financial transparency

• Faster response times

• Better tenant experiences

• Stronger protection for owners

If you’re looking for a property management company that combines modern technology with local expertise and accountability, Mo Wilson Properties is built to do exactly that.

www.MOWilsonProperties.com (703) 878-0000

How Much Can a Landlord Charge for a Security Deposit in Virginia?

Under Virginia law, a landlord may charge no more than the equivalent of two months’ rent as a security deposit for a residential rental property.

Example:

• Monthly rent: $2,000

• Maximum legal security deposit: $4,000

This limit applies regardless of:

• Lease length

• Property type

• Tenant credit profile

Charging more than two months’ rent — even with tenant agreement — is not permitted under Virginia law.

What About Pet Deposits?

Virginia allows landlords to charge refundable pet deposits, but there’s an important catch:

👉 All refundable deposits combined cannot exceed two months’ rent.

That means:

• A security deposit + refundable pet deposit together must stay within the two-month limit.

• You cannot stack deposits beyond the cap by labeling them differently.

Non-refundable fees (such as certain administrative or pet fees) are treated differently, but they must be clearly disclosed and properly structured to remain compliant.

Why Security Deposit Mistakes Are So Common

Self-managing landlords often run into trouble by:

• Using outdated lease templates

• Copying lease terms from other states

• Assuming tenants can “agree” to higher deposits

• Confusing refundable deposits with non-refundable fees

In Virginia, intent doesn’t matter — compliance does.

What Happens If a Landlord Charges Too Much?

Charging an unlawful security deposit can lead to:

• Tenant disputes

• Required refunds

• Loss of credibility in court

• Delays or complications during move-out accounting

In worst-case scenarios, deposit violations can undermine a landlord’s position in eviction or damages claims.

How Mo Wilson Properties Keeps Landlords Compliant

At Mo Wilson Properties, security deposit compliance is built into our management process.

We help landlords by:

• Using Virginia-compliant lease agreements

• Structuring deposits and fees correctly from the start

• Clearly documenting deposit handling and move-out deductions

• Ensuring timelines and notices follow state requirements

This protects owners from avoidable legal exposure while maintaining professional tenant relationships.

The Bottom Line for Virginia Landlords

✔ In Virginia, the maximum security deposit is two months’ rent
✔ Refundable pet deposits count toward that limit
✔ Mistakes can be costly — even if unintentional

If you’re unsure whether your current lease or deposit structure is compliant, it’s worth reviewing before it becomes a problem.

Call to Action (Optional)

If you own a rental property in Virginia and want to ensure your lease, deposits, and procedures are fully compliant, Mo Wilson Properties can help you manage with confidence and clarity.