Why Updater is free to multifamily teams, and why that’s a good thing
TL;DR:
✅ Updater Pro | Onboarding is available at no cost to property management companies
✅ No catch, service providers, not your budget, fund our business model
✅ Best-in-class solution, used for more than 2 million units, loved by over 8,000 communities
✅ Streamlined implementation, with real, time-saving results in weeks
✅ Named Best Value by Revyse, based on real user reviews
✅ No cost = low risk, it’s easy to try, test, and benefit quickly without impacting your budget
Is there a catch? No.
It’s a fair question. In multifamily tech, “free” can sometimes mean limited functionality, future upsells, or hidden fees.
But with Updater, free doesn’t mean less.
It means we’ve built a smart business model that allows us to offer our resident onboarding platform at no cost to property management companies.
So… how is it free?
We generate revenue from trusted service providers, including TV and internet companies, insurance carriers, and moving services that pay to integrate with our platform. These integrations aren’t referral links. They’re frictionless, deeply embedded booking and purchasing experiences that make it easier for residents to complete tasks right inside the Updater platform.
That’s what makes this a win-win:
- Residents benefit from a smoother, more connected move-in experience.
- Service providers aim to simplify the move-in process by enabling residents to book and set up services directly within Updater, saving them costs
- Your team receives a fully managed resident onboarding solution.
Think of Updater like Kayak or OpenTable
Other industries also use a model like this – one that’s free for end-users and clients, and monetized through partnerships.
- Kayak helps users book flights, hotels, and cars through integrations with travel providers. Kayak earns revenue only when a user books a trip.
- OpenTable lets diners reserve tables for free. Restaurants only pay when a reservation is completed.
- Fiverr connects clients and freelancers. The platform is free to use, and Fiverr earns revenue only when a project is completed.
Updater works in a similar way.
Why “free” is actually better
When a tool like Updater is free to use, it removes barriers for your team and your residents.
- No procurement delays: You can start benefiting right away without months of approvals.
- Low-risk, high-reward: It’s easy to try, test, and see results quickly.
- Aligned incentives: We only succeed when your residents engage, which means our goals are aligned with yours.
- Faster onboarding: Most teams are live in 30 days with minimal lift.
Awarded “Best Value” by Revyse for good reason
We didn’t give ourselves such a wonderful accolade. The team at Revyse did – naming Updater Best Value, Best Product, and Support Star in their 2025 Best of Category Awards.
These awards are based entirely on verified customer feedback from management teams just like yours.
When multifamily operators say we’re the most valuable solution in the category, and we offer it at no cost, that’s worth paying attention to.
What our partners say
“Updater is a great example of a cost-effective tool that simplifies the move-in process, saves time for both our residents and our site teams, and helps us address all the potential moving needs of our residents.”
— Noam Hameiri, DEELS Properties [Read more]
“The value is perfect. Updater has been a game changer for simplifying the move-in process and giving our residents a smoother experience — all in one easy-to-use platform.”
— Ruben Longoria, Marketing Manager, Woodmont Real Estate Services [Read more]
Free, but not because it’s basic
Updater Pro | Onboarding is a premium, purpose-built solution for multifamily move-ins. It saves leasing teams hours per move, drives resident satisfaction, and generates ancillary revenue.
Updater is the leader in relocation technology – we power over 25% of all U.S. moves. In addition to serving property management companies, we work with:
- National brands
- Moving companies, telecom providers, insurance companies, utility services, and many other service providers
- Call center and software partners
The one thing these companies all have in common is wanting to offer and be involved in a smoother moving experience. Our leadership in the broader relocation ecosystem (beyond multifamily) provides us with the flexibility to offer high-value tools like Updater Pro | Onboarding at no cost to you.
Easy to launch. Easier to love.
Getting started with Updater is refreshingly simple. Most teams are up and running within 30 days, thanks to the assistance of our implementation team.
We also offer flexible pilot programs, so you can test the value before rolling out portfolio-wide.
📘 Read: Your stress-free implementation journey ›
Final thought:
Updater Pro | Onboarding costs nothing, and it delivers measurable value to your team, your residents, and your bottom line.
If you’re ready to streamline move-ins without impacting your budget, let’s talk.
No cost. No catch. Just a smarter way to move.
More Industry Insights
Why Updater is free to multifamily teams, and why that’s a good thing
4 August 2025
Move-in day matters: Turn first impressions into resident satisfaction (without burning out teams)
2 July 2025
