Bank reconciliations are already one of the most critical bookkeeping processes in AppFolio—but if you want to ensure your records are truly accurate, there’s an additional step you can’t afford to skip: the Triple Check Reconciliation, also known as the Triple Tie-Out.

This enhanced validation step goes beyond the basics of reconciling your general ledger to your bank statement. It checks for alignment between three different balances, ensuring your books reflect reality with no hidden discrepancies.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through:

• What a Triple Tie-Out is in AppFolio

• Why it’s essential for accurate bookkeeping

• Common causes of tie-out issues

• How to resolve discrepancies


We’ll also link you to our full AppFolio Bank Reconciliation Guide if you need a refresher on the foundational reconciliation process.

What Is the Triple Tie-Out in AppFolio?

AppFolio's reconciliation process includes a final validation known as the Triple Tie-Out—an advanced check to confirm that the Adjusted Cash Balance, the Cleared Bank Balance, and the GL Ending Balance are all in sync.

The Adjusted Cash Balance represents how much money should be in your bank account, assuming all your AppFolio entries are accurate. This balance is calculated by:

Adjusted Cash Balance Calculation:

Starting with property balances (only from properties linked to the reconciled bank account)

Subtracting:

- Unreconciled deposits

- Unreconciled receipts deposited after the reconciliation period

- Receipts reversed after reconciliation but not yet deposited

- Pending online receipts not yet deposited


Adding:

+ Unreconciled checks

+ Unreconciled eCheck/ACH batches and reversals

+ Unreconciled eCheck/ACH batches generated after the reconciliation period

+ Uncleared checks voided after the reconciliation period

When these adjustments result in an Adjusted Cash Balance that matches both your cleared bank balance and your ending GL balance, your reconciliation is successful. If there’s a mismatch, AppFolio will highlight the Adjusted Cash Balance in red on the Reconciliation Summary—indicating that your triple tie-out failed.

Why Is the Triple Check Important?

Reconciling all three balances ensures that:

• Your GL is accurate and reflects actual bank activity

• Your bank statement is fully accounted for

• Your property balances are not misstated due to unreconciled or incorrectly entered transactions

A failed triple tie-out could indicate:

• Duplicate or missing transactions

• Mistimed entries (e.g., dated after the reconciliation period)

• Incomplete receipt or deposit records

• Reversals not properly recorded

Troubleshooting Common Triple Tie-Out Issues

Here are some typical red flags and how to address them:

1. Unreconciled Items

Check for outstanding deposits, checks, or online payments that haven’t cleared or were recorded outside the reconciliation period.

2. Reversals or Voided Transactions

Review receipts and checks that were reversed or voided after reconciliation. These can throw off your adjusted balance.

3. Bank Feed Errors

Ensure all transactions have synced correctly and are categorized to the correct properties and accounts.

4. Property Link Issues

Make sure all relevant properties are correctly linked to the bank account being reconciled. A mismatch can throw off the property balance total.


Final Thoughts

The Triple Tie-Out is AppFolio’s way of ensuring your reconciliation isn’t just done—it’s done right. While it may seem like a small detail, ensuring these three balances match gives you peace of mind that your books are clean, accurate, and ready for confident reporting.

If you need help troubleshooting your reconciliation or managing your AppFolio bookkeeping more efficiently, check out our full AppFolio Bank Reconciliation Guide, or reach out to our team of bookkeeping experts.

We help property managers simplify their financial processes and stay compliant—so you can get back to growing your business.
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