Self-Managing
Guides for Self-Managing Landlords
Hiring a property manager costs 8–12% of gross rent — often $3,000–$10,000 per year per property. These guides show you exactly what property managers do, what it actually costs, and how to self-manage confidently with the right tools and systems.
Self-Managing Guides
How to Self-Manage Rental Properties in California
A complete operational guide for California landlords who self-manage — from tenant screening and lease signing to rent collection, maintenance coordination, and compliance tracking.
Property Manager vs. Self-Managing: The Real Cost Comparison
A side-by-side breakdown of what you actually pay a property manager versus what self-management costs in time and tools — including the hidden fees most landlords don’t see coming.
How Much Does a Property Manager Cost in 2026?
Management fees, leasing fees, maintenance markups, renewal fees — the full picture of what California property managers charge and how to calculate your true annual cost.
The True Cost of Property Management
Beyond the monthly percentage fee lies a maze of add-on charges. This guide exposes the full economic picture of property management so you can make an informed decision about your portfolio.
Related Tools
Property Manager Cost Calculator
Enter your rent roll and see exactly how much you’re paying — or would pay — a property manager each year, including all fees and markups.
Rate Relief Calculator
See how much money you keep annually by switching from a property manager to self-managing with LeaseBase — calculated against your actual portfolio.
Making the Switch
Leaving Your Property Manager
A step-by-step guide to transitioning away from your property manager — terminating the contract, retrieving records, notifying tenants, and taking back control of your properties.
Already Have Tenants? Here’s How to Get Started
You don’t need to wait for a lease renewal. See how landlords with existing tenants onboard to LeaseBase and get organized in under an hour.
Self-manage like a pro — without the overhead
LeaseBase gives independent landlords the tools, automation, and compliance tracking they need to self-manage professionally. Free for up to 3 units — no credit card required.