Software Comparison · 2026
LeaseBase vs AppFolio
AppFolio is built for professional property management companies with 50+ units and $300+/month minimums. LeaseBase is built for independent landlords who self-manage — starting free.
Free for up to 3 units. No credit card required.
Feature Comparison at a Glance
How LeaseBase and AppFolio compare for rental property management.
| Feature | LeaseBase | AppFolio |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Free (3 units) | $300+/mo minimum |
| Target User | Self-managing landlords | Large PM companies |
| Onboarding | Self-service, instant | Mandatory sales call |
| Free Tier | ✓ (3 units) | ✗ |
| Online Rent Collection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Maintenance Management | ✓ | ✓ |
| AB 1482 Rent Cap Tracking | ✓ | ✗ |
| Local Rent Control Monitoring | ✓ | ✗ |
| AI Assistant | ✓ | ✓ (AI leasing) |
| Minimum Portfolio Size | 1 unit | 50+ units |
| Tenant migration | Automated invitations + follow-ups | Manual, one-by-one |
Pricing: LeaseBase vs AppFolio
AppFolio requires a minimum monthly fee of $300+ and targets property management companies with 50+ units. Their pricing is based on a per-unit model with mandatory onboarding calls and setup fees.
LeaseBase starts completely free for up to 3 units. Paid plans use flat monthly rates: $29/month for up to 10 units, $79/month for up to 30 units, and $149/month for up to 75 units. No onboarding calls, no setup fees, no per-unit charges.
For a 30-unit portfolio: LeaseBase costs $79/month ($948/year). AppFolio costs approximately $450/month ($5,400/year). That’s $4,452/year in savings with LeaseBase.
Why Self-Managing Landlords Choose LeaseBase Over AppFolio
No Minimum Portfolio Size
AppFolio is not accessible to landlords with fewer than 50 units. LeaseBase is designed for landlords with 1–75 units, with a free tier that lets you get started immediately.
Self-Service Onboarding
With LeaseBase, you sign up and start adding properties in minutes. AppFolio requires a sales call, onboarding meetings, and setup — a process designed for companies, not individuals.
California Compliance
LeaseBase has built-in AB 1482 rent cap tracking, local rent control monitoring, and California-compliant lease templates. AppFolio has basic compliance features but nothing California-specific.
Purpose-Built for Landlords
AppFolio’s interface assumes a property management company workflow: owner reporting, team management, lead-to-lease funnels. LeaseBase is designed for you — the person who owns and operates the properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LeaseBase or AppFolio better for independent landlords?
LeaseBase is built specifically for independent landlords self-managing 2–75 units, with a free tier and plans starting at $29/month. AppFolio targets professional property management companies, requires a minimum of $300+/month, and mandates onboarding calls. For self-managing landlords, LeaseBase is significantly more accessible and affordable.
Can I use AppFolio for just a few rental units?
AppFolio is not designed for small landlords. They require a minimum monthly fee of $300+ and target property management companies with 50+ units. LeaseBase is free for up to 3 units and offers paid plans starting at $29/month — purpose-built for independent landlords with smaller portfolios.
Does AppFolio have California rent cap tracking?
AppFolio has basic compliance features but does not offer dedicated California AB 1482 rent cap tracking or automated CPI-based rent increase calculations by region. LeaseBase tracks AB 1482, local rent control ordinances, and regulatory changes with automated alerts specific to each property’s jurisdiction.
Ready to self-manage without the chaos?
Start free with up to 3 units. No credit card required.