Software Comparison · 2026
LeaseBase vs TurboTenant
Both platforms offer free plans for landlords. The difference: TurboTenant charges your tenants. LeaseBase doesn’t. And LeaseBase adds AI, compliance, and market intelligence that TurboTenant doesn’t offer.
Free for up to 3 units. No credit card required.
Feature Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | LeaseBase | TurboTenant |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | Yes (3 units, full features) | Yes (unlimited units, basic) |
| Tenant Fees | None | $55/application, $5.50/mo insurance |
| Online Rent Collection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Maintenance Management | ✓ | ✓ (basic) |
| Lease E-Signatures | ✓ | ✓ |
| AB 1482 Compliance | ✓ | ✗ |
| Local Rent Control Tracking | ✓ | ✗ |
| AI Assistant | ✓ | ✗ |
| Market Intelligence | ✓ | ✗ |
| White-Labeled Payments | ✓ | ✗ |
| Tenant migration | Automated invitations + follow-ups | Manual, one-by-one |
The Business Model Difference
TurboTenant’s free plan works because they charge your tenants: $55 per application for screening and $5.50/month for renters insurance. Your tenants pay so you don’t have to.
LeaseBase charges landlords a flat monthly fee. Your tenants use the portal for free — no application fees, no forced insurance, no hidden costs passed to them. This is better for tenant relationships and makes your listings more competitive.
Why Self-Managing Landlords Choose LeaseBase Over TurboTenant
No Fees Passed to Tenants
Your tenants never pay LeaseBase. The tenant portal, rent payment, maintenance requests, and lease access are all free. When tenants don’t face surprise fees during the application process, your listings attract more qualified applicants.
California Compliance Built In
TurboTenant has no California-specific compliance features. LeaseBase automatically tracks AB 1482 rent caps, monitors local rent control ordinances, and sends compliance deadline reminders — essential for California landlords.
AI-Powered Automation
LeaseBase includes an AI assistant that monitors your properties, tracks market conditions, and delivers daily briefings. TurboTenant does not offer any AI-powered features.
Professional, White-Labeled Experience
LeaseBase payments are fully white-labeled — your tenants see your branding, not a third-party payment processor. TurboTenant uses third-party branding throughout the payment experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does LeaseBase compare to TurboTenant for landlords?
Both offer free tiers, but with different business models. TurboTenant monetizes by charging tenants for screening and applications. LeaseBase charges landlords a flat monthly fee with no fees passed to tenants. LeaseBase also includes AI-powered automation, California compliance tracking, and market intelligence that TurboTenant does not offer.
Does TurboTenant have California compliance features?
TurboTenant does not offer California-specific compliance features. There is no AB 1482 rent cap tracking, no local ordinance monitoring, and no automated rent increase calculations. LeaseBase has these features built in, making it the better choice for California landlords who need to stay compliant.
Which is cheaper — LeaseBase or TurboTenant?
Both offer free plans. TurboTenant’s free plan passes costs to tenants ($55 per application, $5.50/month for renter’s insurance). LeaseBase’s free plan has no tenant fees. TurboTenant Premium is $12.42/month (billed annually). LeaseBase Starter is $29/month but includes rent collection, maintenance management, lease e-signatures, compliance tracking, and AI tools that TurboTenant does not offer at any tier.
Ready to self-manage without the chaos?
Start free with up to 3 units. No credit card required.