Overview

Hemlane solves a problem that no other platform on this list addresses: what do you do when you want more than DIY software but less than a full-service property manager? The answer is a hybrid model that combines traditional property management software with optional human services. Need someone to coordinate a repair at 2 AM? Hemlane's 24/7 repair coordinators handle it. Want a local agent to conduct showings? Hemlane's network covers it. All without handing over full management control or paying the typical 8-10% management fee.

This hybrid approach is genuinely unique. The free Starter tier provides basic property management functionality, while paid tiers layer on progressively more human support. The trade-off is that the software itself is less feature-rich than dedicated platforms like Buildium or Rentec Direct, and per-unit pricing on higher tiers gets expensive fast.

Features Deep-Dive

Hybrid Management Model

Hemlane's core innovation is the tiered service model. The Basic tier ($30/month + $2/unit) adds 24/7 repair coordination, where Hemlane's team handles maintenance calls, dispatches vendors, and manages the resolution process. The Essential tier adds local leasing agents for showings and applicant screening. The Complete tier provides a dedicated property management assistant who handles day-to-day tenant communications.

This graduated approach lets landlords delegate exactly as much or as little as they are comfortable with. An out-of-state investor can hand off maintenance coordination while retaining control over leasing decisions. A landlord going on vacation can temporarily upgrade to the Complete plan for full coverage.

24/7 Repair Coordination

The repair coordination service is the most immediately valuable human component. Maintenance emergencies do not happen during business hours. When a tenant calls about a burst pipe at midnight, Hemlane's coordinators take the call, assess the urgency, dispatch a vendor from their network, and update the landlord with a summary. No other property management software platform includes this kind of human intervention as a built-in service.

Free Starter Tier

Hemlane's free Starter plan includes rent collection, applicant tracking, basic screening, and property listing. It is functional enough for hands-on landlords who want to digitize their operations without paying a monthly fee. The free tier also serves as a genuine evaluation period, letting landlords experience the platform before committing to paid services.

Pricing Analysis

Hemlane's pricing reflects its hybrid model. The free Starter tier covers basics. The Basic plan costs $30/month plus $2/unit for repair coordination. Essential adds leasing services at higher per-unit costs. The Complete plan, with a dedicated assistant, runs $30/month plus $58/unit, which means a 10-unit portfolio on Complete costs $610/month.

That Complete plan cost is essentially a property management fee dressed up as software pricing. For comparison, a traditional property manager charging 8% on a 10-unit portfolio averaging $1,500/month rent would cost $1,200/month. Hemlane's Complete plan is roughly half that, which is the value proposition.

For the Basic and Essential tiers, the pricing is competitive with mid-market platforms when you factor in the value of the included human services. The software-only free tier is less capable than TurboTenant or Avail's free options, but the upgrade path to human-assisted management is unique.

Who Is This For?

Hemlane works best for:

• Remote or out-of-state landlords who cannot physically respond to maintenance emergencies or conduct showings
• Part-time landlords with demanding day jobs who need someone to handle tenant communications and repair coordination during business hours
• Investors scaling from 1-20 units who want professional support without the cost or control loss of a full-service management company
• Landlords transitioning to self-management who want a safety net of human support while learning the ropes

Who Should NOT Use This

Hemlane might not be the right choice if:

• You manage 50+ units where the per-unit pricing on paid tiers makes Hemlane significantly more expensive than traditional property management software with more comprehensive features
• You need robust accounting since Hemlane's financial tools are basic compared to Buildium, Rentec Direct, or Landlord Studio
• You want a software-only solution because Hemlane's competitive advantage is the human services layer, and the software alone is outmatched by dedicated platforms

Bottom Line

Hemlane fills a genuine gap in the market. The hybrid software-plus-services model gives remote landlords and busy investors the support they need without the full cost and control handover of traditional property management. The software is adequate rather than exceptional, but the combination of technology and human services creates a package no competitor replicates.

FAQ

How does Hemlane's repair coordination actually work?

When a tenant submits a maintenance request (or calls the 24/7 line), Hemlane's team triages the issue, contacts vendors from their network or your preferred vendor list, schedules the repair, and updates you with a summary. You set spending thresholds so work under a certain dollar amount can proceed without your approval. It is essentially an on-call maintenance manager for your properties.

Is the free Starter plan really free forever?

Yes. Hemlane's Starter tier has no time limit and includes rent collection, applicant tracking, and basic screening. There are no hidden charges for the free tier itself, though payment processing fees and screening costs are per-transaction as with any platform.

How does Hemlane compare to hiring a property manager?

A traditional property manager typically charges 8-10% of collected rent plus placement fees. Hemlane's Complete plan costs roughly 4-5% equivalent for comparable services. The key difference is control: with Hemlane, you retain decision-making authority over tenant selection, lease terms, and major expenses. With a full-service manager, those decisions are typically delegated.

Can I switch between Hemlane plans month to month?

Yes. Hemlane allows monthly plan changes, which is useful for landlords who need temporary upgrades (like the Complete plan during a vacancy or a travel period) and can downgrade when they are available to manage hands-on again. This flexibility is a practical advantage of the tiered service model.