A California 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Preserving Affordable Housing by Empowering Independent Landlords.
America's small landlords are the invisible backbone of affordable housing. When they leave the market, rents rise, tenants are displaced, and communities lose stability. We're working to change that.
The Crisis
A Housing Problem Hiding in Plain Sight
The affordable housing crisis isn't just about building new units. It's about losing the ones we already have.
of U.S. landlords own 10 or fewer rental units. They house millions of Americans at rates below institutional market pricing.
When small landlords sell to institutional buyers, rents typically rise 20–40% within twelve months as properties are repositioned for maximum yield.
A quarter of independent landlords have considered exiting in the past two years, citing regulatory burden, maintenance costs, and operational complexity.
Our Theory of Change
Keep Landlords In. Keep Tenants Home.
The most cost-effective way to preserve affordable housing isn't building new units at $400,000 each. It's keeping the 10.6 million small landlords who already provide it from leaving the market.
When independent landlords have the right tools, training, and support, they stay. When they stay, rents stay stable. When rents stay stable, families and communities stay whole.
Our model is simple: intervene before the sale happens, not after.
Landlord Struggles
Overwhelmed by compliance, maintenance, and operations without institutional resources.
Foundation Intervenes
Technology access, compliance training, and operational support at no or reduced cost.
Landlord Stabilizes
Confident, compliant, and profitable enough to remain in the rental market long-term.
Housing Preserved
Tenants stay in their homes at stable rents. Communities remain intact.
Our Approach
Three Pillars of Preservation
A comprehensive approach to keeping independent landlords in the market and affordable housing intact.
Technology Access
Subsidized property management technology for landlords who maintain rents at or below area median. Modern tools that institutional landlords take for granted, made accessible to independent owners.
Education & Capacity Building
Compliance training, financial literacy workshops, and maintenance planning resources. Helping small landlords operate with the confidence and competence of professional managers.
Research & Advocacy
Original data on small landlord exits and their impact on housing affordability. Policy recommendations, annual impact reports, and partnerships with housing researchers and legislators.
Measuring What Matters
Our Impact Goals
We measure success not in dollars raised, but in housing preserved and families kept in their homes.
About Us
Who We Are
LeaseBase Housing Foundation is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2026 with a singular purpose: to preserve affordable housing by keeping independent landlords in the rental market.
We work at the intersection of housing policy, technology, and community support. Our approach recognizes that the 10.6 million small landlords in America aren't just property owners — they're the country's largest providers of naturally occurring affordable housing.
Our technology partner, LeaseBase Inc., provides the property management platform that Foundation-supported landlords use at subsidized rates. This partnership ensures landlords receive enterprise-grade tools while the Foundation focuses on its core mission of research, education, and advocacy.
Take Action
Get Involved
Whether you're a landlord, a funder, or simply someone who cares about housing, there's a place for you in this work.
Access Free Tools & Training
Qualify for subsidized property management technology, compliance training, and operational support to keep your rental business thriving.
Apply for SupportPartner With Us
Your funding directly preserves affordable housing. We offer transparent impact reporting and measurable outcomes for every dollar invested.
Discuss PartnershipJoin Our Mission
Stay informed about our work, research findings, and opportunities to advocate for policies that protect affordable housing.