A-du vs Hemlane
How A-du and Hemlane compare for ADU landlords. Hemlane pairs software with a local service network; A-du is ADU-specific and adds design, permitting, and contractor bidding before the listing.
A-du and Hemlane are both landlord platforms, but A-du is specialized for Accessory Dwelling Units across their whole lifecycle, while Hemlane pairs general management software with a nationwide local service network.
Hemlane is strongest for off-site owners who need local help; A-du is strongest at everything specific to creating and renting an ADU.
The short version
Hemlane’s differentiator is service: a 50-state network of local agents and vendors, delinquency management, and pre-eviction coordination layered on top of management software. For an owner of scattered rentals who cannot be on-site, that network is genuinely valuable.
A-du is built for one specific kind of rental, the Accessory Dwelling Unit, and for the steps Hemlane never touches. Before the unit exists, A-du offers pre-approved ADU plans, permit-fee calculators, GIS lot lookup, and license-verified contractor bids. After it is built, A-du adds identity-verified screening, e-signed leases, rent collection where the landlord keeps 100% of the listed rent, and a vetted property-manager marketplace for hands-off operation.
Feature comparison
| Feature | A-du | Hemlane |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purposeWhat the product is actually built to do. | End-to-end ADU platform: build, rent, and manage | Remote management with a local service network |
| Best fit | ADU owners & small landlordsIn served markets (LA County, NYC) | Off-site ownersOf scattered single-family rentals nationwide |
| Pricing model | Free to listLandlord keeps 100% of rent; tenant pays the service fee | Base + per-unit + tiersFrom roughly $40/mo plus per unit, scaling with service tiers |
| ADU design & pre-approved plansHelp before the unit exists. | YesPlan marketplace incl. LADBS Standard Plan | No |
| Permitting tools | YesLA County + NYC permit-fee calculators, GIS lot lookup | No |
| License-verified contractor bids | Yes | No |
| Local service networkWhere Hemlane is strong. | ADU-focusedVetted local managers + services marketplace | Broad50-state agent/vendor network, delinquency & pre-eviction help |
| Tenant screening | FCRA-compliantPass/fail, full adverse-action workflow, portable profile (AB 2493) | YesBuilt-in screening |
| Local ADU specialization | DeepADU rules, permit data & renter audience | General-purpose |
| Bottom line | An ADU-specific platform covering design, permitting, leasing, and rent collection, with a vetted ADU manager marketplace for hands-off owners. | A half-software, half-service platform with a 50-state local agent and vendor network, but general-purpose and starting at the listing. |
How to think about it
Both go beyond bare software. Hemlane’s edge is a broad nationwide service network for any rental. A-du’s edge is depth in one vertical: it helps you create the ADU, knows the local rules, and offers ADU-focused management help in the markets it serves.
Next steps: See how A-du works, browse ADU managers, or review pricing.
Related: vs DoorLoop · vs Buildium · vs AppFolio · Best PM software.
Frequently asked questions
- How is A-du different from Hemlane?
- Hemlane blends software with a 50-state network of local agents and vendors, plus delinquency and pre-eviction help, which makes it popular with off-site owners of scattered single-family homes. It is general-purpose and begins at the listing. A-du is built specifically for Accessory Dwelling Units and adds the pre-rental side Hemlane lacks: pre-approved plans, permit-fee calculators, GIS lot lookup, and licensed contractor bidding. A-du also offers a vetted property-manager marketplace and a services marketplace for hands-off ADU operation.
- Hemlane has a local agent network. Does A-du?
- A-du has a vetted property-manager marketplace for owners who want their ADU run for them, plus a services marketplace of local providers. The difference is focus: A-du’s network and tooling are built around ADUs in the markets it serves, while Hemlane’s network is general-purpose and nationwide.
- Does Hemlane help build or permit an ADU?
- No. Hemlane manages and leases existing rentals. It has no ADU design catalog, permit-fee tools, GIS lot lookup, or contractor bidding. Those pre-rental steps are what A-du is built for, in addition to leasing and rent collection.
- Which should I choose?
- If you own scattered single-family homes across states and want a local service network behind your software, Hemlane is a strong fit. If your rental is an ADU, or you are building one, in a market A-du serves, A-du covers the build and permitting steps Hemlane cannot and offers ADU-focused management help.
Comparison reflects publicly available product information as of 2026 and A-du features at time of writing. Competitor pricing and capabilities change; confirm current details with each provider.