Tips for landlords to collect rent on time

Learn the tips for collecting rent on time to ensure timely rent payments and reduce the stress of lost rental income.

Jale

2 minute read

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Updated on 31 May 2023

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Renting out

As a landlord, collecting the rent on time is the essence of your rental business. Timely rent payments ensure you can cover your property expenses and maintain a steady income stream. But collecting rent can be challenging, especially if you have difficult tenants.

To help you avoid chasing your tenant to pay their rent on time, here’re some tips for landlords to collect rent on time.

It's important for tenants to have a clear understanding of your rent collection policies. This includes the due date for rent, acceptable payment methods, and consequences for late or missed payments. Communicating these policies to tenants before they sign the tenancy agreement is essential. This can help prevent any misunderstandings or disputes later on.

Collecting rent online is a popular, safe and convenient method for landlords to collect rent. Online rent payment platforms offer several advantages over traditional methods of collecting rent (paper checks, cash or in-person collection). Using an online rent collection method can streamline the rent collection process and reduce the administrative burden on landlords.

Firstly, it eliminates the need to collect payments from tenants physically. It also makes paying the rent on time easier for your tenant. Your tenants can pay rent from anywhere, anytime, using their preferred payment method.

Secondly, online payment platforms provide a secure way for tenants to make payments without the risk of lost or stolen checks or cash. This gives landlords peace of mind and reduces the risk of fraud.

Thirdly, automated online payment systems ensure the correct amount is paid and recorded, reducing the risk of errors and disputes.

Lastly, online payment platforms provide landlords with an electronic record of rent payments, simplifying bookkeeping and tax preparation.

3 ways to collect rent online

1. HousingAnywere platform: If you let your property on HousingAnywhere, you can also use the platform to collect your rent. You can easily manage rent collection for all your listings, add multiple payment methods, set up reminders, and track them for the whole rental period.

2. Online payment platforms: Use online payment platforms such as PayPal, Revolut, Rentec Direct, TenantClod or GoCardless to collect rent from tenants. Features include online payments, follow-up reminders, e-billing and many more. Depending on the service, there’ll likely be fees involved.

3. Debit from the bank account: You can request authorisation for the rent to be debited from your tenant's bank account. This method is convenient for tenants since they may already use it for other online transactions. The downside is that you won’t be able to send online reminders.

Sending a reminder a few days before the rent is due can ensure that tenants remember to make their payments on time. You can do this via email, text, or even a phone call. Some tenants may require extra reminders, so tailor the frequency according to the individual.

Late fees strongly encourage tenants to pay their rent on time. You can include the details about late fees in the tenancy agreement and notice period. But you must ensure the penalties align with the landlord-tenant laws in your country.

It’s always possible that your tenant will fail to pay the rent on time, whether for valid or invalid reasons. If a late payment occurs, communicate with your tenant as soon as possible. This can help you understand the reason for the late payment and possibly work out a payment plan. But it's also essential to maintain a firm stance and enforce fines if necessary.

For extra security, take out some type of rent guarantee insurance. Most landlords either take loss of rent insurance or rent guarantee insurance policies as part of their landlord insurance cover. These plans cover landlords against the possibility of a tenant defaulting on their rent payment.

This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult the appropriate authorities for the latest developments or a lawyer for legal advice.

For feedback on this article or other suggestions, please email content@housinganywhere.com