Blog Post

Top 5 New Ways To Collect Rent From Your Tenants

Dustin Edwards • September 24, 2023

The beginning of every month is an essential day for tenants and landlords alike. While some tenants may not look forward to their rent’s due date, landlords must give their tenants as many options to pay. The more options you offer your tenant, the less likely you’ll receive late payments or have an issue collecting rent. 


The traditional cash or check payment may be reliable, though they must be more relevant when
collecting rent. Could you check local and state laws regarding rent collection methods? Additionally, some rent collection methods can involve several fees or transaction costs. Landlords should consider these when deciding on the best approach for rent collection, as you don’t want to upset a tenant with additional expenses.


There are more ways for you to collect your tenant’s rent. Today, we’ll go over five new methods used to collect rent.


Automatic Bank Withdrawal

When paying rent, bank transfers are nothing new, though having the payment done automatically can benefit both parties. Much like an online subscription, a landlord can set up an automatic monthly withdrawal from the tenant's bank account with the tenant's permission. This can ensure timely payments, give you peace of mind, and give your tenant one less payment they must manage.


Mobile Apps

A variety of apps are designed specifically to collect rent from tenants. Applications such as Avail and Zillow Rental Manager. While distinct, mobile rent-collecting apps allow tenants to pay their rent on time and have a comprehensive digital log of payments and receipts. Some apps also provide an easy way for tenants to report their on-time rent payments. This can help them to improve their credit score. Some fees may apply, though typically negligible and, in some cases, free.


Property Management Software

There are applications and software for more than just collecting rent. Property management software like Buildium or AppFolio frequently includes rent collection features, among other tools for landlords, such as maintenance requests and the ability to create a website for your property, among other systems. These apps aren’t one size fits all, though. For example, many reviews state that AppFolio is best suited for landlords with over 50 units, whereas Buildium caters to different sizes and types of rental portfolios.


Online Payment Platforms

Platforms such as PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle are used daily by people for all sorts of expenses. Using these platforms to accept rent payments electronically has become incredibly popular. Usually, these apps have little to no fees associated with transactions. However, they’re only used to transfer money and offer very little to help with other aspects of managing your property. 


Property Management Companies

While not a new way to collect rent like the other services in this article, entire service property management companies need to be up to speed with how rent can be collected. And can collect rent on time to allow landlords to invest in other projects or live life. Landlords have hired professional property managers to collect rent and handle the process. These services typically include added benefits such as debt collection if rent is not paid or fees if rent is paid late. 


Collecting rent doesn’t need to be complicated. After all, it's a simple transaction for a service. If you need help collecting rent or setting up some of the methods described above, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our
Owner Application online.

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By Dustin Edwards November 18, 2024
Be aware of these 3 common issues when the rainy season arrives at your rental property.
Cold weather can come fast and strong so it's best to ensure your property is ready for this climate
By Dustin Edwards November 12, 2024
It's important to prepare your rental properties for the colder weather. Although we don’t need to prepare for snow and freezing temperatures, we do need to prepare for the cold and rain. By ensuring your rental is cozy inside and prepared for the fall season , you can not only reduce energy costs for your tenant but also maintain your rental property value. Today, we’ll go over three signs your property is ready for this upcoming cold weather.  Sign #1 Proper Weatherproofing During the colder seasons, it's much easier for a tenant to notice any cold spots in your rental. Well-insulated doors and windows can not only help maintain the warm temperature but also prevent it from lowering. It can also prevent cold spots and drafts, which can help with tenant satisfaction . Doors and windows should be properly sealed and insulated to prevent drafts and maintain proper temperatures. A visual inspection of the weatherstripping around doors and windows to ensure they’re intact is a great place to start. If damaged, consider replacing them, as trying to seal gaps can be tricky and rarely lasts. Other seals should also be checked, as well as any areas that need to be caulked in order to keep cold air out. Insulation during the summer helps keep the cool air in, and during the winter, insulation in the halls and attics helps retain desired heat. Hot air rises, and if there isn't adequate insulation in the ceiling, heat will continually be lost. Luckily, adding insulation to an attic is not uncommon and typically only requires a day or two for installation. Sign #2 Energy Efficiency Measures During the winter, it's not just the cold you need to keep in mind. As days are much shorter, there is less sunlight to keep the rental warm and more hours of darkness. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep energy efficiency in mind when preparing for the cold weather. Energy-efficient lighting or smart lighting helps reduce overall costs since your tenant will likely use electricity to keep warm. Ensure your outdoor lighting is rated for external use, as this can provide crucial illumination during longer nights. Draft guards on doors and windows help reduce the load on your rental’s HVAC system which can significantly improve its lifespan. This is also a great time to replace filters and clean the ductwork in your rental to improve energy efficiency. Additionally, consider installing an insulative film on older windows, which helps retain heat and keep rooms warmer without the need for extra heating. If your rental has a programmable thermostat, ensure it’s in working order, as this can help tenants manage an energy-efficient heating schedule more easily. Sign #3 Property Exterior Southern California is a great place to settle down, and while we don't need to worry about snowfall or deep freezes, ensuring the exterior of your rental property is ready for the cold weather is important. With our cold season mainly bringing with it rain, inspect your rental property’s rain gutter system . Remove debris from drains and check for leaks or signs of wear and tear. Walkways should be clear of debris and well-lit. This may require you to prune and trim trees and bushes that may leave behind leaves. When combined with rainfall, a single wet leaf can cause someone to slip and hurt themselves. Consider adding non-slip mats or tape to areas where people may have tripped in the past. Much like during the hotter weather, it's important for your rental to be ready for fall and winter. By keeping your property ready for any weather Southern California has to offer, you ensure your rental property and tenants will provide steady rental income every month. If you need help preparing your rental for the cold weather or if you need help managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards November 4, 2024
Owning a rental property in a beach city like Long Beach, CA , offers a number of advantages, like great weather and a strong real estate market. However, the cold ocean breezes can pose some challenges for landlords and tenants, making it convenient for property managers . Although the weather is generally great, these ocean breezes can sometimes make properties drafty and uncomfortable during the fall and winter seasons. Today we’ll go over four measures that can improve tenant comfort and protect your investment from the cold ocean breezes. Weatherproofing Againsts Drafts Drafts are caused by gaps between doors and windows which can make a rental feel colder than it is. This leads to unnecessary energy use and tenant discomfort. Sealing these gaps is not difficult and quite doable for a landlord who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. Replacing worn weatherstripping and adding fresh caulking to seal minor gaps blocks air from permeating the property. For additional protection from drafts, you can provide your tenant with inexpensive door sweeps. Improve Heating Efficiency Having efficient heating is crucial to countering the cooler ocean breezes while keeping costs low. Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system , such as replacing filters, cleaning vents, and cleaning the compressor to keep it running smoothly. This not only provides more efficient heating, it also extends the life of your HVAC system. Installing a smart thermostat is another way for tenants to adjust heating schedules efficiently. Protect Outdoor Spaces Outdoor areas such as patios, balconies, and even porches can oftentimes be exposed to the coastal breezes. This can be an issue in the long run, especially for rentals next to the beach , as the wind can carry sand and salt, which can accelerate the deterioration of metals, wood, and paint. This can be mitigated by adding windbreaks to the property, such as lattice panels or outdoor curtains, to create a more comfortable and functional outdoor space. Exterior finishes will require more frequent maintenance. This includes resealing wood and metal surfaces. As well as repainting is important to protect against wear from salt, sand, and moisture. Wind Mitigating Landscaping Much like with the curtains and lattice previously talked about, the landscaping can also be used as a windbreak. For example, planting wind-resistant shrubs or trees alongside exposed areas creates a natural barrier. This helps reduce the impact of the gusts of wind hitting the property. Many native plants thrive in coastal climates while also requiring minimal maintenance. While expensive, the results can greatly improve your rental’s longevity and curb appeal. Alternatively, you can strategically place planters to provide protection. Durable Furniture Furniture and fixtures exposed to the cold coastal breezes need to be able to withstand that wear and tear. Choose resilient materials such as treated wood, powder-coated metals, and outdoor-rated plastics. These are less prone to being damaged by the salt or wind. Furniture that is lightweight should be secured or anchored in place to prevent it from being blown away. By investing in durable furnishing, you can provide tenants with a comfortable and functional outdoor space for years to come. Protecting your beach city property from the cold ocean breeze doesn't necessarily require extensive renovations or investments. Try to focus on any relevant feedback from your tenant, this can help you pinpoint what part of your rental needs attention. If you need additional help protecting your rental property from the cold ocean breezes or if you need help managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
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