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.

Communicate rent collection policies

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.

Use an online payment method

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.

Send Timely 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.

Include overdue fine

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.

Communicate with your tenants

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.

Take a rent guarantee insurance

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.

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