Home » The Risky Business of Collecting Rent: Safety Tips for Landlords

The Risky Business of Collecting Rent: Safety Tips for Landlords

SherRon Marcek

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Landlords
Safety tips for landlords

From a Salt Lake City landlord being shot, a Washington landlord being beaten to death after not renewing a lease, and a 71-year old New York City landlord being pushed down a flight of stairs to his death, tenant-landlord violence is not a rarity in the headlines. Volatile situations are quick to arise when tenants are unable to pay rent and their living situation is in jeopardy. While the overwhelming majority of tenants are non-violent, here are some safety tips for landlords you can use to protect yourself.

Screen Potential Tenants

The saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The same is true when selecting tenants. Doing an initial background check and tenant screening before a tenant even moves into your property can help to weed out potentially dangerous individuals. Background checks typically include employment history, driving record, credit scores, criminal history, and drug screenings. While it may cost you more initially, finding the right renters for your unit could save you from major problems further down the road. 

Safely Show your Property

Before showing your property, get some basic identifying information from your prospective tenant, such as a copy of their driver’s license. Show properties during the day and keep your phone on you at all times. Leave the front door open during the showing. If there are multiple applicants, consider hosting it ‘open-house’ style or schedule appointments back-to-back and let your potential renter know that you’re expecting someone after their appointment.

Collect Rent Online

Online rent collection allows your renter to pay you at any time from anywhere. There is no need to meet up or exchange money in person. PayRent also will enable you to keep your financial information private and safe from fraud and identity theft.

Not only can collecting rent online reduce the risk of physical violence by limiting face-to-face encounters with your tenants, but it can also protect you from invisible threats like COVID-19. The World Health Organization recommended that all businesses handle checks and cash as little as possible and to implement contactless payment options

Never Give out your Home Address

If you decide to accept paper checks as a form of payment, find a safe way to receive the checks. An office, lockbox, or P.O. Box are all safe choices. Don’t have rent checks sent directly to your house; you don’t want disgruntled renters knowing where you live. Keep a security camera on your lockbox and only check it during daylight hours.

Communicate Well

Communicate often and well with your tenants so that no one is caught off-guard. When onboarding a new tenant, inform them of the best ways to communicate with you and then check your messages often. Problems that are left unchecked are more likely to become larger issues than if they were handled promptly.

Confront your Tenant Safely

Another safety tip for landlords is to contact your local police department for assistance if you have to do business with someone you think could harm you. Many police departments provide areas that are under surveillance for transactions such as custody exchanges or private online sales. Use these areas to accept payments or discuss terms of a lease that may be controversial. If you require assistance at your property, you can request a police officer to accompany you.

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1 thought on “The Risky Business of Collecting Rent: Safety Tips for Landlords”

  1. Not informing a tenant of our home address is difficult! Google your name on the internet, it tells your address, and people that may be living with you! A definite invasion of privacy!

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**Blog Article Disclaimer*

This blog article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The content is intended to offer general information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, laws and regulations are subject to change, and the legal landscape may vary based on jurisdiction. Therefore, we make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the information contained in this article.

Reading, accessing, or using the information provided in this blog does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the author, and any reliance on the information is at your own risk. If you require legal advice or assistance, it is crucial to consult with a qualified attorney who can consider the specifics of your situation and provide advice accordingly.

The author and the platform disclaim any liability for any loss or damage incurred by individuals or entities as a result of the information presented in this blog. We recommend consulting a legal professional before making decisions or taking action based on the information provided in this article.

This disclaimer is subject to change without notice, and it is the responsibility of the reader to review and understand the disclaimer before relying on the information contained in the blog article.

PayRent is on a mission to build a rent collection app that fosters a positive and productive relationship between renters and landlords. We focus less on transactions and more on the people behind them.

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Start collecting rent online in less than 5 minutes.
  • Control when and how renters pay you
  • Automatically remind tenants when rent is due
  • Accept bank transfers and credit cards
GET STARTED FOR FREE
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