What to Expect When You Switch to Online Rent Collection

Are you looking to switch to online rent collection but not sure what to expect? You’re not alone. Many property managers want to automate this process, cut out the paper stream, and streamline the way they accept rent payments. 

Fortunately, there are options available to improve the lives of your residents and staff by switching to accept rent online. Below are a few things you should know when you’re considering switching to online rent payments. 

Setting Up Your Account

You can set up an account to accept rent online with just a few simple steps, and quickly start taking advantage of the benefits an online system provides.

When you start to accept rent online, you will need to enter some information about you as the landlord, your rental property, and your tenants. This process is also known as Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Business (KYB).

Before you may accept rent online or deposit collected funds into your account, payment processing companies will require your bank account information so they can verify that you are who you say you are. 

It takes about five minutes to input this information, but it can take up to 3-5 days for the company to verify the authenticity of your documentation before giving you access to its online portal.

Notifying Your Residents of the Transition

The first step to switch to online rent collection is to notify your residents of the change. Tell them:

  • What day they can start paying rent online
  • How they will pay rent online (e.g., through their resident portal)
  • Any fees associated with paying online and what forms of payment you accept (e.g., credit cards, eChecks, etc.)
  • When and how they should pay their rent if they cannot pay online (e.g., if they do not have an email address)

When you’re ready to make the switch, you need to notify your residents at least four weeks in advance. This ensures that they have plenty of time to familiarize themselves with the new system and make any adjustments needed.

When rolling out your new online rent collection system, include a personalized message. Explain why you’re making the switch and what they can expect from the change. Let them know that you are available if they have any questions or concerns.

Expect Delays After Switch to Online Rent Collection

If you’ve been collecting rent the old-fashioned way, then you probably already know that there are delays involved. 

It takes time for checks to arrive in the mail or via dropbox. It takes time for residents to pick up their invoices and reminders from your office. And it takes even more time for your accounting software to process that information and keep your records up-to-date.

All of these delays will be amplified during the transition to online rent collection. Be patient as residents get used to paying online and logging in for the first time. 

In the meantime, encourage them to pay with paper checks or cash so they aren’t late on their payments. Once they become familiar with their new system, they’ll be able to pay on time without any hassle.

Advantages of Collection Rent Online

Online rent collection has certain benefits for property owners. The most significant is the elimination of paper checks in the office. Paper checks are a hassle to manage and process, especially if you own multiple properties. 

With an online rent payment system, all payments will be securely processed in one place instead of having to keep track of dozens of checks arriving in the mail each month across different locations.

In addition to reducing paperwork, online rent collection can also reduce the administrative burden on your staff and allow them to focus on higher priority tasks like managing property maintenance requests or addressing tenant disputes.

Other benefits of online rent collection include: 

  • Faster processing
  • Ability to offer tenants more than one payment option
  • Easy integration with external platforms to aid accounting
  • Monthly statements of income from online payments
  • The flexibility for tenants to pay rent anywhere, from their phone or computer

Rent collection is an essential part of the property management process. A streamlined rent collection system can make it easier than ever to collect rent, keep track of late payments and reduce the risk of nonpayment.

SIGN-UP FOR PAYRENT

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
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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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SIGN-UP FOR PAYRENT

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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