Blog Post

Best Online Software to Collect Rent

Dustin Edwards • Dec 20, 2023

Long gone are the days of driving to your rental property, knocking on the door, and collecting your rent in cash or a check from your tenant. As everything moves to a digital space, staying caught up is essential. Many applications available nowadays can help you set up an automatic rent collection. 


Change can be different, though it doesn't have to be negative. Aside from saving you and your tenant time, it is much safer and easier to keep track of when compared to cash. Checks can take days to process and risk bouncing due to insufficient funds. You can collect rent even when on vacation with online rent collection software.


There is no one-size-fits-all solution to
collecting rent. After all, every case is unique. Most of the famous property manager applications have some form of automatic or recurring rent collection. However, many have different features and advantages based on location and target demographic. Today, we'll explore several online rent collection solutions to help you find the best one that suits your needs.


Zillow Rental Manager

Zillow has quickly become a prominent website used by renters, realtors, and property managers. While limited in overall features, the Zillow rental manager offers a relatively simple and intuitive experience. Zillow’s rental manager has been updated to allow automatic payments with a credit or debit card or directly from your tenant’s bank account.


Zillow rental manager can benefit first-time landlords as it is free to use as long as you only have one listing. Additional fees exist for other listings, increased exposure, and market insight.


Apartments.com

Apartments.com used to be Cozy. They are a well-established property managing application used daily by renters and landlords. It also provides an automatic rent collection service and other property management tools.


Apartments.com has been popular with millennials, primarily those who enjoy using smart devices like phones and tablets.


Avail

When collecting rent, avail offers to remind your tenant before collecting their rent. This can be beneficial for the tenant to ensure their rent is in their bank account and avoid late payments at an affordable price.


Once rent is collected through the Avail rent collecting tool, it will automatically update your dashboard, allowing you to track payments and transactions. Avail offers both free and paid subscriptions.


Digital Payment Platforms

Property management apps may only be for some. Luckily, there are ways to collect rent online without using them. Platforms such as PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, or Zelle are used every day and are incredibly popular. These services may be right for you for landlords who aren’t ready to use software for all their property management needs.


If you manage rent collection through these platforms, remember that is all they can do. They offer little to no additional benefits when managing your property.


Property Management Company

You can set up recurring rent collections through a dedicated property management company based on your preferences and needs, unlike with online software, where you may need to invest time and money to take full advantage of their features. A full-service property management company is hands-off for the client. Additionally, a property management company has several resources, such as lawyers, tradesmen, and a catalog of vetted individuals looking to fill your vacancy.


Suppose you need help setting up an online rent collection service or are looking for a property management company to manage your portfolio. In that case, 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 01 May, 2024
Everyone wants to feel safe in their homes. As an investment property owner, it's up to you to decide whether or not to include security measures in your property. Many of the costs associated with the security measures can be included in the rent, meaning not only can you keep your property safe, but you can earn more income in the long run. However, you would still want your tenants to have renters insurance to protect their assets. Today, we’ll discuss the top five security measures you can add to your property and why they're beneficial to you and your tenant. Security Cameras Cameras are probably one of the first security measures people think about when asked about security. Cameras provide more benefits than just surveillance. They provide an extra level of security for the safety of the tenants and their belongings. Additionally, security cameras can be useful when repairs are required. Cameras can aid in supervising repairs and maintenance to ensure you’re receiving the agreed-upon work. During vacancies when the property is empty, security cameras can help keep the property safe from potential intruders. Doorbell cameras are incredibly popular now. They provide the aforementioned safety of a camera that can be accessed remotely, as well as the ability to communicate with visitors. Although one must be careful never to say you're not home, just say you're unavailable to strangers. Security Lights Security lights with motion detectors are another effective tool when adding security measures to your property. These lights brightly if a potential intruder attempts to get near your home. They can provide enough illumination to see the intruder or, at the very least, scare them off. Nowadays, you can find a combination of security cameras and motion-activated security lights, such as the floodlight cam wired plus from Ring . Additionally, because these lights only turn on when motion is detected, they’re more cost-effective than traditional lights with a switch. Illuminate the Property Light generally deters intruders as it's more difficult to hide. Adding lighting to the landscaping can increase the security of the property while creating a relaxing atmosphere. Lights can also be used in other areas of the property to accent features such as trees, benches, or artwork. This can help your property stand out while giving your tenants an additional feeling of safety. Keyless Entry Keyless entry is seen as both a convenience feature and a security feature. They usually use an electronic passcode, biometric data, or grant access through a smartphone app. Physical keys can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. You reduce the risk of unauthorized entry by eliminating the need for a physical key to enter the property. Many keyless entry systems include several features, such as remote locking and monitoring. Although keyless entry is a great new technology for keeping your tenants and properties safe, they’re best used with other security systems. Security Company Nothing beats having an extra pair of eyes on your property for security. This is where security companies like ADT and SimpliSafe come in. While companies may deal with security in varying ways, they aim to protect your investment. While safety is the primary role of a security company, remember that many tenants may be willing to pay more for a premium amenity like a home security company. Keeping your property and tenants safe is incredibly important to the longevity of an investment property. If you’re looking to improve the security of your Long Beach rental property or need help managing your beach city rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online .
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