Streamlining Your Rental Process: A Landlord's Guide to Collecting the First Month’s Rent Online
by Kris
Posted on Tuesday November 14, 2023 at 08:39AM in General
As a property manager or landlord, the initial collection of rent from new tenants is a fundamental task that sets the stage for a smooth tenancy. With the right approach and modern landlord software, this process can be seamless and secure.
Introduction to Online Rent Collection
The act of collecting the first month's rent often marks the beginning of a new landlord-tenant relationship. The first rent payment is often made with a payment that can't return for non-sufficient funds or by accepting the payment a few days early so the landlord knows if it bounces before the tenant moves in.
Understanding the First Month’s Rent
Typically, the first month's rent and a security deposit is the amount a tenant pays to secure their lease. Landlords have traditionally collected this payment upfront to establish financial security. In the digital age, landlord software platforms have made it possible to streamline this process, ensuring timely and full payments through systems designed for online rent collection.
What types of payments should a landlord accept for rent?
There are many different ways for a tenant to pay rent. Below are some of the benefits and issues with each payment type.
- ACH (Bank Payments)
- Pro: ACH rent payments are convenient and tenants can schedule them from a phone or computer from anywhere with rental management software.
- Con: ACH rent payments can return if the tenant doesn't have enough money in their bank account or for other reasons. Most returns (non-sufficient funds, closed bank account, frozen account, unknown account, etc.) return within two banking days. Fraudulent options can return up to 60 calendar days later.
- Recommendation: ACH payments work really well for normal rent payments. When taking the very first payment, the best practice is to take this payment three or more banking days before the tenant moves in to ensure that the tenant has enough money before they move in.
- Credit & Debit cards
- Pro: Credit cards are convenient for tenants and also allow a tenant to make payments over time to the credit card company if the tenant doesn't have enough money to pay right away. While the tenant may need to pay additional fees to pay with a credit card, these fees are typically lower than lease fees for being late.
- Con: Tenants can contest the credit card payment for up to 180 days and try to obtain their money back. Credit card companies usually support their cardholders and the chargeback is often debited from the landlord's bank account. Landlords will often have to resort to collecting the rent with legal actions if a tenant contests their credit card payment, even if there is a valid lease.
- Recommendation: While credit cards are often a good choice for normal payments, it is not recommended to take the first payment with a credit card. It it better to ensure that the tenant has enough money to pay the first month rent without needing to borrow money on credit.
- Cash (Tenant hands landlord physical cash)
- Pro: Tenants can pay landlords directly with cash, which can't return.
- Con: Cash can be stolen or lost. It can also be very time consuming to meet a tenant at a specific location and time, especially if someone is late or doesn't show up.
- Recommendation: Cash is never a recommended payment type because of the risk of theft, chance of being lost, and the inconvenience of the pickup.
- Cash (Tenant uses cash at a retailer that accepts MoneyGram)
- Pro: A tenant can pay with cash, via MoneyGram, at major retailers like Walmart and CVS. Tenants have the flexibility to pay whenever it is convenience since many retailers are open extended hours. Some tenants do not have a bank account and can't pay with other methods. Cash payments can't return so landlords know the money is always good. If you are using landlord software that supports cash via MoneyGram, a simple click is all that is required to setup this option.
- Con: Paying with cash is often convenient for tenants, but a tenant will need to go to a retailer to make the cash payment. There is often a small fee at the retailer, which is often less than $3.00.
- Recommendation: Cash is a great option for the first rental payment or any other payment since the payment can't return and some tenant's don't have a bank account.
- Money Order or Cashier's Check
- Pro: Money orders and cashier's checks are drawn on the money order company or on the bank's account (not the tenant's bank account) and they can't bounce for non-sufficient funds.
- Con: There is usually a small fee for the tenant to purchase a money order. The tenant then has to give the money order to the landlord, and the landlord then has to deposit the money order into their bank account.
- Recommendation: Money Orders and Cashier's checks are a good choice for the first rent payment since they can't return for insufficient funds.
- Paper Check
- Pro: Many tenants still have paper checks and many older tenants still prefer them.
- Con: A paper check can return. Most checks return in 2-3 days and you can see the return if you lookup the status online instead of waiting for the return in the mail, but returns could take over 30 days with a fake check.
- Recommendation: Receiving a paper check is not the best option for the first rent payment since it could return. If you take a check, it is recommended to accept it a week before the tenant moves in.
- Venmo or Zelle
- Pro: These payments can't bounce since the account holder validates and then "pushes" money from their bank account.
- Con: There may be a fee, depending on the type of account being used.
- Recommendation: Venmo and Zelle are good options for the first payment since they can't return.
- Wire
- Pro: Wire payments can't bounce. Once the money is sent, the tenant can't obtain the money back through the wire system unless the landlord agrees to it.
- Con: Depending on your bank, the process may be online or the tenant may have to go into a bank branch. There are typically fees for the person sending a wire, with a $25 national average fee for an outgoing wire.
- Recommendation: Wires are good choice for a landlord, but the tenant may have a higher cost and additional inconvenience.
- FedNow
- Pro: FedNow is a new way to push money, which is very similar to a wire. It is available 24 hours a day and once sent, it can't bounce or return.
- Con: The tenant's bank may have a fee and not all banks participate in the FedNow service.
- Recommendation: FedNow is a great choice since money is received real-time and it can't return.
The Benefits of Prorated Rent
When a tenant moves in mid-month, prorated rent calculations are essential. This practice, easily handled by advanced landlord software, ensures fairness by charging the tenant for only the days they occupy the property within that initial month. Property management software like Schedule My Rent allow rent to be collected weekly, bi-monthly, monthly, or quarterly and the beginning and end of each cycle can be customized.
The Optimal Time to Collect Rent
Best practices suggest that the first month’s rent should be collected before move-in. This assures the landlord of payment security and prevents any potential payment disputes once the tenant has taken residence. Different payment methods require a different amount of time to make sure the funds are good.
Leveraging Guaranteed Funds for Rent Payments
To ensure financial certainty, landlords should consider guaranteed funds, payments that can't return, for collecting the first month's rent. Otherwise, it is recommended to accept the first payment early enough to make sure the payments doesn't bounce before the tenant moves in.
Is Collecting the Last Month’s Rent Necessary?
Collecting the last month's rent upfront is a strategy some landlords employ as a safeguard against lease breaches. Review federal and state laws to fully understand the advantages and potential drawbacks of this approach.
Additional Fees to Consider
Beyond the first month’s rent, landlords often require a security deposit and may also include other fees such as pet rent or parking charges. Landlord software can assist in managing these transactions, ensuring clarity and compliance with state laws.
Concluding Advice
In conclusion, collecting the first month's rent, alongside any additional agreed-upon fees, is a vital step in establishing a firm foundation for the landlord-tenant relationship. Record-keeping is crucial, and utilizing landlord software for online rent collection can significantly ease this process, benefiting both landlords and tenants.
Tags: collecting landlord rent software
Do You Need a Guarantor When Signing a Lease? A Comprehensive Guide
by Kris
Posted on Monday October 30, 2023 at 09:29PM in Software Updates
While not every lease requires a guarantor, understanding their role can prepare you for potential rental scenarios. Whether you're a first-time renter, a student, or someone rebuilding their financial standing, a guarantor can be the key to securing your desired property.
Read MoreTags: agreements credit guarantor history income landlords lease rental requirements score tenants
Collecting Rent Online: Your Questions Answered
by Kris
Posted on Monday December 13, 2021 at 08:00AM in General
Collecting Rent Online: Your Questions Answered
Rent collection - it’s one of the most quintessential duties that come with being a landlord. In many ways, it can be a gratifying experience. After all, there’s something undeniably satisfying about marching up to one of your properties and collecting payment from your tenants. Over time, however, it’s likely that that shine will start to fade. It can get tedious to go through the same process over and over again, each and every month.
There have been plenty of rent collection methods developed over the past few years, but none of them have managed to truly simplify the process. Landlords and tenants have tried options as varied as checks, cash, and even direct bank-to-bank transfers to try and manage the rent collection process. Inevitably, though, all of these strategies come with significant drawbacks, such as additional processing fees or inefficient handling.
After years of disappointment with other methods, the ability to collect rent online has absolutely revolutionized the industry.
Collecting rent digitally removes the inefficiency that comes with every other strategy for managing payments. It provides just as many benefits for the landlord as it does for the tenant, taking the stress and unnecessary tedium out of the rent-paying process. At this point, no professional landlord should have to settle for any other payment method. If you’re ready to learn more, here are a few common questions and answers about collecting rent online.
Is It Safe to Collect Rent Online?
Yes, online rent collection is completely safe and secure. Reputable rental management platforms such as Schedule My Rent use high-level encryption software to protect every payment and ensure that every transaction works smoothly.
As a general rule, online payments are safer than paying with cash or check. By keeping financial information confidential between you, your tenants, and your respective banks, collecting rent online makes it nearly impossible for your bank information to end up in the wrong hands. Meanwhile, physical payments such as checks can present numerous security issues if they fall into the wrong hands.
How Long Does It Take to Collect Rent Online?
Depending on the software used, rent can be collected online in as little as one day. In general, though, most rental management platforms allow landlords to receive rent within a few business days of the initial payment. Some apps can expedite the process for a small additional fee.
Regardless, digitally collecting rent is significantly faster and more convenient than other, more traditional methods. It makes it simple to exchange funds without ever having to make physical contact or worry about cashing checks.
Can You Automate Online Rent Collections?
With the right app, online rent collection can be a completely hands-off, automated experience for you and your tenant. Rent software can let you customize your collection schedule, whether that’s once a week, once a month, or anything in-between.
Automated payments can take a major burden off you and your tenant’s shoulders. Tenants find it far easier to pay rent when the service is entirely digital, which makes it simple to keep up with regular expenses and stay on top of rent.
Does Online Rent Collection Reduce Missed Payments?
Paying rent online makes it significantly easier for your tenants to keep up with payments. Tenants with the ability to pay rent online are far more likely to avoid missing payments and instead pay rent on time, every month. Digital rent apps often send frequent updates to tenants and landlords that make it easy to stay on top of deadlines and expenses.
How Does Online Rent Collection Provide Flexibility?
While physical payments like checks or cash had very limited uses and functionality, paying rent online gives the tenant and landlord alike significantly more flexibility to pay how they need. For example, online rent payment platforms make it simple for tenants to split rents between their roommates or family members, or even set up specific one-time payments when necessary.
Does Collecting Rent Digitally Cost More Than Other Methods?
Not if you use the right app! Platforms like Schedule My Rent provide completely affordable and dependable payment models for collecting rent digitally. Sometimes, collecting rent online will require a nominal fee that is often as low as a dollar or two. In addition, you can save money since services like Schedule My Rent don't charge for returned payments while banks often charge from $10 to $35 to both the landlord and the tenant for returned payments.
However, even if online rent payments charge an additional cost, they also provide major savings in terms of time and convenience. Rather than having to physically collect money from a tenant or having to wait for a check in the mail, digital rent collection allows landlords to quickly receive their funds in a fraction of the time and carry on with their business duties.
What if you tenant doesn't have internet access or a bank account?
As a landlord, you want to provide the easiest way possible for a tenant to make payments. Most landlords don't accept cash directly because it is very time consuming and could be dangerous to meet tenants, collect cash, and then carry the cash around until you have a chance to go to the bank. Instead of meeting tenants directly, Schedule My Rent allows tenants to pay with cash at thousands of retailers across the United States, such as Walmart and CVS. Tenants can make payments anytime the retailer is open, so scheduling and security is not an issue anymore. Once the tenant pays, Schedule My Rent automatically sends a receipt and transfers the money to the landlord's bank account.
Will You Be Notified If Anything Strange Happens With Your Rental?
While the specific services vary depending on which kind of app you use, many platforms provide frequent updates to keep you aware of the status on your payments. For example, you may be promptly notified if a tenant misses a payment or if any other suspicious activity occurs. If any payments are denied or missed, both you and your tenants will be notified and given instructions on how to proceed.
What Is the Best Way to Collect Rent Online?
There are countless rent collection platforms on the market today. However, while it might feel easy to get overwhelmed by the seemingly-limitless options, Schedule My Rent is easily the industry’s best choice for landlords and tenants when it comes to efficiency, convenience, and functionality.
Collect Rent Online with Schedule My Rent
At Schedule My Rent, we’ve taken time to develop a robust platform that can address all the unique needs of landlords and their tenants. With our app, it’s simple for residents to make payments however suits them best. We even allow them to pay with cash at participating retailers such as Walmart and CVS, giving your clients the flexibility they need to do business with you.
Our program also enables landlords to stay in control of the rental process, including late fees and scheduling. Whether you want to collect rent weekly or monthly, we empower you to run your business how you see fit.
Contact us at (844) 465-3339 for more information about collecting rent online today!
Tags: collect-rent-online rental-property-management-software
4 Benefits of Using Property Management Software
by Kris
Posted on Wednesday December 08, 2021 at 09:15AM in General
One of the simplest ways to make a landlord’s job easier to manage is utilizing the organizational and automation tools that come with property management software.
Preparing units for rent, screening tenants, determining property prices, and troubleshooting building issues are just a few of the many responsibilities that landlords and property managers have to juggle on a daily basis. This virtual tool can help landlords keep up with the many tenants and properties they look after.
What Is Property Management Software?
Property management software is responsible for streamlining all of a landlord's job responsibilities into one easy-to-use platform. This allows landlords and property managers to optimize their job performance and efficiency, creating stronger relationships with their tenants.
A few of the features to look out for that should be included in high-quality software, like Schedule My Rent, include:
- Listing a property for rent
- Online rental applications
- Tenant screening with a full credit report and a national background check
- Lease agreement management
- Maintenance requests
- Online and cash payments
- Expense tracking
The Benefits of Using Property Management Software
To put it simply, using a tool like this makes life easier for both landlords and tenants alike. Read on to discover the top four advantages of using this software in today’s rental marketplace.
#1: Automated Communication
With limited time, it’s all too easy for landlords to forget to send rent reminders. The beauty of this software is that it automatically sends messages to all tenants letting them know it is time to pay rent. It also automatically sends late notices, adds late fees and sends notices, and sends email receipts when tenants make payments.
#2: More Convenient Rent Payment
With multiple rent payment options (bank payments, credit card, and tenants can even pay their rent with cash at Walmart and CVS) and the ability to easily track and manage deposits and rent, managing properties with this kind of software makes the financial aspect of renting convenient for both landlords and tenants. Even better, some software includes tenant screening features that help landlords review a prospective tenant’s financial status and credit reports to ensure that they are financially stable before signing a lease agreement.
#3: Hours of Time Saved
There’s no question that landlords save hours of time completing standard tasks with the automation features included in these high-quality programs. Some of these automation capabilities include listing vacant properties on multiple websites, online rental applications, online credit and background reports, online maintenance requests, and automatic late fees and rent reminders—all of which would eat up a lot of time for a landlord.
#4: Better Document Organization
Organizing piles of tenant paperwork is a difficult feat for even the most organized rental offices. With the help of using this one-of-a-kind software, landlords never have to worry about losing important documents from tenants ever again. This is because all of the private information needed from tenants—from their rental application to banking information to lease agreements—is stored in one safe, virtual place.
Streamline Property Management with Schedule My Rent Today
In today’s fast-paced digital world, this online tool is essential for running a great rental property. More specifically, Schedule My Rent’s software is constantly evolving with new technologies to create a system that fits residential, commercial, retail, and other types of property managers’ needs with ease.
Schedule a free trial or demo today to see how Schedule My Rent’s property management software can enhance your business!
A Landlord’s guide to renting with pets
by Kris
Posted on Saturday December 04, 2021 at 10:09AM in General
A Landlord’s guide to renting with pets
As a landlord, it is important to consider allowing your renters to have pets. Pet owners often consider their pets part of their family, so they will be motivated to search for a rental property that allows animals.
If you decide to allow pets in your rentals, you will expand the market of prospective tenants who would like to rent your units. With more applicants, you are more likely to find an ideal tenant for your property. There are also cost benefits in allowing pets in your units. Landlords can charge a nonrefundable pet deposit, pet rent, or another type of fee for pet owners.
It can be difficult for pet owners to find a rental that allows pets, and if your property is one of those rentals, your tenant may want to sign longer leases. When you have more long-term tenants it limits the time you have to spend showing your unit, screening tenants, and choosing the ideal candidate for renting your property. If you have a responsible pet owner who pays on time without damage to your unit, it is worthwhile to allow them to keep their pet.
If you decide not to allow pets in your rental, you could lose an ideal tenant because they would rather find a different property where their pet is welcome.
The key to allowing pets in your properties is to mitigate the risks. It could be helpful to place some restrictions on pets such as only allowing pets under a certain weight or size or only allowing specific breeds. If you decide to allow all pets, they could cause potential damage to walls and carpets, physical injury to a neighbor (often with larger dogs), noise complaints, and allergens in air ducts.
Here are some tips and things to keep in mind when renting to tenants and their pets.
Tips for mitigating pet risks in your property
1. Create a pet addendum on your lease
Ask your pet owners to sign a pet agreement and attach it to the end of your lease. This agreement should specify the types of animals that are welcome in your property.
Here is a link to a sample pet addendum from the animal humane society: Pet Addendum
2. Screen your tenant and their pet and ask for references
A great way to determine if your renter and their pet are a good fit for your property is to ask your potential tenant for references. You can call their former landlords to ask about the pet and if they caused any damages to the property (walls, carpets, etc.). It is also important to gather information on how responsible of a pet owner your potential tenant is. For example, if your renter doesn’t regularly let their pet out of the unit, the pet could cause damage to the unit that can easily be avoidable if the renter was more responsible.
3. Collect a pet deposit or larger security deposit
In most states, landlords renting to pet owners are able to charge a pet deposit. The pet deposit is very similar to a security deposit in that the deposit money is used to cover any damages caused by the pet and is refundable if no damages occur. If you are not able to charge a pet deposit, you can simply charge a larger security deposit to your renters with pets.
Another service you could consider requiring is professional carpet and air duct cleaning. If you decide to use these services, future renters won’t be affected by any allergens or pet dander from previous pets in the unit.
4. Charge pet rent or a higher rent rate
Many landlords can benefit financially from allowing pets in their units. There is more competition to rent from landlords who allow pets and given that competition, renters are usually willing to pay a higher rent amount each month to live with their pet.
As a landlord, you can charge your renters pet rent or other additional fees in exchange for allowing pets. One of these additional fees could be for having a pet over the standard weigh limit for pets in the unit.
It is important not to charge your renter too many pet fees. It is one thing to charge pet rent and another to nickel-and-dime your renter with numerous pet fees. Potential tenants will probably be more willing to find another rental that may be more expensive than to comply with excessive fees.
Rental property management software, such as Schedule My Rent, allows you to charge either a monthly pet rent or one-time security deposit. There is also a guide to learn more about property management software.
5. Require that pets be spayed or neutered
It is important to consider if you would like to require your tenant’s pets to be spayed or neutered. In general, pets that have had the procedure are usually better behaved. Neutered male pets don’t need to engage in fighting or other aggressive and inappropriate behavior. Spayed females also won’t go into heat which is accompanied with frequent urinating, bleeding, and loud yowling.
If you decide that you would like to require your renter’s pets to be spayed or neutered, you can ask them to show proof of the procedure.
6. Consider the pets personality over their breed
When considering if your renter’s pet is going to be a good fit for your unit, it is important to avoid stereotypes and common misconceptions about the breed of a pet. For example, pitbulls and rottweilers have a reputation for being aggressive, violent, and even dangerous. Some landlords do not accept certain breeds to limit their liability in case the dog hurts someone. There is some misinformation around many dog breeds and unwelcome behavior can be caused by a variety of things besides their breed including neglect, mistreatment, and lack of disciple by the owner.
If a prospective tenant with a pet, consider meeting the pet before finalizing your lease. When you meet the pet, you will be able to determine if they will be troublesome while living in your property. You can ask your potential tenant helpful questions such as how long they have had their pet, if the pet has caused any property damage in the past, and who will care for the pet if the tenant is away.
7. Ensure that your tenant has responsibility for their pet
It is important for you renter to be responsible for their pet and keep them behaved at all times so as not to disturb other tenants. You should require your tenants to clean up after their pets in any common areas and in their unit. Tenants should also agree to not leave their pets unattended for long periods of time (outdoors or in their unit).
Property Management Software 101
by Kris
Posted on Monday November 29, 2021 at 01:15PM in General
Property Management Software 101
As more and more industries are making the switch to digital communication and technologies, property management software has become quite common for landlords to invest in. Property management software helps landlords and property owners streamline their operations into one easy-to-use platform.
What Are Some of the Best Features of a Property Management Software?
Property management software can improve the efficiency, organization, and simplicity of both landlord and tenant’s lives. This is because they provide a one-stop-shop for communication, payments, and a variety of day-to-day logistics involved in running and living in a rental property.
To learn a little more about the benefits of property management software, here are 4 of the best features found in a high-quality platform:
#1: Online Rent Payment Collection
Online rent collection makes it easy as it can be to receive all of your tenant’s payments on time without having to wait for a physical check to clear. You can even charge late fees automatically, choose the day of the month that rent is due, and send tenants reminders of when payments are needed.
Property management software can help your tenants equally, as it helps them stay on top of their payments if they choose to utilize its automatic payment features. They also have more control over choosing their method of rent payment, whether it’s from a bank account, credit card, or with cash at any MoneyGram location.
#2: Secure Document Storage
There are a multitude of documents containing private information involved in managing a rental property, including lease agreements, contracts, payment information, and so much more. The great part about property management software is that all of these documents can be stored securely and shared easily amongst landlords and tenants. There’s no need to worry about losing an important document ever again!
#3: Thorough Tenant Screening Abilities
When prospective renters are in the process of applying for your rental property, property management software allows you to thoroughly vet and screen potential candidates. By requiring credit reports, background reports, eviction information, and other helpful information with the help of this software, you can feel more comfortable and confident in who is joining your rental community.
#4: Communication Between Landlords and Tenants
Property management software gives you a platform to effectively communicate back and forth with your tenants. Tenants are automatically sent rent reminders, late notices, and payment receipts. Additionally, if a tenant is struggling with a maintenance issue or another problem with their unit, they can let landlords know to solve the concern as quickly and efficiently as possible and all communication from landlords and tenants is stored together in one place.
Easy-to-Use Property Management Software at Schedule My Rent
If you’re looking for property management software that checks all of the above boxes and then some, look no further than to the incredible technology at Schedule My Rent. To learn more about the unique features and benefits of this high-quality software, take advantage of your free software trial right now!
The Importance of A Tenant Background Check
by Kris
Posted on Sunday November 21, 2021 at 09:23AM in General
In the process of finding new renters, one of the most crucial steps for pinpointing a trusted tenant requires a comprehensive background check. As a landlord, you deserve to feel comfortable and confident with the people you choose to rent your property to.
What Is A Tenant Background Check?
Simply put, a tenant background check gives you a wide range of insights into a prospective renter's history. The information obtained can help you determine if they can be trusted to pay rent on time, take care of your property, and be a safe member of your building’s community. A few of the most important components you can learn in a tenant background check include:
● Credit reports
● National criminal background check
● Eviction history
● Previous employment and addresses
● Income estimates
4 Reasons Why You Need a Tenant Background Check
Here are 4 core reasons why every responsible landlord should screen prospective tenants through a background check:
#1: Stronger Property Protection
While a security deposit can somewhat protect against having to pay for damages to your property, a tenant background check gives you even more assurance that your property won’t need any expensive repairs in the first place. With the help of eviction records and other information, you can determine if renters have a background of damaging property or failing to pay rent.
#2: Greater Confidence in Financial Status and Rent Payments
The financial background of your prospective tenants says a lot about their fiscal responsibility. By requiring a full credit report that shows their credit score, trade lines, and incomes/assets estimates, you can find candidates that have enough money and financial assets to consistently pay their rent on time and deliver on their financial promises in the lease agreement.
#3: A Safer Building and Community
As a landlord, it is important to build a community of tenants that feel comfortable residing in their building. Looking into the criminal background of your prospective renters helps you weed out anyone that has a dangerous criminal history that could impact the safety and security of your building, such as someone in the most wanted database or the national sex offender public registry.
#4: Helps You Recognize Irresponsible Patterns
It is important to remember that just about everyone can make a mistake as a tenant at some point in life. While a prospective tenant might be an excellent candidate to consider despite having an eviction or late payment on their record, a comprehensive background check allows you to see if there are patterns in this type of behavior instead of just a one-time mistake.
Schedule My Rent Makes Tenant Background Checks Easy
There are many benefits that come with screening tenants with a background check, which is why Schedule My Rent’s Tenant Credit & Background Check Services make it easier than ever for landlords to select the best-fit tenants. Sign up for a free trial to see how our tenant background check can improve your vetting process today!
Tags: background check tenant
6 Benefits of Investing in a Rental Property Software
by Kris
Posted on Thursday November 11, 2021 at 08:01AM in General
6 Benefits of Investing in a Rental Property Software
In order to stay on top of their countless responsibilities and rental properties, it is important for landlords to invest in rental property software to stay as organized and efficient as possible. Switching to an online software benefits both tenants and landlords alike.
What Is Rental Property Software?
Simply put, rental property software makes rental property management and operations much easier. These types of software come with a slew of features that make rent collection and overall communication as seamless as can be.
6 Reasons Why Rental Property Software Is a No Brainer
Rental property software is an investment worth making. Below are 6 key reasons why taking advantage of this software is truly a must:
#1: Easy to Use Interface
There is no need to be a technology pro to understand the functions of rental property software. The software offered at Schedule My Rent has a dashboard where you can easily and quickly see your rental status across all of your units. You can see your payment status by unit, with the amount due and received for each unit and the numbers automatically turn red if something is overdue. You can also see if you have waiting rental applications or maintenance requests.
#2: Better Tenant and Landlord Communication
With the help of a rental property software, all of the communication between landlords and tenants is streamlined and easier than ever to keep track of. This is because it automatically sends out a variety of reminder emails, receipts, and notices to keep your tenants in the loop of the latest information and updates.
#3: Customized Solutions
The beauty of rental property software is the customizable communication options for each of your tenants. Property residents have the ability to opt out of emails that aren’t of help to them while opting into ones of importance.
#4: Saves Time
If you’re looking for ways to cut back on your never-ending to-do list, look no further than to Schedule My Rent. Tedious and time-consuming tasks are all but taken care of with a rental property software’s automation features. These features include listing a property for rent across multiple websites, online rental applications, credit and background reports, automated rent collection, expense tracking, maintenance requests, and so much more.
#5: Rent Is Consistently Accounted For
Collecting rent from tenants in an efficient and timely manner is crucial for successful property management. Some of the best features of rental property software are the ones associated with tenants paying and scheduling rent. These include the ability for a tenant to pay rent with their bank account, credit card, and even with cash at any MoneyGram location located in Walmart, CVS, and other retailers. There are also automated reminders for tenants to pay rent on time, late fee notices, return fee notices, and AutoPay reminder emails, to name a few.
#6: Helpful Free Trial
Working with the rental property software at Schedule My Rent is cost-effective, as it offers landlords the opportunity to complete a 30-day free trial. This allows landlords to test the waters of the software before shelling out any money prematurely.
Rental Software Made Easy with Schedule My Rent
Rental property software is the key to strong landlord and tenant relationships. Schedule My Rent is committed to helping clients establish a stellar property management strategy to help their business flourish. To give our tried and true rental property software a try, sign up for a free trial today!
Why All Landlords Need To Use An Online Rental Application
by Kris
Posted on Tuesday November 09, 2021 at 07:40AM in General
Why All Landlords Need to Use an Online Rental Application
In today’s technology-driven society, businesses recognize the importance of switching the majority of their operations to be accessible through phones, tablets, and laptops in an online format. The rental market is no exception to this, as countless rental properties across the nation are opting for an online rental application in lieu of traditional written paperwork.
What Is Included in an Online Rental Application?
An online rental application is important for landlords because it is the primary screening method for prospective tenants. They ensure that future renters are trustworthy and legitimate by asking questions related to personal background information, pets, income level, residence history, emergency contact information, and much more. You also have the option of running a national background report for
4 Key Features of A Solid Online Rental Application
You might be wondering: why is an online rental application better for my rental property than a traditional one? Here are 4 of the many unique perks that come with an online rental application:
#1: Convenient Process for All Parties
An online rental application makes life easier for both the landlord and the tenant. So long as there is internet access and a laptop, phone, or tablet, prospective tenants can easily fill out your application at their leisure. This removes any of the pressure and time constraints associated with visiting the leasing office in person. Tenants can attach any documents they want, such as pay stubs to show income.
When an online application is completed with Schedule My Rent’s application software, landlords are immediately notified via email to help to find the best candidate as quickly as possible. Additionally, landlords have the ability to view all of their applications at once and filter their applicants by name, date, or unit as needed.
#2: Better Safety Measures
Working with an online rental application makes private data safer and more protected for your future tenants. There is no need to worry about a tenant’s private information, such as their social security number or contact information, getting leaked or lost in the shuffle of paperwork. This brings peace of mind to everyone involved.
#3: Application Customizability
The online application offered by Schedule My Rent allows you to customize your application questions and requirements to fit your building’s unique needs, disclosures, and state requirements with complete ease. The top section of the application is completely customizable with any disclosures or requirement that you want to include.
#4: Better Screening Measures
When filling out a manual application, you run the risk of prospective tenants leaving various sections blank to avoid certain questions or background information. But with an online application, you have the power to make certain questions a requirement to answer in order to submit the application. Furthermore, if you are feeling confident about an application, you can easily ask for a full background and credit check through the software.
Make the Switch to Online Applications with Schedule My Rent
To get the most vetted and qualified candidates possible, using an online rental application is a no-brainer. With the help of Schedule My Rent, making the switch to an online rental application has never been easier. To start your free trial or to schedule a demo, check out the features offered at Schedule my Rent today.
6 Essential Tips for Screening Your Tenants
by Kris
Posted on Sunday November 07, 2021 at 07:28AM in General
6 Essential Tips for Screening Your Tenants
You might not realize it, but tenant screening is one of the most important things you can do for your business as a landlord. Trustworthy tenants can either make or break the profitability of your property. Undependable tenants can jeopardize your entire business by missing payments or even damaging your rental property. Meanwhile, high-quality renters will equip your enterprise to flourish by respecting your property, letting you collect rent online and on time, and potentially even recommending your business to their friends.
All that is to say that tenant screening isn't a mere formality - it's a vital element to ensuring your long-term success, so it's essential to get it right. Here are a few crucial tips to help you get started screening your tenants efficiently and effectively.
1. Should You Always Perform A Thorough Tentant Background Check?
A detailed background check is easily one of the critical elements of any successful tenant screening process. A background check will give you a look at your potential tenant's employment history and help you uncover any possible criminal activity or history, too.
You'll want to make sure that your applicant is honest with the background check process. Sometimes, applicants will attempt to substitute a friend or relative's information for their background check, so make sure to watch out for any suspicious or incorrect details during a background check.
Don't forget to run tenant background checks on each person applying for your property. Each roommate, spouse, or family member should get their own background check.
2. Do You Have Solid Criteria and Qualifications for Each Application?
It's a good idea not to screen your tenants on an ad hoc basis. Instead, it's an industry best practice to develop a standardized set of criteria to use when assessing each application. Having a written, established set of qualifications and questions will make it easier to evaluate each rental application and determine whether the potential tenant will be a good fit for your property.
Of course, your specific criteria will be dependent on your unique needs and preferences in your situation. In general, though, most specific rental qualifications cover aspects such as verifying income sources, passing background checks, and meeting a particular credit score (such as a minimum of 600). Regardless of which factors you choose to focus on, the purpose of your rental qualifications should be to weed out any potentially problematic tenants.
Developing criteria is especially important for legal purposes. If you have to deny an applicant, you'll need to show your exact reasons why you had to turn them down and show that your decision did not violate any housing discrimination laws in your area.
3. Are You Considering an Applicant's Social Media Activity?
Today, social media is an important avenue into learning about someone and their personality. A tenant who may seem perfectly polite and respectful on an initial meeting might be an entirely different person online, so to get a full picture of each rental applicant, it's essential to look at their social media activity.
While you shouldn't discriminate against an applicant based on their opinions or preferences online, you should look to see if you find any troubling information or discrepancies. For example, it's worth checking to see if an applicant's employment history on LinkedIn matches with what they've already told you, or to see if they refer to criminal activity or even gangs on Facebook or Twitter. All told, you'll need to get a full picture of the applicant through your tenant screening process, and social media is a vital part of the equation.
4. Are You Verifying Income Sources?
You might think it's difficult to lie about your income sources. Still, it's deceptively simple to create a fake pay stub or paycheck in this digital age, so you'll want to take extra steps to ensure that your applicant is entirely transparent about their sources of income and employment history.
You have a few ways of going about this. You could directly contact their current employer and ask about the tenant's employment history or payment. You could also ask for tax documents or bank statements over the past few months to determine the legitimacy of the applicant's employment.
5. Do You Require Tenants to Complete a Formal Rental Application?
One of the most crucial things you can do to screen your tenants is to require a completed rental application before making any offers on leases. You should always use a thorough and legally-compliant rental application - and be sure that the applicant doesn't leave out any information, either.
A detailed application will not only give you plenty of important information about the tenant, but it will also help you see if they are trying to hide anything from you. If you ever need to evict your tenant in the future due to new information you've uncovered, pointing to an inaccurate or incomplete rental application will provide strong evidence in your favor.
6. Are You Using the Latest Rental Management Software?
Screening your tenants is a necessary process, but there's no denying that it can give you a lot to keep track of at once. Between tenant background checks and rental applications, it can provide mountains of paperwork for you to wade through. Thankfully, modern rental management software like Schedule My Rent can automate many of these tedious processes and make your job easier.
Get Tenant Background Checks & More with Schedule My Rent
At Schedule My Rent, our innovative software can take care of everything from credit score requests to tenant background checks. We also provide free, customizable rental applications for you and your applicants that can be easily tailored to your specific needs. Our program also helps streamline your work duties even after you've accepted a tenant. We automate everything from maintenance requests to rent collection so that you can focus on the many other responsibilities of your dynamic profession as a landlord.
See for yourself why Schedule My Rent is one of the industry's leading platforms for rental management, rent collection, and tenant screening. Call us at (844) 465-3339 for more information about collecting rent online today!
Tags: rental-property-management-software tenant-background-check tenant-screening
A Landlord's Guide to Renting Properties with a Pool
by Sky
Posted on Friday November 05, 2021 at 10:15AM in General
If you are a landlord thinking of installing a pool on your property you have come to the right place! Here is your guide to renting a property with a pool including the liabilities, responsibilities, and maintenance that comes with it.
Pool Liabilities: A swimming pool for your rental can be a huge perk for potential renters and provide a fun summer activity for your current tenants, but it is also a liability that you must be conscious of. It is important to look into the state and federal laws on pool safety in order to prevent accidents and know how to proceed if they occur.
- Adult Supervision
Supervision at a pool is very important for young children, and you should post signs telling renters that their children must be supervised at the pool at all times.
- Pool Addendum
Additionally, you could add a swimming pool addendum to your lease to ensure your tenants will agree to and follow any pool rules you set.
- Pool Safety
It is essential to create an environment where your tenants are safe, and feel comfortable. By taking proactive safety measures, you can prevent injuries and make your pool area enjoyable.
- Install a Gate
It is a good idea to install a gate around your swimming pool area. It separates the pool from the rest of your property and allows adults to know when their children are at the pool in order to supervise them. When installing a gate, it is important that it is at least four feet tall and can’t be climbed.
- Signs
It is important to post safety signs at your pool to ensure that everyone is aware of the rules you have in place. These signs could say children under 10 years of age must be supervised at all times, no diving, or use at your own risk. Pool signs allow tenants to stay safe by following the pool rules, and protect landlords in liability situations.
- Cover and Lock
A great safety feature for your pool is a power safety cover or a pool cover with latches. A cover keeps the pool clean, and certain covers will prevent people from falling into the water when the pool is closed. Additionally, all pool chemicals, such as chlorine, should be stored and locked when not in use.
- Safety Rescue Equipment
Even with safety measures in place, accidents can still occur, and it is important to be prepared for them. You should have a life ring, first aid kit, rescue tube, and other equipment at the pool area at all times and clearly marked in case of an emergency.
- Pool Maintenance
It is very important to make sure your pool is up to code and kept clean. Your tenants will only want to enjoy your pool if it is kept clean and well maintained. Some landlords choose to let their tenants take care of pool maintenance, but this is only a good idea if you plan for regular professional inspection to ensure it is kept in good shape.
- Clean the Pool Filter
Swimming pool filters remove dirt and debris from your pool and help to evenly distribute pool chemicals (such as chlorine) throughout the pool. If the filters are not regularly and properly cleaned, then they will get clogged and become less effective. This will result in cloudy, unclean water, and will allow more opportunities for bacteria growth in the pool. By simply cleaning the pool filter every 2-6 weeks, your pool will be cleaner and safer for tenants.
- Maintain Water pH Levels
The ideal range of water pH for a swimming pool is between 7.2 and 7.8. Your pool is too acidic when the pH is below 7.0, and this could cause corroding of your pool equipment. If the water is too basic (higher than 7.0) then it could cause scaling on the pool’s surface and plumbing equipment.
- Maintain Water Levels
It is important to regularly check the water level of your pool. If it is too low then there might be a problem and you might need to consult a professional. Pools do lose water through splashing and evaporation, but if you notice the levels are surprisingly low then you should contact a professional.
- Pool Vacuuming
Vacuuming your swimming pool not only cleans it, but also allows for better water circulation. Chemicals will be used more effectively, and water balance will be more consistent if the pool water circulation is better. This should ideally be done at least once a week depending on how frequently the pool is being used.
- Repair Leaks
As a landlord, you need to ensure that your swimming pool is safe for your tenants. Leaks can be a safety hazard for occupants, and can cause expensive problems. These problems could be very high water bills, or long term expensive damage to your pool. It is important to fix any leaks right away and consult a professional.
- Skim the Swimming Pool
Pool skimming is a very simple maintenance task that involves removing all floating debris, bugs, leaves, etc. that have entered your pool. This can be done with a pool skimmer. This simple task leaves your pool looking clean and appealing to swim in.
- Potential Renters
By renting out a property with a pool, you can possibly widen your market of potential tenants, and make your property more appealing. Unfortunately, a swimming pool is not always very exciting for everyone. Different renters have different preferences and a middle aged couple might enjoy hosting a pool party, while a senior citizen might instead enjoy gardening in their yard. It is important to keep in mind your target market when thinking about installing a pool at your property. Would the majority of your current and future tenants like the amenity?
- Insurance
You might need to purchase extra insurance if your regular plan does not cover pools. This could be a very expensive downside to owning a pool. If you have proper safety features in place, it could also affect how much you need to pay in insurance (another great reason to ensure your pool is safe). Additionally, you should consider setting up an LLC, so that your personal assets are protected in the case that a tenant sues you. It is important to consult an insurance expert before making any large decisions such as installing a pool.
Schedule My Rent
Supervision at a pool is very important for young children, and you should post signs telling renters that their children must be supervised at the pool at all times.
Additionally, you could add a swimming pool addendum to your lease to ensure your tenants will agree to and follow any pool rules you set.
It is essential to create an environment where your tenants are safe, and feel comfortable. By taking proactive safety measures, you can prevent injuries and make your pool area enjoyable.
It is a good idea to install a gate around your swimming pool area. It separates the pool from the rest of your property and allows adults to know when their children are at the pool in order to supervise them. When installing a gate, it is important that it is at least four feet tall and can’t be climbed.
It is important to post safety signs at your pool to ensure that everyone is aware of the rules you have in place. These signs could say children under 10 years of age must be supervised at all times, no diving, or use at your own risk. Pool signs allow tenants to stay safe by following the pool rules, and protect landlords in liability situations.
A great safety feature for your pool is a power safety cover or a pool cover with latches. A cover keeps the pool clean, and certain covers will prevent people from falling into the water when the pool is closed. Additionally, all pool chemicals, such as chlorine, should be stored and locked when not in use.
Even with safety measures in place, accidents can still occur, and it is important to be prepared for them. You should have a life ring, first aid kit, rescue tube, and other equipment at the pool area at all times and clearly marked in case of an emergency.
It is very important to make sure your pool is up to code and kept clean. Your tenants will only want to enjoy your pool if it is kept clean and well maintained. Some landlords choose to let their tenants take care of pool maintenance, but this is only a good idea if you plan for regular professional inspection to ensure it is kept in good shape.
Swimming pool filters remove dirt and debris from your pool and help to evenly distribute pool chemicals (such as chlorine) throughout the pool. If the filters are not regularly and properly cleaned, then they will get clogged and become less effective. This will result in cloudy, unclean water, and will allow more opportunities for bacteria growth in the pool. By simply cleaning the pool filter every 2-6 weeks, your pool will be cleaner and safer for tenants.
The ideal range of water pH for a swimming pool is between 7.2 and 7.8. Your pool is too acidic when the pH is below 7.0, and this could cause corroding of your pool equipment. If the water is too basic (higher than 7.0) then it could cause scaling on the pool’s surface and plumbing equipment.
It is important to regularly check the water level of your pool. If it is too low then there might be a problem and you might need to consult a professional. Pools do lose water through splashing and evaporation, but if you notice the levels are surprisingly low then you should contact a professional.
Vacuuming your swimming pool not only cleans it, but also allows for better water circulation. Chemicals will be used more effectively, and water balance will be more consistent if the pool water circulation is better. This should ideally be done at least once a week depending on how frequently the pool is being used.
As a landlord, you need to ensure that your swimming pool is safe for your tenants. Leaks can be a safety hazard for occupants, and can cause expensive problems. These problems could be very high water bills, or long term expensive damage to your pool. It is important to fix any leaks right away and consult a professional.
Pool skimming is a very simple maintenance task that involves removing all floating debris, bugs, leaves, etc. that have entered your pool. This can be done with a pool skimmer. This simple task leaves your pool looking clean and appealing to swim in.
By renting out a property with a pool, you can possibly widen your market of potential tenants, and make your property more appealing. Unfortunately, a swimming pool is not always very exciting for everyone. Different renters have different preferences and a middle aged couple might enjoy hosting a pool party, while a senior citizen might instead enjoy gardening in their yard. It is important to keep in mind your target market when thinking about installing a pool at your property. Would the majority of your current and future tenants like the amenity?
You might need to purchase extra insurance if your regular plan does not cover pools. This could be a very expensive downside to owning a pool. If you have proper safety features in place, it could also affect how much you need to pay in insurance (another great reason to ensure your pool is safe). Additionally, you should consider setting up an LLC, so that your personal assets are protected in the case that a tenant sues you. It is important to consult an insurance expert before making any large decisions such as installing a pool.
Types of Property Management Notices for Landords
by Sky
Posted on Thursday October 28, 2021 at 01:14PM in General
As a landlord, you will encounter many different situations which require different legal notices. For the best results, you should send your tenant a formal notice through certified mail with a return receipt requested (via the US Postal Service). Certified mail provides proof that your tenant received the notice which will be helpful if you end up in court.
We have provided the most common notice types and some examples of the best ways to write them for all your property management needs.
1. Notice of entry / intent to enter
The most common notice is letting your tenant know that you will be entering their unit. It is important to know the requirements for your state, but in most states landlords must give notice to their tenant before entering an occupied premises. The industry best practice is to give 24 hours’ notice even if a notice isn’t required in your state.
You are also able to send your “intent to enter” though an email or text message (depending on your state), but it is important to receive a reply of confirmation from your tenant. If you don’t receive this, you should consider sending a postal letter if time permits.
If there is an emergency (water leaking into downstairs apartment, etc.), landlords are typically allowed to enter without the typical notice.
Here is an example of a common notice to enter:
“If it’s convenient, I will be stopping by your unit between 1pm and 5pm on Thursday, August 12th, to do some routine maintenance.”
2. Notice of repairs, renovations, or outages
This notice can often accompany the Notice of Entry (as discussed above) if someone has to enter the unit to make repairs. This notice should include what work will be done on the unit, the date that the repair or renovation will take place, and the expected time any outage will last.
An example of a repair notice:
“A contractor will be coming by your unit on Saturday to change the electrical panel, and the power will be out all of Saturday.”
If you are cutting off your tenants essential services (heat, water, electricity, etc.) for more than one day, you should consider relocating your tenant to a hotel (at your expense) until the repair is finished. If your tenant doesn’t have access to these essential services, then the unit is considered uninhabitable.
3. Offer of Renewal
If you have a fixed-term lease with your tenant, it may not have an auto-renew clause. If your tenant would like to stay in the unit, you both will have to sign a renewal agreement. You should send the offer of renewal 60 to 80 days prior to when the lease ends (especially if your tenant needs to provide a 60 days’ notice before the move out).
This letter can include the date the fixed term lease is set to expire, the tenant’s name, the address of their unit, your offer to renew the lease, the date when you need to be notified if they intend to move out, your name, and your signature.
An example:
“The fixed-term lease for (tenant’s name) at (tenant’s property) is set to expire on (MM/DD/YYYY), and I am pleased to offer you a renewal. Please notify me of your decision by (MM/DD/YYYY). Thank you, (your name).”
4. Notice of non-renewal
If you are not planning to offer your tenant a renewal, it is important to notify them that their lease will not be renewed and give them a move-out date. You can terminate a periodic lease (daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly) by sending your tenant this notice of non-renewal. This notice is also called a “no-cause eviction” because the landlord and tenant can terminate their periodic lease (with proper notice) at any time. You can also use this notice of non-renewal if your lease auto-renews but you would prefer if it didn’t.
Make sure to review your state laws to verify the amount of notice you need to provide your tenant before they move out. In most cases, the amount of notice is between 7 to 60 days.
Here is an example of a notice of non-renewal:
“The lease or monthly rental agreement for (tenant’s name) at (tenant’s property) is set to expire on (MM/DD/YYYY), and a renewal will not be offered. You will be expected to vacate your unit on or before (MM/DD/YYYY). Thank you, (your name).”
5. Notice of rent increase
In most circumstances, you can’t raise your tenant’s rent mid-lease, so this notice is often accompanied by the offer or renewal (mentioned above). This notice includes the percentage of increase of the rent amount, the new rent amount, and the start date. You should typically send this notice 30 to 60 days in advance depending on the laws of your state.
When sending this notice be sure to consider the ramifications of choosing to raise the rent of your tenant. If your tenant gets upset by the rent increase and decides to move out, you will have an abundance of new tasks to prepare for your next tenant (including cleaning, repairs/updates, re-listing your property, hosting viewings, and screening potential tenants). Even after this process your unit could still be unoccupied. If you have a great tenant, you might consider choosing not to increase the rent amount every year and instead make up the difference once your tenant does decide to move out and a new tenant moves in.
The downside to not increasing rent is that you may lose money due to inflation, rising property taxes, or other expenses. It is important to consider all the options when deciding if a rent increase is the right decision for your property and tenants.
Example of rent increase notice:
“Your rent will increase by (X)% to $(X) per month starting on (MM/DD/YYYY).”
6. Notice of transfer of ownership / management
This notice is sent to a tenant if you sell your rental property to another individual or company. You can also use this notice if you are changing management companies.
Your tenants’ leases don’t automatically terminate on the sale of a property (unless specified in the lease), instead they are transferred to the new owner. The new owner becomes the new landlord, and the tenants are usually able to live in their rental unit through the rest of the lease. This notice tells your tenant what the new situation is.
It is important to always review your state laws, because in this situation (in some states) the tenant may have first right of refusal. This means that as a property owner, you can’t sell the property to anyone else unless your tenant has signed a form saying that they don’t want to buy the property themselves.
Here is a common notice of transfer:
“Effective immediately, I have transferred ownership of this property to (owner’s name). (Owner) will contact you to provide instructions for paying your rent).”
7. Notice to pay or quit
This notice is sent to tenants if they are late on paying their rent (including any grace period). In sending this notice, you are telling your tenant that they need to pay their past due rent within a certain amount of days or their lease will be terminated and they will have to move out.
This notice does not give landlords the ability to cut off utilities or lock the tenant out. Landlords need to go thought the formal eviction process in order to have their tenant removed by the police. Your state laws will provide you with the amount of time a landlord must give a tenant to move out.
Here is an example:
“You have (X) days to pay your past due rent, or I will terminate your lease and you will have to move out of the unit”
For more information on what to do if your tenant won’t pay their rent visit: https://www.schedulemyrent.com/blog/
8. Notice to cure or quit
This notice is similar to the “pay or quit” notice mentioned above. It is sent to a tenant if they violate a condition, rule, or clause in the lease agreement. For example, your tenant moved in an unapproved roommate, brought in a pet when their lease specified a no pet rule, or made unapproved renovations to the property.
In most situations, you should give your tenant a time frame to “cure” the problem. After that time frame, you can begin the eviction process for that tenant. If the tenant remedies their violation, you can decide to continue to let them live in their unit.
An example:
“You have (X) days to fix the violation (specify the violation), or I will terminate your lease and you will have to move out of your unit.”
9. Unconditional quit notice
In the previous two notices, your tenant is able to fix whatever problem you notified them of in a certain number of days. With an unconditional quit notice, your tenant is not given the opportunity to continue to live in their rental unit (regardless of if they have fixed the problem).
The most common situations for this type of notice are the tenant is late on rent more than once, the tenant has caused serious damage to the property (including unrepairable damage), the tenant is participating in illegal activity on the premises, or the tenant has repeated the violation or offense.
An unconditional quit notice is the harshest of all the notices and some states don’t allow them. Even states allowing this notice have strict guidelines on their usage, so make sure to contact a lawyer before sending your tenant an unconditional quit notice.
An example of an unconditional quit notice:
“Your lease is being terminated because ____. Please vacate the premises by (MM/DD/YYYY).”
10. Notice of intent to dispose of abandoned personal property
Before sending this notice to your tenant, make sure that the property was actually abandoned. Once you have determined this, you can send a notice of your intent to dispose of the property.
The state laws vary substantially for how landlords are required to manage personal property that their tenants have abandoned. Different states require different courses of action including: sending a 30-day letter to their last known address, a description of the property for the tenant to identify, and storage of the items for a set period of time. Some states even allow the landlord to sell or throw out the items immediately after the tenant has moved out. Make sure to know the laws for your state in this situation.
Document storage and sharing on Schedule My Rent
by Sky
Posted on Wednesday October 20, 2021 at 03:59PM in How to use features
As a business owner, it is essential to keep all your documents organized with easy access to them at any time. Keeping your documents organized online allows you to cut down on time searching for documents and prevents unmanageable paper piles from building up on your desk or wherever you store your documents (this also reduces paper costs!). In addition to saving time, storing documents online gives you extra data security and allows you to access the documents from any device with internet access.
Having your documents organized online is a great solution for many businesses and it is essential as a landlord. What’s even better than having all your documents organized on a secure site? What if that site was also your property management software? Schedule My Rent has a feature that benefits both landlords and tenants by doing just this.
Our property management software has a landlord dashboard that easily allows landlords to keep track of rent payments from their tenants, screen potential tenants, customize late fees, remind tenants of upcoming rent payments, upload expense receipts, and so much more (visit https://www.schedulemyrent.com/Landlord-Software-Features.xhtml for details on all our features)! We also have a document saving and sharing feature.
With document saving, landlord can upload important documents to our secure site for easy organization. This is a great way for landlords to keep track of documents that their tenants don’t necessarily need access to such as a copy of a pay or quit notice or an eviction notice. Document sharing allows landlords to securely upload documents that they would like their tenant to have access to. This is the place to upload a copy of a lease signed by you and your tenant. You both will have access to this document at any time. Other examples are the pool rules for your property that you would like your tenant to be able to refer to or move in/out checklists.
As a landlord, you are able to choose if your tenant has access to certain documents and can edit this at any time. Your tenants are also able to share important documents with you!
Keep your important documents secure and organized and check out this feature by clicking “document sharing and sending” on the landlord dashboard!
Tags: documents landlord-software leases
3 Advantages of Online Rent Collection for Tenants and Landlords
by Kris
Posted on Friday September 24, 2021 at 09:51AM in General
In today’s digital world, there is no question that choosing to collect rent online is more convenient and beneficial for both tenants and landlords alike.
Why Is Collecting Rent Online Better Than Traditional Methods?
If you’re still on the fence about making the switch to a digital rent collection software, let’s explore the top 3 benefits of using one:
#1: Easy and Stress-Free Transactions
The automation features that come with online rent collection software make it easier than ever to avoid any payment issues from arising. With the help of automatic late fees and payments, landlords consistently get their money on time and no longer have to wait days for checks to clear. Additionally, setting up recurring auto-payments help tenants never miss a payment ever again!
#2: Safer Transactions
Even in the most organized of offices, a physical check runs the risk of getting lost in the shuffle of paperwork or even getting stolen. On the other hand, online software is encrypted to protect tenants’ personal financial information and ensures that payments are received without any privacy breaches.
#3: Customizable Payment Options
The beauty of online rent software is that it allows tenants to customize their payment options to best fit their needs. Not only can they choose to pay with cash, a bank account, or a debit or credit card, but they can also choose to split the rent amongst roommates in any fashion they desire.
Collect Rent Online with Schedule My Rent Today
With all of these benefits, it is clear that tenant’s and landlord’s lives are significantly easier with online rent collection software in place. Ditch the old school checks and instead collect rent online with the help of Schedule My Rent’s software today!
Why Every Rental Property Should Use a Landlord Software
by Kris
Posted on Wednesday September 22, 2021 at 02:19PM in General
There's a reason why countless properties are making the switch to an online landlord software: it plays a pivotal role in creating a streamlined and smoother rental process for all parties involved.
4 Key Benefits of Using a Landlord Software
There is no doubt that online software will improve the ways that a rental property runs. Here are four perks of landlord and rental property software that benefit both landlords and tenants alike:
#1: Quicker and Consistent Payments
Paying rent has never been easier than with an online software. Not only can tenants set up autopayments with their choice of a preferred method of payment, but landlords also get their money much faster without having to go to the bank and wait for checks to clear.
#2: Affordable Pricing
The beauty of working with landlord software, especially with Schedule My Rent, is its affordable price tag. There is no setup, monthly, or minimum fee to worry about, making the incredible features of the software worth a great value.
#3: Customizable Features
Online landlord software offers a level of customizability to fit the unique needs of each landlord and tenant. Some of these features include the choice to split the rent between roommates, choice of payment method, custom late and return fees, and so much more.
#4: Better Organization
Running a rental property is difficult enough, let alone also having to organize the tenant’s physical rental checks, paperwork, and requests across multiple platforms. The great part about an online system is that it allows landlords to track charges and payments, maintenance requests, and expenses all in one centralized place.
Schedule My Rent Makes Landlord and Tenants Lives Easier
To work with a landlord software trusted by thousands of users, schedule a 30 day free trial with Schedule My Rent today!