Stress has become one of the most common causes of illness in the U.S. over the last few decades.
Rent collection problems, like late or non-payments, are a huge stress for landlords. To keep your brain and body healthy, you need to find intuitive solutions to the problem.
Luckily, this article has five pieces of landlord advice on how to collect rent payments. So you will never have to worry about rent collection again!
1. Late Rent Payments
Late payments can set you back a lot of time and money. So to keep everything running to budget, it is vital that you create a system that keeps rent payments on time.
The first way you can do this is to lay out clear terms in your rental contract about late payments. Specify key dates and outline any fees tenants will incur if they don't pay on time.
You can also make use of an online tenant portal for rent payments. This makes payments more convenient for both parties. Plus you can schedule reminders so they can never forget to pay.
2. Missing Payments
Non-payment is a big concern for many landlords, so you need to have a plan of action for when it happens. Having the consequences of non-payment outlined in the contract is essential.
Make it clear that as well as fees, prolonged non-payments may trigger an eviction.
Screening your tenants before allowing them to rent is a good preventative measure. It gives you the chance to choose reliable tenants for your rental property.
If screening tenants yourself is too stressful, try hiring a property management company. These professionals have the time and experience to find you the best tenants.
3. Problems Communicating With Tenants
Sometimes tenants are difficult to communicate with, either on purpose or through miscommunication. The easiest way to avoid this is using an online tenant portal.
Tenants can check it regularly for updates, and it provides a secure place to share documents.
It also means you have a record of all the conversations you've had with them in one place. So if there are ever any disputes, then you have proof of what was discussed.
4. Inconsistent Rental Income
Many landlords face inconsistent income due to seasonal fluctuations in the market. Luckily, there are a couple of ways to combat this.
Encourage tenants to sign long-term contracts to guarantee occupancy all year round. If this isn't an option, invest in marketing to rent it as a vacation property.
5. Disputes Over Maintenance
Tenants not making rental payments are often linked to disputes over maintenance costs. To avoid this, maintain a regular inspection schedule. Get any repairs carried out promptly to keep your tenants happy.
Ensure that your contract covers the maintenance responsibilities of each party. This way there can be no discussion about who should pay.
Stress-Free Rent Collection
The keys to stress-free rent collection are clear boundaries and communication. Follow the landlord tips above to avoid any sticky situations with tenants.
If you are looking for further support with rent collection, choose PMI Northbay. We are experts in the local market, and our range of services can help take your rental business to the next level.
Get in touch today to get your free rental analysis and consultation with one of our expert advisors!
