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Property Management Blog

Get professional property management in 2021

System - Wednesday, January 6, 2021


Are you thinking about investing in rental properties in 2021? Maybe you're thinking about hiring a property manager for the first time? If so, you've come to the right place!

At Martin Property Management, we specialize in total property management and can save you the time, money and hassle of managing your rental property yourself.

Unlike some companies in the area that only started in property management recently, we have years of property management experience and can promise you the quality property management services that you need for your property.

Get More ROI From Your Rental

One goal that every owner should have is to get more ROI from their rental property.

Sadly, some people lose track of why they invested in rental properties in the first place and they become exhausted with managing their rentals themselves. Don't let this happen to you!

Our company can assist you with all of the property management services that you need so that you can count on comprehensive service for your investment property.

Enjoy Passive Income From Your Rental Property 

Earning passive income is one of the top reasons why most investors choose to purchase rental properties but it's no uncommon for them to get caught up with managing their rentals themselves.

With all of the work that does into self management, a typical DIY landlord quickly gets burned out and sells their rental property.

When you hire us to manage your Bedford area rental property, you can count on us to provide you with professional service and excellent support.

Learn more about the services that we can offer you by calling us at (617) 957-0166 or click here to connect with us online. 








Best way to communicate with tenants

System - Monday, December 28, 2020


It doesn't matter how long you've owned rental properties, tenant communication is vital to being a successful landlord because fast, clear communication is a key to success with ensuring that your tenants stay happy and pay their rents on time.

10 Reasons Landlords Should Communicate With Tenants by Texting 

1. Texting is fast

Text messages are the fastest way to contact your tenants. Text messages are sent and received in an instant. Depending on the service or app you use, you can also see if the tenant has read the text message. And it’s more likely that the tenant will check their messages more frequently than emails.

Here are the problems with calling and emailing. Trying to reach someone depends on the time you have to speak to them and whether they are available to answer the call. Emails are quicker than a call, but this also depends on tenants checking their emails.

2. Texting tenants is easier

It’s easier for tenants to text landlords if they need to contact you quickly. This type of service leads to a better customer experience because tenants can receive instant responses. This, in turn, reflects positively on your reputation as a great landlord, reducing tenant turnover and making it easier to fill vacant units.

After all, it’s not just landlords who are busy. Your tenants may also lead a hectic life and don’t always have the time to reach you or draft out emails.

3. You can send more than just a text

You can spend a great deal of time talking to a tenant as they attempt to describe an issue and the extent of any damage. Texting gives you the ability to send photos and videos. This is an invaluable resource when resolving maintenance issues.

With the help of visuals, you quickly get a clearer idea of what exactly has occurred with your property and what needs fixing. You can also provide a solution much faster as you have seen the problem without having to visit the property. So, texting tenants to resolve maintenance issues saves you and your tenant time and money.

4. It’s what the customer wants

Studies show that 75% of millennials would rather lose the ability to talk than the ability to text. The statistics are the same for Gen Z. So, it’s better to jump on the trend now to prepare yourself for the next wave of young tenants.

Aside from making it more convenient, younger generations are not used to or even comfortable talking on the phone. So, a messaging service is what they are looking for. Many young adults view it as obtrusive if you call without warning them.

5. You can stop wasting time

When it comes to checking voice mail messages, 19% of millennials don’t bother. It may not sound like a lot, but if you are in the habit of leaving voice messages, chances are that 1 in 5 of your tenants will never hear them.

apartment-complex

6. Enhanced tenant engagement

Receiving a text message can be more personal than an email. This allows tenants to feel a little bit closer to you and improves engagement. You can make valuable connections with tenants without having to make a phone call.

7. You have better records

Unless you delete them, your messages stay there for the long term. This is essential if there are any severe disputes between you and the tenant.

Text messages are considered written proof, and it’s much easier to authenticate a text message than a conversation that is not recorded—which legally you probably can’t do. As an electronic record of dialogue, you can enter as evidence into court if you need to file an eviction.

8. Text messages can refresh your memory

We have all had that bugging feeling of forgetting something. The upside of having a permanent record of your text communications is that you can always go back and see what it is that you might be forgetting. It’s like a digital Post-It note.

9. You can resolve issues 24/7

Having text communication with your tenants helps you to resolve issues fast. Although there’s a question about maintaining a work-life balance, having access to text messages allows you to sort out emergencies when they occur. At the same time, you can also stay in touch with your employees for internal operations.

10. Texting is a cost-effective solution

Typically, you want to find the most cost-effective method to communicate with your tenants. Plans may include free text messaging, as well as free photos and videos. Even if there is a cost to the service, the advantages will far outweigh the small fee you may incur from a text service. Many mobile apps allow you to send videos and images for free.

More on Bigger Pockets

Contact Martin Property Management

For more property management tips, or to speak with us about the property management services that we can offer you, contact us today by calling (617) 957-0166 or click here.



Tips for listing your rental property online

System - Monday, December 21, 2020

It doesn't matter if you've owned rental properties for years, or you're investing for the first time, knowing how to list those rentals online is one of the keys to success with earning ROI from your property.

In this article, we will share with you several tips for marketing your rental property online like a property management professional.

How to List Rentals on Online Marketplaces

1. Know your market audience

Not every potential renter is going to be a good match for your property. If you have a three-bedroom house in the suburbs, it’s unlikely that you will have much interest from students. Similarly, if you aren’t in a good school district, you might struggle to bring in families.

There are numerous rental websites, and they will often appeal to a specific type of renter. When you match your target type of renter to your rental units, you will be able to save time and money by advertising in the right places.

2. Get your wording right

You have just a few words and sentences to capture someone’s interest. So use language that appeals to a person’s emotions and desire for a better lifestyle. That way, you increase the chance that they click to get more information.

For example, there is nothing catchy or exciting about a “2-bedroom apartment in the city center.” On the other hand, an “open plan loft with gym and pool” will make people hungry for more.

The same is true for the description. While it is essential to describe the crucial aspects of your property accurately, don’t forget to highlight the best parts. Imagine yourself as a renter. What would you need if you were a young couple working in the city? Include these things in your description.

Of course, it’s also vital to avoid any discriminatory advertising under the Fair Housing Act.

3. Don’t scrimp on photos

Statistics show that online customers are 80 percent more likely to request more information about a property when there are 20 or more photos. Now, that may sound like a lot if you own small rental units. But you should include as many images as possible to highlight the best aspects of each room.

When it comes to photos for online marketplaces, it’s also essential to use high-quality images.

Here are a few handy tips if a professional photographer isn’t in your budget:

  • Use a camera with a flash and tripod instead of your smartphone
  • Take photos of all the rooms and from different angles
  • Don’t forget to include any outside areas
  • Include photos of the benefits of your property that you mentioned in your description

4. Use videos and 360° pictures

Millennials are busy people, and they don’t want to view a ton of different properties. By providing virtual tours or 360° images, you can give them a more precise overview of what’s on offer. This will help to make sure your property is on their final list to view.

Another advantage of videos and 360° pictures is that it lets your tenant know that you are tech-savvy. This may be just enough to convince some millennials to short-list your rental unit.

5. Get on social media

Almost 80% of millennials are on Facebook. It’s not an exaggeration, but if you want to find good renters and fast, your property has to be on Facebook. The latest algorithms allow rental properties with videos to be ranked higher than those with only photos—another good reason to create a virtual tour.

Post your rental properties to Facebook and other social media sites and ask your friends and family to share the post. It is also a good idea to join rental property groups where you can share your posts.

More on Bigger Pockets

Contact Martin Property Management

For more information about the property management services that we can offer you, contact us today by calling (617)  957-0611 or click here to connect with us online. 


Tips For Managing Your Bedford Rental Properties Remotely

System - Thursday, December 17, 2020


Owning rental properties in the Bedford area is an excellent way to build consistent cash flow while building long-term wealth.

Although rental properties have their benefits, the big question is what do you do if your rental properties are in Bedford, and you have to move out of the area?

Even though managing a rental property remotely may seem like it's going to take a lot of time and hassle, the reality is that it's going to be easier than you think, especially when you start utilizing online tools to assist you with all your property management needs.

Tips For Screening Tenants And Collecting Rent

One of the first tools that you should use to manage your rental properties remotely is rently.com. with this online tool, tenants will be able to self tour your rental property without you actually having to meet them in person.

The great thing about Rently is that everything is tied to a credit card so that if a tenant chooses to damage your rental property while touring it, those damages can be taken off their credit card.

Let’s say that a prospective tenant wants to rent your property after they tour it. Thankfully you can utilize DocuSign, which will enable you to send your lease to a prospective tenant electronically and they can sign it over the internet.

When it comes time for your tenant to pay their deposit and rent, it's also best to sign up for another online service which you can use collect rent online. Some of the best services for this are Buildium.com and AppFolio.com.

Know When To Hire A Property Manager

Even though self-management may seem easy, the reality is that the best way to earn consistent return on investment from your rental property is to hire a property manager.

A property management company is going to save you the time, money and hassle of managing your rental property yourself.

To learn more about the property management services that we can offer you, contact us today by clicking here.  





Secrets Of Profitable And Successful Landlords

System - Monday, December 7, 2020


Are you planning on investing in a rental properties for the first time in 2021? If so, you’re making a smart choice!

Rental properties are an excellent way to build wealth and generating monthly cash flow.

In this article we will share with you several tips successful and profitable landlords use to build profitable portfolios of rental properties.

1. Profitable landlords know their numbers

It’s not enough to calculate a mortgage, add on the profit you want, and rent out a property for that amount. There are a ton of other numbers you must consider.

Here are just a few:

  • Property taxes
  • City tax
  • Insurance
  • HOA dues
  • Maintenance and repairs
  • Vacancy rate (approximately 8% of the rent)

You may also want to consider a property manager, particularly if you have to manage many rental units. However, for startups, the cost of a property manager usually makes it an unviable investment.

Profitable landlords are always realistic, even though they always consider the worst-case scenario to ensure they have the cash flow available.

2. Successful landlords know how to find the right rental properties

The best landlords keep their emotions out of business. It’s easy to find a property that you fall in love with. But a bargain price tag doesn’t always mean it’s a good deal. After all, it’s paying tenants that make a rental business successful, not a cheap property.

It is essential to have a good knowledge of real estate, especially in your local neighborhood. You need to know how much people are paying for rent in the area and for different properties. Consider what amenities are close by—for example, schools, public transport, shops, and physicians. Is the property in a safe neighborhood? The most profitable rental units are the ones that attract good tenants, who pay their rent on time.

3. Savvy landlords are aware of tax advantages

Don’t wait for the IRS to knock on your door and tell you how to reduce your tax bill. Profitable landlords will research tax information and determine exactly which expenses are deductible and which aren’t—saving a ton of money.

To be a profitable landlord, get professional real estate tax advice. States have different real estate tax laws, and you need to know what you can deduct. Generally, you can deduct mortgageinterest and expenses from buying the property. If you are working from home, you may be able to deduct some household expenses.

It’s highly recommended that you hire an accountant to guide you through the tax process. They will save you money on your tax returns and make sure you aren’t making any expensive mistakes.

4. Landlords aren’t out to make friends

There is a balance between being a fair and reasonable landlord and trying to make friends. Successful landlords are kind, respectable, and reachable. However, you also don’t want to be dropping in for coffee every other week.

There’s a problem with being too close to tenants—they may feel that it’s OK to overstep boundaries. They might start by paying rent a little late. Or they could think that they can call you day and night for trivial matters.

There's another problem—having a personal relationship with tenants makes it more challenging to increase rent. Even if the rent increase is in line with current rental rates, they may feel hard-done-by.

However, if you are looking at multiple properties, you don’t want the reputation of being the horrible, distant landlord. Being friendly and listening to your tenants’ needs will encourage them to speak well of you and attract more tenants.

5. Always screen tenants

The best landlords know the importance of thoroughly screening every tenant. Don’t be tempted to take on any tenant because your property has been vacant for a while. If you panic, you rush the process and cause yourself costly problems in the future, such as expensive evictions.

Most people’s applications will look perfect, but you can’t rely on everyone being completely honest. Your screening process should include checking with listed references, background checks, and credit reports. Despite being time-consuming, you will get a complete overview of your tenant. Profitable landlords will also check if tenants have renter’s insurance, just in case there are any issues.

6. The best landlords report tenants to credit bureaus

Profitable landlords understand the benefits of rewarding on-time rent payers and punishing those who are late—it’s the fair thing to do. Tenants who know you report to credit bureaus are less likely to fall behind on payments, which means fewer evictions to deal with.

On the plus side, reporting those tenants who pay on time is a massive benefit for them. You help build their credit score, and most tenants prefer when landlords report rent to credit bureaus. Having a healthy credit score will make it easier for them to apply for credit or a mortgage in the future.

7. They are exceptionally well-organized

Being organized from day one is an absolute must. It is good to get into an organized habit even if you’re starting with just one property. Ensure you have a well-organized system that you can scale up when you expand.

You will need to keep a record of:

  • Signed agreements
  • Rental payments (due dates and late fees)
  • The payment of property taxes and insurance
  • Copies of insurance policies
  • Certificates and necessary inspections

Paperwork is always a bit of a nightmare. But it is critical to be organized in this area and have a thorough paper trail in case of any legal or financial problems. It would help if you also made sure that there is a digital copy of everything in case hard copies are lost or damaged.

More On Bigger Pockets

Contact Martin Property Management

At Martin Property Management we specialize in full service property management and can save you the time, money and hassle of managing your rental property yourself.

For more information about the services we can offer you, contact us today by calling (617) 957-0166 or connect with us online.



What 2021 Goals Should You Have For Your Rental Property?

System - Monday, November 16, 2020


2021 is almost here, and for many people, it can't come soon enough!


If you're like most people, you're looking forward to starting a new year but, even though we're getting ready for the holidays, you should also be focusing on establishing goals for the coming year as well.


This article will share with you several tips that you can use for setting 2021 goals for your rental property. 


Goal #1 - Focus On Improving The Kitchen And Bathroom


Since most tenants spend time either in the kitchen or bathroom of rental property, these are the rooms where you should focus most of your renovation efforts.


Thankfully, you don't have to engage in extensive renovations in either room if you don't have the budget to do so, you can renovate, or refresh the kitchen and bathroom in your rental property by doing the following.


  • Repaint each room
  • Refinish the cabinets
  • Replace cabinet Door & Drawer Hardware
  • Replace flooring


Focusing on minor renovations is going to be enough to make your rental property look fresh and inviting when you start marketing again.


Goal #2 - Invest In Improved Marketing


Once you taking the time to improve your rental property, the next thing that you need to do is focus on improving your marketing.


By improving your rental property marking we mean that you should take new pictures and video of your property to post online.


New picture and video are important because you want to show potential renters what the property looks like now, instead of what it looked like 5 years ago.


Goal #3 - Hire A Property Management Company


Last of all, but most important, if you haven't hired a property management company to manage your property for you, what's stopping you?


Hiring a property manager is the most efficient thing that you can do to get an excellent return on investment from your property without having to do all the work yourself.


To learn more about the property management services that we can offer you, contact us today by clicking here. 




Lexington Massachusetts Property Manager

System - Wednesday, October 28, 2020


Are you searching for a Lexington Massachusetts property management company? If so, you've come to the right place!


At Martin property management company, we specialize in offering full-service Property Management to owners and investors of rental properties in the Lexington Massachusetts and Bedford Massachusetts area.


Our company can offer you everything that you need for sourcing, acquiring, and managing your rental properties.


The Property Management Services that we can offer you include property marketing, tenant selection, maintenance, customer service, accounting, and more!


Although some investors may be encouraging you to manage your properties yourself, we will save you the time and hassle of Property Management.


Your Lexington Massachusetts Property Management Company


It doesn't matter if you own a single-family home, down-home, condominium, or apartment complex, our property management team can handle any rental property in the Lexington Massachusetts area.


Rental properties continue to be one of the best investments in 2020 because, not only do they enable you to build wealth, they also generate positive, long-term cash flow for you every month.


Sadly, even though rental properties continue to provide an excellent return on investment, many investors make the mistake of attempting to manage their properties themselves. This only leads to frustration and burn out, don't let it happen to you!


Contact Martin Property Management


Learn more about how easy it is to hire a Lexington Massachusetts property management company, click here to connect with us online. 

Bedford MA Property Management

System - Thursday, October 22, 2020


Are you searching for a Bedford MA property management company? If so, you come to the right place! At Martin Property Management, we specialize in full-service property management and can save you the time, money, and hassle of managing your rental properties yourself.


Unlike some companies in the Bedford area that promise full Property Management Services, you can count on us to provide you with a team of property management professionals to manage all the aspects of your rental property.


Some of the services that we can offer you include rent collection, maintenance, customer service, and so much more.


Now is the perfect time to hire a property management company


Have you been managing your rental property yourself? Or are you frustrated with your current property manager and are ready for a change? If so, now is the perfect time to hire a property management company!


With winter fast approaching, you want to have an expert property manager managing your Bedford rental property. This will save you the time and hassle of having to focus on all the aspects of Property Management so that you can enjoy your winter without having to be over burdened with all the day-to-day responsibilities of property management.


Let us help you grow your portfolio of investment properties


If you ask the average investor, they will tell you that they don't have time to grow their portfolio of investment properties because they get too wrapped up in the day-to-day aspects of property management. Don't let this happen to you!


We will save you the time and hassle of property management so you can finally focus on growing your portfolio of investment properties once again!


To learn more about the property management services that we can offer you, contact us today by calling 617-957-0166, or click here to connect with us online. 




The hardest aspects of being a DIY landlord

System - Monday, October 12, 2020


Owning rental properties helps investors to build wealth and positive monthly cash flow but they can also come with headaches, especially if you're managing them yourself.

In this article we will provide you with several of the hardest aspects of being a DIY landlord.

Turnovers: Where 90% of the Labor & Costs Lie

The overwhelming majority of the work and expenses involved in owning rental properties comes during turnovers.

It starts with walking through the unit with the outgoing tenant to determine if they caused any damage that should be deducted from their security deposit. You have to send them a detailed invoice, breaking down all security deposit deductions.

Then comes repainting, recarpeting, and other property updates, followed by advertising the vacant unit. And then open houses, showing the unit, collecting rental applications, and screening tenants. This includes pulling background checks, contacting references and prior landlords, and verifying income and employment. Fail to screen applicants well, and you end up with bad tenants (more on them shortly).

After going through all that, you have to collect the security deposit and initial rent, sign a lease agreement with all legally required disclosures, and come full circle by walking through the unit with the new tenants for a move-in condition inspection.

Woof. It’s enough to make you reconsider buying REITs and ETFs instead of putzing around with brick-and-mortar investments.

Chasing Down Nonpaying Tenants

There's nothing worse than chasing down deadbeat tenants who haven't the slightest interest in paying their rent on time.

They may eventually pay some back rent to prevent you from completing an eviction. And then you go back to square one, sending notices, calling them, cajoling, bribing, threatening, and eventually filing in court again. Round and round you go.

Word to the wise: avoid this cycle through aggressive tenant screening. In my experience, there are exactly two types of people when it comes to fiscal responsibility. Some people take their bills extremely seriously as a matter of personal honor and would be mortified to miss one. Others never saw a bill they wanted to pay on time in their life. And you can tell the difference instantly by looking at their payment history on their credit report.

And yes, “stuff” happens in life, and people occasionally experience a true crisis like a job loss or divorce. But you can still read it clear as day in their payment history, as a sudden stretch of late payments followed by a return to on-time monthly payments. Isolated blips serve as outliers—the exception that proves the rule that it takes a true crisis to force fundamentally responsible people to fall behind on payments.

People who regularly miss payments, however, are another breed entirely.

High-Maintenance & High-Impact Tenants

Some tenants pay their rent on time but treat you, the neighbors, and/or your property badly.

They call at 3 a.m., complaining that a light bulb went out. They blare their music or TVs late at night, driving the neighbors crazy. Perhaps they leave their dog droppings all over the communal grounds or the neighbors’ lawns.

More on Bigger Pockets

Contact Martin Property Management

Are you tired of being a DIY landlord? We can help! To learn more about the property management services that we can offer you, contact us today by calling (617) 957-0166 or click here!


9 Ways Smart Landlords Encourage On-Time Rent Payments

System - Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Of all the tasks a landlord or property manager has to deal with, collecting rent is the most important. It is your rental income—it's how you pay your bills! Managing one or two properties can be easy, but you still might face the arduous task of chasing tenants for late payments. It's when you start managing multiple properties that the job becomes far more challenging.

Most landlords start traditionally: By collecting rent checks from tenants. But if you are just starting out as a landlord, consider finding more secure, reliable, and faster ways of rent collection. After all, it can take up to seven days from when tenants mail their checks until the funds clear in your bank account. Can you really afford to wait that long?

What are the options out there for landlords who want to be successful in their rental business?

Purchasing your first rental property is just the beginning of your real estate journey, because being a good landlord is almost as important as making good deals. BiggerPockets’ free guide How to Become a Landlord: Managing Rental Properties for Real Estate Investors will teach you everything—from setting rent to handling evictions.

Avoid Checks and Money Orders

Even today, money orders or checks are still popular methods for collecting rent. Checks are comfortable, and don’t require a steep learning curve for tenants. But rent checks have serious disadvantages. For example, checks are easy to steal, putting a person at risk of check fraud. They are also an easy target for criminals.

According to the American Bankers Association, check fraud is on the rise. It published a survey in 2020 showing that check fraud accounted for losses of $1.3 billion. But that’s just part of the picture. Attempted check fraud amounted to $15.1 billion. So, criminals are targeting checks as the top way to scam people out of their money.

Surprisingly, check fraud is more common than debit card fraud and other types of electronic transactions.

Collecting rent by money orders can be just as risky. Money orders can be issued from several different vendors. If a money order is stolen, it is much harder to get a refund. The tenant may need to wait for this refund before being able to pay the rent—and you have to wait for your money. While a money order can’t bounce like a check, tenants can cancel them.

Money orders and checks are what many people still use to pay rent. But this doesn’t mean it’s the easiest for tenants or landlords. Oher payment options make rent collection a breeze for both parties.

How to Get Tenants to Pay on Time

Want to avoid late rent payments? Try a rent collection app, which allows tenants to pay online or even in cash without the need for sharing financial information. A landlord can sign up for one of the numerous apps available and inform tenants of this app. Tenants can pay using a variety of methods—credit card, debit card, setting up automatic payments, or even in cash in associated stores. The apps should be mobile-friendly so that tenants can pay anytime from their phones.

Landlords who use rent collection apps benefit from the following:

  • Real-time notifications of rent payments
  • Send out late or missed payment reminders
  • Check tenant payment history
  • Set up late fees
  • An overview of the financial situation

Rent collection apps and online bill pay are a win-win solution for the tenant and the landlord. Tenants are less likely to forget and suffer late fees, and landlords are more likely to be paid on time. Plus, it’s far easier than traditional rental payment methods. The apps have enhanced security and digital trails to resolve any disputes.

The Top 9 Ways for Landlords to Collect Rent Online

Let’s look at some of the most popular ways that successful landlords collect rent.

1. Buildium

This app has excellent services for landlords and tenants. Tenants can pay each month or set up recurring payments, and they can pay their security deposit, too. The rent collection app also has a chat tool that allows tenants to contact the landlord in case of any maintenance issues. Landlords can even take advantage of screening tenants with the app. Also, they can automatically list vacancies on Zillow, Trulia, and Craigslist.

While Buildium covers all areas of property management, the packages start at $50 per month.

2. PayRent

PayRent allows for e-check and credit card payments—one-off or recurring. You can accept partial payments, which could be useful in unique situations. Landlords can track payments and use full accounting tools to manage their finances. The downside is that it is a little costly. PayRent takes 3.5 percent of each transaction, plus $0.30 on credit card payments and 0.25 percent of bank transfers.

3. RentDrop

The RentDrop app has a great user interface that is easy for everyone to use. Tenants can set up recurring payments, use a debit or credit card, or allow for ACH direct deposits. So, no more trips to the bank to cash checks or wait for funds to clear. It is perfect for landlords who manage multiple properties because you can quickly get an overview of your rental units.

Better still, for landlords, it is free. Indeed, you might not enjoy all of the sophisticated management tools—but do you need them?

4. AppFolio

This app is also more than just a rent collection app—it’s a property management app. So, it will save you a ton of time if you’re managing multiple rental units. This app is ideal for those who have mixed property portfolios. Some of its features include the ability to arrange renter’s insurance and bulk messaging. Landlords can screen tenants through the app and gain access to rent comparison tools.

The app isn’t as straightforward to use as others, and you might need deep pockets. Prices start at $250 a month.

5. eRentPayment

This app has a wide range of tools for landlords and tenants. Of course, you will find the usual online payment options and reminders. One excellent feature is that tenants can leave maintenance messages for landlords. This feature helps to improve landlord-tenant relationships as there are less conflict and confrontation. As well as tenant screening, eRentPayment offers credit reporting—something that many tenants like if they need to improve their credit history.

6. ClearNow

Landlords can entice tenants to use this app when they learn that it can improve their credit score. ClearNow can send rental payment histories to Experian Rent Bureau. Tenants are motivated to pay their rent on time, knowing that they'll find it easier to a loan or even a mortgage in the future.

Keep in mind that the tenant has to ensure that the full rental amount is in their account, or the recurring payment won’t be processed.

7. Avail

Avail is a simple app. Tenants log on and make a payment or set up recurring payments. The app also sends automatic email reminders five days before the rent due date and again on the actual date. Landlords can have the rent payment cleared in their accounts within three days.

8. Zelle

Zelle is a money transfer app rather than a rent collection app. It kind of works like a direct debit. It’s simple to use—just download the app and add your bank details. Most of the time, the landlords receive the money instantly, and neither party has to pay fees. But you won’t be able to use features like recurring payments or reminders. Furthermore, people can send money to the wrong account by accident

9. PayPal

Because of the popularity of PayPal, it is likely that you already have it and, therefore, don't have to download more software. It is straightforward to use and probably a better solution to checks. However, it lacks all of the functions of the best rent collection apps. There is no way to send reminders, and PayPal clearly states that purchase protection doesn't cover real estate transactions.

How Successful Landlords Collect Rent

If you aspire to become a successful landlord who manages multiple properties, start as you mean to continue. Using an online method to collect rent from the outset will ensure a healthy cash flow. Landlords who collect rent online have fewer issues collecting rent on time, and they can devote time to more important things—running a successful rental business.

There are a few rules we recommend following, in addition to using a streamlined app:

  • Late fees: These encourage tenants to pay on time by providing a financial incentive to do so. While it may be tempting to waive late fees, we recommend not doing so as part of your policy—or only allowing one grace period. Knowing these fees will be instituted keeps “rent” as a priority for tenants’ bank accounts.
  • Strong rental agreements: Make sure new tenants and prospective tenants understand their rent payments and your late fee structure by outlining them in the lease.
  • Legal advice: Make sure your late fee has legal backing by consulting an attorney regarding your lease—and, of course, if it comes down to the worst, make sure you’re providing the proper eviction notice and following the legal eviction process. State laws can vary, so pay attention.

Contact Martin Property Management

For more property management tips, or to speak with us about our property management services, contact us today by calling (617) 957-0166 or click here to connect with us online. 


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Contact Us

Martin Property Management, LLC
P.O. Box 331
Bedford, MA 01730

Phone 617.957.0166

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