The Best Online Platforms for Collecting Rent as a Landlord

Collecting rent online simplifies the payment process for both landlords and tenants. With digital platforms, landlords can receive payments on time, track transactions, and reduce the hassle of paper checks. Here are some of the best online platforms for collecting rent, each offering unique features to make property management more efficient.

1. Avail

Avail is a user-friendly platform designed for landlords managing a few properties. It allows you to collect rent, screen tenants, and manage leases all in one place.

Key Features:

• Automatic Payments: Tenants can set up recurring payments to avoid late fees.
• Tenant Screening: Perform background and credit checks within the app.
• Expense Tracking: Keep a record of maintenance expenses and other property-related costs.

Why It’s Great: Avail offers a comprehensive property management tool, making it easy to manage tenant payments and other rental tasks.

2. Zillow Rental Manager

Zillow Rental Manager combines listing services with rent collection, making it an excellent choice for landlords looking to streamline the rental process from marketing to payment.

Key Features:

• Easy Listings: Post your rental listing on Zillow, Trulia, and HotPads.
• Secure Payments: Collect rent directly through the platform, which supports both ACH and credit card payments.
• Rent Payment Reminders: Automatic email reminders help tenants avoid late fees.

Why It’s Great: Zillow Rental Manager’s integration with popular listing sites and its rent collection feature make it a convenient, all-in-one solution.

3. Cozy (Now Apartments.com)

Cozy, now part of Apartments.com, is a widely used platform for managing rentals and collecting rent. It’s ideal for landlords looking for a straightforward and reliable rent collection tool.

Key Features:

• Free ACH Payments: No fee for ACH transfers, though credit card payments incur a small fee.
• Payment Tracking: Easily track who has paid and who hasn’t, with detailed payment history.
• Expense Management: Track property expenses and generate reports for tax purposes.

Why It’s Great: Cozy is simple to use, with a clean interface and essential features for small landlords managing up to a few properties.

4. Rentec Direct

Rentec Direct is designed for landlords with multiple properties and offers robust features for property management, including rent collection.

Key Features:

• Automated Rent Collection: Set up recurring ACH payments for tenants.
• Tenant Portal: Tenants can log in to pay rent, view payment history, and submit maintenance requests.
• Detailed Reporting: Generate reports on cash flow, expenses, and tenant information.

Why It’s Great: Rentec Direct’s advanced features make it suitable for landlords with larger portfolios or those looking for in-depth reporting and management tools.

5. Buildium

Buildium is a full-service property management software that includes rent collection along with tools for accounting, tenant screening, and maintenance tracking. It’s best for landlords managing multiple properties or working with property managers.

Key Features:

• Mobile Access: Tenants and landlords can access the platform via mobile, making it easy to manage on the go.
• Late Fee Automation: Automatically apply late fees for overdue rent payments.
• Full Accounting Suite: Track income and expenses, generate financial reports, and manage bank reconciliations.

Why It’s Great: Buildium is ideal for professional property managers or landlords with multiple units, offering a range of features that go beyond basic rent collection.

6. TurboTenant

TurboTenant is a popular choice among independent landlords for its ease of use and affordability. It offers free rent collection and integrates well with tenant screening tools.

Key Features:

• Free ACH Payments: No cost for ACH transfers, with optional credit card payment support.
• Rental Applications and Screening: Conduct background and credit checks through the platform.
• Expense Tracking: Log expenses for each property to stay organized for tax season.

Why It’s Great: TurboTenant’s free ACH payment option and user-friendly interface make it an attractive option for smaller landlords.

7. PayRent

PayRent is an easy-to-use platform for collecting rent online with an emphasis on flexibility and simplicity. It includes features that make payment collection straightforward and transparent.

Key Features:

• Automatic Reminders: Set up automatic reminders to notify tenants of upcoming payments.
• Flexible Payment Options: Tenants can pay via ACH or credit card.
• Late Fee Management: Customize late fee settings and notifications.

Why It’s Great: PayRent’s simplicity and focus on payment management make it ideal for landlords who want a straightforward rent collection solution without added complexity.

8. Venmo for Business

Venmo is popular for person-to-person payments but can also be used for collecting rent in a more casual setting. It’s a good option for landlords with only a few tenants and those who don’t need a full management system.

Key Features:

• Instant Transfers: Venmo offers same-day or next-day bank transfers.
• No Monthly Fees: No cost to use the platform unless you’re accepting payments through a business account.
• Ease of Use: Tenants can pay directly from their Venmo account with a few taps.

Why It’s Great: Venmo’s simplicity and lack of monthly fees make it a good choice for landlords who only need a basic payment option.

9. TenantCloud

TenantCloud provides a range of tools for landlords, including rent collection, lease management, and maintenance tracking. It’s designed for small to medium-sized landlords looking for a complete property management solution.

Key Features:

• Automated Payments: Tenants can set up recurring payments for convenience.
• Tenant Screening and Applications: Screen tenants and manage applications within the platform.
• Maintenance Requests: Tenants can submit maintenance requests, which can be tracked by landlords.

Why It’s Great: TenantCloud offers a comprehensive solution for managing all aspects of rental properties, making it ideal for landlords looking for more than just rent collection.

10. Square Cash App for Business

Square’s Cash App for Business offers a simple and flexible way to collect rent. While it doesn’t provide the full suite of property management tools, it’s convenient for landlords with fewer units who want a quick payment option.

Key Features:

• Low Fees: Small transaction fees apply only for business accounts.
• Fast Transfers: Get funds deposited into your account instantly or by the next business day.
• Ease of Use: Tenants can make payments directly through the app.

Why It’s Great: Square’s Cash App for Business is user-friendly and offers fast transfers, making it a good fit for landlords seeking a quick and easy payment solution.

Conclusion

Choosing the right online platform for collecting rent depends on the size of your portfolio, the features you need, and your level of involvement in property management. Platforms like Avail, Cozy, and Zillow Rental Manager are great for smaller landlords looking for straightforward solutions, while options like Buildium and Rentec Direct provide comprehensive tools for landlords with larger portfolios. No matter the size of your portfolio, online rent collection offers efficiency, security, and convenience that make managing rental properties easier.

At SMAdvice Realty, where vision meets opportunity, we help landlords find the tools and strategies to optimize their property management. Ready to streamline your rent collection? Contact us for expert advice on choosing the best platform for your needs.