As online rent payments become commonplace, many landlords are considering their options for payment platforms. Learn about your options and why property management software is a highly beneficial tool for a landlord. Explore the pros and cons of these rent payment app options.
Rent payment apps are a common aspect of the rental process for many landlords. Many landlords enjoy them for their convenience and the ability to track payments more easily. Similarly, many tenants appreciate the ability to pay their rent anywhere and anytime and the ability to know more easily when their rent is due. Additionally, over half of all renters use these payment methods, and research shows that online payments reduce late payments by tenants.
As such, it is reasonable to assume that using rent payment apps is an easy way to make your job as a landlord or property manager easier. However, not every rent payment app is the same. Some payment apps are direct, or peer-to-peer, while others are designed specifically for rent payments. Others, still, are designed not only for rent payments, but also for automation and ease of other tasks related to being a landlord.
The following are options for rent payment apps and the benefits and drawbacks of each category.
Direct Payment Apps | Zelle, Venmo, CashApp, and More
As a general rule, the best option for collecting rent digitally is through a property management software. However, some landlords, seeking simple options or renting on a small, informal scale, may prefer to use payment apps such as Venmo or Zelle to collect rent. This is an option that works for landlords who are, for example, renting out a room in their home or who own a single unit that they are renting to a family member. These platforms are generally cheap, easy to use, and, since they are so common in 2026, there is a very high chance that any renters have used at least one payment app. However, there are some issues with rent payment apps that make them a less-than-ideal solution for landlords.
Drawbacks of Direct Payment Apps for Landlords
If you choose this route, keep in mind that you will need to use some external method to track your income and expenses. Because these platforms are not intended specifically for renters and landlords, you are not as well-protected as you would be with a more dedicated service. Funds may take a few days before they transfer to a landlord’s bank account, and guaranteeing same-day payments can cost money. Additionally, there is no way for a landlord to prevent partial payments or automatically set up late fees, which can cause problems in the eviction process for nonpayment or a notice of nonpayment, since any amount received can void the process completely. If a landlord chooses to use one of these platforms, they will typically be subject to a small transaction fee, often 2-3%.
While these options are viable and often helpful in circumstances unrelated to renting, they aren’t ideal for landlords.
Learn more: Should Landlords Accept Rent Payments From Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App?
Property Management Software
Property management software is probably the ideal way to collect rent digitally, allowing you to manage rent payments with ease. As a rent payment solution, property management software is ideal because it is protected, designed to fit your needs, and offers numerous benefits outside of rent payments. These benefits include automating and streamlining processes, improving communication, and making the process of being a landlord easier.
Rentec Direct is one of these options, offering a robust package of useful benefits. Communication, automated late or nonsufficient funds fees, and other similar organizational benefits are at your fingertips in the software. Additionally, payments through property management software are more protected, and it is also much easier to track your expenses in-app than to use a separate program.
Learn more: What is the Best Property Management Software: A Complete Buying Guide
Simple Rent Payment Apps
Serving as something of an in-between of property management software and direct payment platforms, rent payment apps are easy, simple methods of obtaining rent payments, designed for tenants and landlords. They are often lacking in features compared to property management software, but are more tailored to your needs than direct payment apps like Zelle.
Often, these apps allow tenants to build credit with their rent payments, much like property management software. However, they do not allow you to track things like maintenance requests, nor do they help with accounting or tracking income and expenses. Much like peer-to-peer payment options, using these platforms will likely require you to use external methods of accounting.
Rent payment apps include options such as:
- Rent App
- Zenbase
- Flex Rent
Final Thoughts
There are many options available for rent payment apps, ranging from simple to comprehensive. Simple peer-to-peer apps are an option, but so are dedicated rent payment apps and property management software. Each has its benefits and downsides, and some options have more utility than others. Ultimately, make sure you feel confident in the security and features of the rent payment app you chose, to ensure it meets your business needs now and in the future.
