We have come a long way since the invention of the internet in 1983, yet a majority of the real estate industry continues to operate using outdated methods. Signing paper leases, paying rent by mailing checks, awkward house tours, vacancy signs with a phone number to call, and not hearing about the clogged toilet on the first floor bathroom for three to five business days. Digital rental apps benefit both the landlord and the tenant. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should make the switch.
Rent Payments
One of the biggest benefits of using a property management app is online rent collection and payment. As a tenant, you can setup automatic payments, avoiding late fees and landlord frustration. You can also use different methods of payment so put the checkbook away- that is if you even have one. ACH bank transfers, credit and debit cards, and eChecks are all acceptable ways to pay. With the different methods of payment comes the flexibility of the payment schedule. Digital rental apps make it easier to pay rent in installments throughout the month, instead of the one dreaded day of mass payment.
As a landlord, you're more likely to get your tenant payments on time and the money in your bank account faster. Additionally, some rental apps collect security deposits and calculate late fees.
Virtual Tours
As a current tenant, there is nothing worse than last minute emails from your landlord saying they will be there in an hour to give a tour of your place. Your place that has dishes from last night's dinner attempt, laundry from who knows when, and an overall smell that you can't quite put your finger on, but no amount scented candles - which are against your lease agreement - can cover.
As a prospective tenant, it is equally worse to tour through what you thought could be your future home and trying to take pictures of a stranger's unmade bed with a stinging in your nose from whatever they were trying to cook last night.
And as a landlord, your future sale is in the hands of tenants who have lived there for three hundred and sixty-five long days. Need I say more?
Enter: digital rental apps. A virtual tour showcases your rental in its best condition with its best features using quality pictures and a video walk-through. Virtual tours will also filter out potential tenants that aren't serious about renting from you.
Instant Messaging
No more having to wait until the day after during business hours to call your landlord about the clogged toilet, or drowning in emails from your tenants asking which way turns the water hot and which way cold... again.
Three things you can do with an instant messaging feature on your rental app:
- Receive and send messages with tenants about property issues or questions at any time.
- Have permanent record of chat history and maintenance requests to resolve any future possible misunderstandings.
- Send important mass updates, notifications, and memos to all tenants in your building.
Where to start?
Here are a list of apps that have had it with the outdated rental methods and are here to stay in the 21st century.
The benefits of using digital apps to run a successful landlord business are limitless. Let digital rental apps make your life and your tenants' lives easier. No more paper, postage, postponed problems, and penny loss.
If you're still not convinced, read about even more benefits here.
