A Rent Payment App Guide: Why Azibo is the Best Choice for Landlords

Gemma Smith
Last updated
August 23, 2024
5 min read

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

In recent years, the landscape of rent payment has undergone a significant transformation, with an increasing number of tenants opting for digital solutions. According to the report “From Rent to Refunds: The Push for Faster Payments in Property Management” by PYMNTS and Ingo Payments, over half of renters now prefer to pay their rent online. This shift is driven by the convenience and speed that digital payments offer, with 77% of respondents highlighting that online methods are easier and faster than traditional options like paper checks.

As property managers and landlords adapt to this growing preference, online rent payment apps have become essential tools, enhancing tenant satisfaction and streamlining operations. Among these solutions, Azibo stands out as a great choice, offering not just rent collection but a suite of financial management tools tailored to the unique needs of property owners. 

Azibo provides features like mobile payment options, auto-pay for timely payments, and the ability to accept various payment methods including cash and credit, making it a comprehensive platform designed specifically for landlords.

This guide explores the benefits, features, and trends surrounding online rent payment applications, with a focus on how Azibo addresses the evolving demands of modern property management. Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or new to property ownership, understanding the power of rent payment apps—and the unique advantages Azibo offers—can revolutionize your approach to rent collection and financial management.

What is a rent payment app and what are its benefits?

A rent payment app is a digital platform designed to facilitate the process of paying and collecting rent. These apps serve as an intermediary between tenants and landlords, allowing for seamless, electronic rent transactions.

At its core, a rent payment app enables tenants to submit their monthly rent payments electronically, while landlords can easily receive and manage these payments through a user-friendly interface.

The basic functionality of a rent payment app typically includes:

  1. Secure online payment processing
  2. Automated recurring payment options
  3. Payment tracking and record-keeping
  4. Notification systems for both tenants and landlords
  5. Automatic late fee application

Benefits for both landlords and tenants

Rent payment apps offer numerous advantages for both parties involved in the rental transaction:

Benefits for landlords

For landlords, these apps streamline operations and improve financial management. By facilitating faster payment processing, they enhance cash flow and reduce the administrative burden of rent collection.

This efficiency translates to a decreased likelihood of late or missed payments, simplifying bookkeeping and financial record management. Moreover, adopting a digital payment system enhances professionalism, showcasing a landlord's commitment to modern, tenant-friendly practices.

Benefits for tenants

Tenants, on the other hand, enjoy unprecedented convenience with rent payment apps. They gain the flexibility to pay rent from anywhere, at any time, using their preferred payment method, whether it’s a bank transfer or credit card.

The option to set up automatic payments helps avoid late fees, while digital receipts and payment histories provide easy access to important financial records. Some apps even offer the added benefit of reporting rent payments to major credit bureaus, potentially helping tenants build their credit history.

Key features to look for in a rent payment app

When evaluating rent payment apps, landlords should consider the following essential features:

  1. User-friendly interface: An intuitive design for both landlords and tenants to navigate easily.
  2. Multiple payment options: Support for various payment methods to accommodate tenant preferences.
  3. Automated recurring payments: The ability to set up automatic monthly rent charges.
  4. Payment reminders: Automated notifications to remind tenants of upcoming due dates.
  5. Late fee calculation: Automatic application of late fees according to lease terms.
  6. Partial payment handling: Options to accept or decline partial payments as needed.
  7. Financial reporting: Generation of detailed financial reports for accounting purposes.
  8. Security measures: Robust data encryption and compliance with financial regulations.
  9. Integration capabilities: Ability to integrate with other property management software.
  10. Customer support: Reliable customer service for both landlords and tenants.
  11. Mobile accessibility: A mobile app or responsive design for on-the-go management.
  12. Customization options: Flexibility to adjust settings according to specific property needs.
  13. Online payments: Convenient and efficient solutions for tenants and property managers, reducing staff workload related to processing payments.
  14. Online rent payment system: Integration with property management accounting software for a seamless experience.
  15. Unlimited payment account connections: Manage multiple payment sources without limitations for comprehensive financial oversight.

By offering these features, a comprehensive rent payment app like Azibo can significantly streamline the rent collection process, improve financial management, and enhance the overall landlord-tenant relationship.

Top rent payment apps for landlords

Now we have discussed what a rent payment app is and its benefits to both landlords and tenants, lets take a look at some of the options currently available:

Azibo: A free, all-in-one property management platform designed for landlords. Azibo offers online rent collection, automated reminders, and late fee enforcement, along with integrated tenant screening and lease creation. Azibo provides the convenience and flexibility of online rent payments, allowing residents to pay anytime and anywhere using various methods such as credit cards, eChecks, and PayPal. Its real estate-specific accounting tools and comprehensive features eliminate the need for multiple apps, making it a cost-effective solution for property management.

QuickBooks: Well-known for its comprehensive accounting tools, QuickBooks also offers rent payment processing features. While it’s a reliable choice for landlords who need robust bookkeeping, it lacks specialized property management tools and comes with a higher price tag.

Venmo, PayPal or Zelle:These popular peer-to-peer payment apps offer convenient and quick transactions. However, they aren’t designed specifically for rent collection. They lack features tailored to landlords’ needs, such as automated rent reminders or detailed payment tracking. While easy to use, they don’t provide the specialized tools that can streamline the rent collection process for property owners.

Why Azibo stands out from the competition

Among these options, Azibo emerges as the clear winner for landlords who want a comprehensive, all-in-one property management solution. Unlike other platforms, Azibo is specifically designed to cater to landlords’ unique needs, offering a range of features that go beyond just rent collection. With Azibo, paying rent becomes easier through various modern options and conveniences, such as digital transactions, flexible payment methods, and automated reminders:

  • Free rent collection: Azibo allows you to collect rent online for free, with options for ACH, credit, and debit payments or cash via Cash app or Chime
  • Automated late fees and reminders: Reduce the hassle of chasing payments with automated tools.
  • Integrated tenant applications and screening: Collect applications and screen tenants directly through the platform, ensuring you find reliable renters.
  • State specific lease creation: Generate legally binding state specific leases, send via eSign and recieve real- time status updates on progress.
  • Real estate specific financial reporting: Azibo’s accounting features are tailored specifically for property management, making it easier to track income and expenses. Save time and money, and simplify tax preparation.
  • So much more!

In contrast to QuickBooks or peer-to-peer platforms like Zelle and PayPal, Azibo provides a holistic solution that not only simplifies rent collection but also integrates key property management tasks. Best of all, many of Azibo’s powerful features are available at no cost to landlords, giving landlords more value without a hefty price tag.

Take a look here to see what else Azibo offers, or watch the following video

The tenant perspective: Why your renters will love Azibo

At Azibo, we understand that a positive rental experience goes beyond just having a place to live. That’s why we’ve designed our platform with renters also in mind, offering a suite of features that make their lives easier and more financially empowering. Azibo facilitates efficient management and collection of rental payments, ensuring timely transactions and improved tenant accountability.

Renters will appreciate the flexibility in how they pay their rent. Whether they prefer the simplicity of free ACH transfers, the convenience of credit or debit card payments, or even cash options through services like Cash App, Azibo has them covered. Plus, with features like autopay and friendly rent reminders, staying on top of payments has never been easier.

We believe in helping renters build their financial future. That’s why we offer Azibo Credit Boost, allowing renters to report their on-time rent payments to credit bureaus. This can be a powerful tool for building credit history, potentially opening doors to better financial opportunities down the line.

The rental experience with Azibo is seamlessly digital. From submitting rental applications to signing leases, everything can be done online, saving time and reducing paperwork. Need to report a maintenance issue? It’s as simple as a few taps in our user-friendly interface.

Communication is key in any rental relationship, which is why we’ve made it easy for renters to get in touch with property owners or managers directly through our platform. No more lost emails or unreturned phone calls.

But we don’t stop there. Our Resident Benefits package, powered by Latchel, offers even more value. For a small monthly fee, renters can enjoy perks like accidental damage protection up to $1,000 and other benefits that provide peace of mind and additional support.

With Azibo, renting becomes more than just a monthly transaction – it’s an opportunity for convenience, financial growth, and a better overall living experience. Your renters will thank you for choosing a platform that puts their needs first.

Learn more about Azibo’s tenant features

Getting started with Azibo

Follow these simple steps to set up your Azibo account and start collecting rent:

  1. Getting started
Azibo platform image
  • Click "Get Started" on the Azibo homepage, or use this direct link
  • Select "I'm a property owner"
  • Enter your name, phone number, email, and password
  • Click "Get Started - It's Free"
  • Enter the verification code sent to your phone
  1. Property information
Azibo platform image
  • Enter the total number of units you own
  1. Choose your service
  • Select "Collect Rent" from the options provided
  • Click "Start Rent Collection"
  1. Add your property
  • Add a portfolio name (optional)
  • Enter the property address and number of units
  1. Set up payment terms
  • Choose to create a lease with Azibo or skip this step
  • If skipping, select your tenancy type (month-to-month or fixed term)
  • Enter lease start and end dates, rent due date, and monthly rent amount
  • Customize options like partial payments and late fees
  • Choose whether to request renter's insurance
  1. Tenant information
Azibo platform image
  • Enter your tenant's name, email, and phone number
  • Review the sample invite that will be sent to your tenant
  • Add co-signer information if needed (note: only one renter can pay rent per property)
  1. Review and confirm
  • Check all entered information for accuracy
  • Use 'Edit' links to make any necessary corrections
  • Click "Confirm and Invite" when everything is correct
  1. Link your bank account
Azibo platform image
  • Select your business type (sole proprietorship or LLC/corporation)
  • Enter the required personal information
  • Click through the prompts until you see "Securely Connect"

Complete the bank account linking process

  1. Start collecting rent
  • Once your account is verified and your bank account is linked, you can start collecting rent online
  • Monitor payments through the Azibo dashboard
  • Manage all transactions and communications with tenants

Congratulations! You're now set up to collect rent through Azibo.

Need Help? If at any point you are stuck setting up your Azibo account or have questions, please feel free to reach out to our customer service team at support@azibo.com.

Missed the sign up link? Here it is again-- remember, its free to set up an Azibo account.

Success stories: Real landlords, real results

Discover how real estate investors across the United States are saving time, money, and stress with Azibo's comprehensive property management platform.

Andrew Winter: Peace of mind for snowbird investors

Andrew Winter and his wife Camala manage properties in Cleveland, OH and St. Petersburg, FL. After switching from short-term to long-term rentals, they found Azibo to be the perfect solution for their needs.

  • Time saved: At least 4 hours per month
  • Key benefit: Mental health and peace of mind

"With the ability to track rent payments, I can sleep at night. That's the ultimate goal," Andrew notes.

"It's just mental health. You can't really put a price on that. I was so burned out of real estate I was begging for a tool that would make life easier, and Azibo fit that mold."

Andrew appreciates Azibo's all-in-one platform:

"It's nice that it's all in one system. That's really the kind of power you can have with Azibo."

Read the full review here.

Steven Toth: Scaling property management in Tempe, AZ

Steven Toth manages multiple properties with room rentals in Tempe, Arizona. Azibo helped him overcome the "administrative nightmare" of managing various payment methods and due dates.

  • Time saved: 5-9 hours per month
  • Key benefits: Simplified bookkeeping and tax preparation

"The bookkeeping solution definitely helped with end-of-year taxes... That was the biggest time-saver."

Steven also notes the financial benefits:

"Without Azibo, I would have lost a lot of money due to the challenges of keeping track of cash, partial payments, and Venmo payments, and also not being able to offer credit card payments."

Read the full article here.

Jua McMillan: Long-distance property management made easy

Chicago-based Jua McMillan manages properties in South Florida. Azibo has simplified his long-distance property management and rent collection process.

  • Time saved: 4 hours per month
  • Key benefit: Automated, hands-off property management

"I can't say anything but positive things about Azibo. It's been a lifesaver."

Jua loves the automation Azibo provides:

"I love the fact that it's automated. You can pretty much set it and forget it until it's time to renew the lease."

Read the full article here.

These success stories demonstrate how Azibo helps real estate investors save time, streamline their operations, and achieve peace of mind. From automated rent collection to simplified accounting and tax preparation, Azibo provides the tools landlords need to manage their properties efficiently and effectively.

Which app is best for rent payments? An overview

After exploring various rent payment apps, Azibo emerges as the clear leader for landlords seeking a comprehensive property management solution. Going beyond simple rent collection, Azibo offers free, multi-method payment options, automated reminders, and integrated tenant screening. Its real estate-specific financial tools streamline accounting and tax preparation, while the user-friendly interface enhances the experience for both landlords and tenants.

Real estate investors report saving 4-9 hours monthly with Azibo, allowing them to focus on growing their portfolios. As one user noted, the peace of mind Azibo provides is something you "can't really put a price on."

Ready to transform your property management experience? Sign up for a free Azibo account today – no risk, no commitment, and no credit card required.

Start Your Free Azibo Account Now

Embrace the future of property management with Azibo and take control of your real estate business today!

Rent payment app FAQs

Which is the best app for rent payment?

Azibo stands out as the best app for rent payment, especially for landlords. It offers free rent collection with multiple payment options, automated reminders, and a suite of property management tools. Unlike general payment apps, Azibo is specifically designed for real estate investors, providing features like integrated tenant screening, lease creation, and real estate-specific financial reporting.

Is there an app to split rent payments?

Yes, Azibo allows for splitting rent payments. While only one tenant can be the primary account holder for a property, Azibo's flexible payment options make it easy for roommates to coordinate their portions of the rent. Tenants can use various payment methods, including ACH transfers, credit cards, or even cash options through Cash App or Chime, to contribute their share of the rent.

How to automate rent payments?

Automating rent payments is simple with Azibo:

  1. Landlords set up their property and payment terms in Azibo.
  2. Tenants are invited to create an account and set up their payment method.
  3. Tenants can enable autopay for recurring rent payments.
  4. Azibo automatically processes the payment on the due date.
  5. Landlords receive the rent directly in their linked bank account.

This automation reduces late payments and saves time for both landlords and tenants.

Written by

Gemma Smith

With 7 years in property management, Gemma serves as a key content strategist at Azibo.com. While excelling in writing, editing, and SEO, she also enhances Azibo's social media presence. Passionately, Gemma educates others to make informed real estate investment decisions in the ever-changing market.

Important Note: This post is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be taken as legal, accounting, or tax advice, nor should it be used as a substitute for such services. Always consult your own legal, accounting, or tax counsel before taking any action based on this information.

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