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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Real Estate and Landlording => Topic started by: PadAdventure on March 25, 2016, 07:08:25 AM

Title: Don't text and collect
Post by: PadAdventure on March 25, 2016, 07:08:25 AM
Be careful when texting while collecting rent!

quick story:

Was texting my girlfriend while out collecting rent, and was commenting on the fact that all the tenants had nice vehicles (compared to my 2001). 

The only problem? 

I was texting the tenants.  It was awkward when they finally pulled up to pay.  Really awkward.

Awesome.
End of story.  Good Day.

Oh, and if you have any rec's on electronic payment systems, I'd be happy to hear about them :) 

Tried:

Paypal:  they look at me like I have three heads.
Pay near me:  seems like it's a learning curve for most
Title: Re: Don't text and collect
Post by: Kwill on March 25, 2016, 07:12:18 AM
Oops.

All my landlords have asked for checks to be mailed or dropped off. I've never had a landlord actually show up in person to collect rent. Is that normal in your area, or were these delinquent tenants you were chasing?
Title: Re: Don't text and collect
Post by: PadAdventure on March 25, 2016, 07:14:55 AM
Unfortunately it's the norm here.  Everyone pays typically, so I figure it forces me to go by ever so often.
Title: Re: Don't text and collect
Post by: NoStacheOhio on March 25, 2016, 07:20:12 AM
I always just mailed checks (well, had the bank mail them, but same thing).
Title: Re: Don't text and collect
Post by: Felicity on March 25, 2016, 07:21:42 AM
Unfortunately it's the norm here.  Everyone pays typically, so I figure it forces me to go by ever so often.

Whereabouts do you live?

I've lived in the midwest and east coast, but I've never heard of that. I just have my rent check sent automatically by my bank each month so I don't worry about it. I think most banks offer check services like this...technically I could set up automatic deposits into my landlord's account if I got the routing information.
Title: Re: Don't text and collect
Post by: PadAdventure on March 25, 2016, 07:24:41 AM
Unfortunately it's the norm here.  Everyone pays typically, so I figure it forces me to go by ever so often.

Whereabouts do you live?

I've lived in the midwest and east coast, but I've never heard of that. I just have my rent check sent automatically by my bank each month so I don't worry about it. I think most banks offer check services like this...technically I could set up automatic deposits into my landlord's account if I got the routing information.

well, I say here, but it's in the neighborhoods most of my rentals are in, "working class" I call it, not a warzone, but I try not to collect after sundown if that makes sense.

they cash flow well though, and eventually I'll trade up.
Title: Re: Don't text and collect
Post by: jinga nation on March 25, 2016, 09:25:09 AM
I make it a policy not to text tenants or my property manager, keeping all communication strictly email, with a follow-up phone call if required. My property manager prefers this, saying that email records are easier to present in a lawsuit instead of text messages. I don't give out my cellphone number to tenants, only my Google number. If they text the G-number or leave a voicemail, there is a record on Google Voice/ Hangouts.
Title: Re: Don't text and collect
Post by: PadAdventure on March 25, 2016, 09:27:28 AM
I make it a policy not to text tenants or my property manager, keeping all communication strictly email, with a follow-up phone call if required. My property manager prefers this, saying that email records are easier to present in a lawsuit instead of text messages. I don't give out my cellphone number to tenants, only my Google number. If they text the G-number or leave a voicemail, there is a record on Google Voice/ Hangouts.

I use google voice as well, works great.  None have my actual cell.  I try to conduct via email, texts for meeting out at property etc. 

All good points!
Title: Re: Don't text and collect
Post by: primozaj on March 25, 2016, 09:52:01 AM
...technically I could set up automatic deposits into my landlord's account if I got the routing information.

I have used Chase QuickPay in the past to get around either of us giving routing and account info.
Title: Re: Don't text and collect
Post by: Felicity on March 25, 2016, 10:45:26 AM
...technically I could set up automatic deposits into my landlord's account if I got the routing information.

I have used Chase QuickPay in the past to get around either of us giving routing and account info.

Oh, interesting...I'd prefer an automatic deposit since sometimes my landlord loses my check -_-

Unfortunately it's the norm here.  Everyone pays typically, so I figure it forces me to go by ever so often.

Whereabouts do you live?

I've lived in the midwest and east coast, but I've never heard of that. I just have my rent check sent automatically by my bank each month so I don't worry about it. I think most banks offer check services like this...technically I could set up automatic deposits into my landlord's account if I got the routing information.

well, I say here, but it's in the neighborhoods most of my rentals are in, "working class" I call it, not a warzone, but I try not to collect after sundown if that makes sense.

they cash flow well though, and eventually I'll trade up.

Ah, that makes sense