Tenant feels I don’t trust them.

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Tenant feels I don’t trust them.

Adrian Vega
Rental Property Investor · Member since 2018 · 10 posts · 2 votes

Hello all,

Thanks for any input. So I have owned a 3 family since February of this year. I did inherit my 2 tenants anyways I have always texted them a day before letting them know I would pick up the rent from them and give them a time and I normally get the response of ok thank you or no I won’t be around can you come at so and so hour and it’s always been easy. So today I send my texts out and one says ok see u tomorrow and the other says “ Good evening.. adrian hope u don't get bothered but can u please wait until I contact u to pay the rent I feel pressured when u ask for it. It's like u dont trust me my rent will alway be on time i have a five day Grace period thank u. and sorry”

How would you handle that? I am just looking for alternative responses as I just want to tell him off but I have to bite my tongue and see how some other seasoned landlords would handle this.

They both pay cash btw.

Thanks for any constructive feedback.

2Reply
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Most Popular Reply

Melba Chambers
Rental Property Investor · Norwalk, CT · Member since 2017 · 171 posts · 138 votes
7y

@Adrian Vega  Why haven't you set up another form of payment so that you are not picking up rent payments every month?

15Reply
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  • Sai T.
    Investor · West Chester , PA · Member since 2011 · 620 posts · 138 votes
    7y

    No experience going and collecting rent!

    My tenants deposit the rent in the bank and never accept cash and never went to collect the rent.

    Tenant is right about the grace days  Decide a specific date with smart tenant(grace days), 

    2Reply
  • Melba Chambers
    Rental Property Investor · Norwalk, CT · Member since 2017 · 171 posts · 138 votes
    7y

    @Adrian Vega  Why haven't you set up another form of payment so that you are not picking up rent payments every month?

    15Reply
  • Adrian Vega
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Member since 2018 · 10 posts · 2 votes
    7y

    @Sai T.

    Still learning. But thanks for the input maybe I feel butthurt because I had dinner with them last month and they said I’m a better landlord and treat them great so it was weird to see this message so I felt a type of way but I have to remember this is a business not personal.

    0Reply
  • Adrian Vega
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Member since 2018 · 10 posts · 2 votes
    7y

    @Melba Chambers

    I live on the first floor so I didn’t see it being a issue but I might have to move to a alternative source. Any recommendations?

    0Reply
  • Sai T.
    Investor · West Chester , PA · Member since 2011 · 620 posts · 138 votes
    7y

    I do not want a family member to be my tenant and never want my tenant to become my family member!

    Yes, it’s a learning process.!

    4Reply
  • Ryan Huynh
    Rental Property Investor · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2018 · 32 posts · 19 votes
    7y

    @Adrian Vega, I second @Sai T. and @Melba Chambers on this. You should try setting up another method to collect the rent so that tenants can pay rent on their own, and so that you don't have to visit them each month. Regarding the tenant having trust issues, you might want to call them and talk with him about it, or sit down and meet with him. Also, props to you for not telling him off and asking for help. It might not always be easy to do that, but it's definitely better to step back like you did here than to be too hasty. 

    3Reply
  • Melba Chambers
    Rental Property Investor · Norwalk, CT · Member since 2017 · 171 posts · 138 votes
    7y

    @Adrian Vega I will be using Zelle starting next month

    2Reply
  • Sai T.
    Investor · West Chester , PA · Member since 2011 · 620 posts · 138 votes
    7y

    @Ryan Huynh

    “it's definitely better to step back like you did here than to be too hasty.” I agree but it’s hard to do it!

    Life will be a lot better, If we follow your suggestion.

    1Reply
  • Renee Sied
    Member since 2019 · 11 posts · 40 votes
    7y

    @Adrian Vega definitely know how tenant is feeling, I was a renter for a very long time, with my last landlord 3 years, not once late with rent. I was always mailing the check to them, I really don’t want to see my landlord every month! Maybe twice the usps delivered my check after 1st of the month and guess what, landlord would send me a ‘friendly reminder ‘ about rent due like I don’t know!

    I’m the end I felt like the place is truly not my home , like landlord is living with me in second bedroom. Give your tenant space tell them you didn’t mean to make them uncomfortable ask them to deposit money to your bank account and only intervene if grace period is over

    9Reply
  • Marci Stein
    Rental Property Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2011 · 956 posts · 510 votes
    7y

    Just because you’re 10 feet away shouldn’t 

    matter . 

    They’re responsible for the rent by a 

    certain time and shouldn’t be dependent on 

    coordinating pick up schedules . 

    Why not use Cozi ? Easier on you and them . 

    4Reply
  • Jeffrey Bower
    Member since 2019 · 94 posts · 50 votes
    7y

    I know someone mentioned using Zelle, but I have read that it's not recommended to collect rent with companies like Venmo, Zelle, and PayPal because a tenant could potentially dispute the charge and get the money back. If you are in the eviction process, then they can make a partial payment to stop it. Article warning the use of these methods found here.

    It just seems more like a headache and it's too risky. There are apps you can use like Cozi and Tellus. Tellus, I know has a free Autopay feature because my mom uses it for her properties.

    1Reply
  • Account Closed
    Investor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 861 posts · 1k+ votes
    7y
    My understanding is that you can get your money yanked back out via cozy as well. Someone here had posted about it happening months later IIRC.

    I do still use cozy tho, but also offer the option of cash dropoff at my bank. I do not collect in person or via mail.
    2Reply
  • Timothy VanWingerden
    Real Estate Broker · Lexington, KY · Member since 2017 · 131 posts · 129 votes
    7y

    I wouldn’t collect rent in person even though you live next door. You can have them put a check in your mailbox or just do an online payment. I use cozy.co and it’s great.

    3Reply
  • Anthony Rosa
    Rental Property Investor · New York City · Member since 2019 · 703 posts · 538 votes
    7y

    Why should a tenant have to be home at your convenience?

    If i were the tenant i wouldn't like "reminders" especially if i'm always on time. Creditors don't send monthly reminders unless you are very late.

    Maybe set up an alternative method of collecting rent and don't accept cash.

    This is what i do - At the end of each year, around 1st week of December, I give each tenant a booklet with 12 tear off payment slips; one for each month. Each slip has the tenants name, address, amount due (check or money order only), due date, late fee schedule and payment address. On each slip is also an alternative payment method for those that want to pay electronically.

    3Reply
  • Matthew Irish-JonesBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Buffalo, NY · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    7y
    Adrian Vega your diligence is commendable but, As your tenant explained it may be over the top and causing extra leg work. If you are an investor looking to build a portfolio you need to always ask yourself can I do this if I have 50 units? If not, you need to consider what business system can you implement now that will allow you to do this at 50+ units and still make sure you are collecting rent. I would suggest setting up multiple forms of payment options, electronic, check, Money order... and preferably never cash. When you move a tenant in give them the payment options as well as the late fees as Part of your move in packet. Now you have saved yourself time, added a level of professionalism to your business and created some emotional distance between you and your tenants. Last point... while you are automating your rent collection policy, automate your late fee and eviction policy too. On the 5th notice goes out in documented form no matter what. Never miss a late fee notice no matter what. Good luck!
    Irish Jones Realty4.947 Reviews
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    2Reply
  • Tanner Marsey
    Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2017 · 439 posts · 578 votes
    7y

    Set up a new method of collecting rent. Stop fraternizing with your tenants. Strictly business.

    7Reply
  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    7y

    @Adrian Vega  Try not to take it personally.  I wouldn't bother taking them to lunch as the landlord, if you all live in the same building and become friends, that's different.

    With cash it is harder as they need to make sure they get a receipt.  Talk to him and say you understand and you will leave it up to him to drop it off at your place WHEN you are home, so he can get a receipt.  Otherwise, tell him he's welcome to use direct payment. Most banks allow for etransfers.

    I've always assumed the 5 day grace period was for people mailing in their cheques or a period of time before you can give them notice.  Where I am, rent is due on the 1st, anything else is late.

    2Reply
  • Derrick E.
    Investor · The Creek, WV · Member since 2014 · 890 posts · 1k+ votes
    7y

    @Adrian Vega I recommend using Venmo to collect your rent payments. It's free and easy to use. On the first of the month I request rent from them through the app. Easy to do, reminds them, but not pressuring them. If I don't receive it by the 3rd then I get a hold of them to remind them. I love it and my tenants love it. So much easier than trying to coordinate a time to come pick up the rent and wasting your valuable time. 

    I'm also lenient with my tenants. I'm sure most landlords would say I'm crazy but if they are a good tenant and its rare then I have no problem with them paying rent a little late. One of my best tenants is paying rent on the 7th this month. He reached out and asked if he could do this because his paycheck fell weird this month. He's a great tenant who takes care of the place and always pays on time (sometimes early.) I told him absolutely no problem at all. 

    I think most landlords are to anal about some things. A good tenant is worth their weight in gold. Work with them, they will appreciate you and will stay longer. If the tenant takes care of the property and always pays my rent on time then I'm going to work with them when things come up. Have to remember that most like paycheck to paycheck. 

    7Reply
  • Lauren Kormylo
    Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ and Rehoboth Beach DE · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    7y
    I had a landlord once who insisted on picking up the rent every month, and it did make me feel like he didn't trust me. 
    I only have one rental, and all of my tenants have preferred to pay by check.  Because I live close by, I installed a locked dropbox near my side door, where they can drop off their check.
    0Reply
  • Jim K.
    Handyman · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    7y

    @Derrick E.

    I don't think you're crazy, Derrick. There's enough petty misery in the world without adding to it. I also think it has to do with the kind of properties we run.

    When you're working in C/D properties, half the stick-up-the-butt attitudes I see on this website just aren't worth it with a vetted tenant who generally pays on time and keeps the place up. When landlords buy and run properties with an expectation that the magic spreadsheet they ginned up for the properties absolutely has to work out each and every month, nothing good happens in the lower property classes.

    3Reply
  • Bonnie Williams
    Rental Property Investor · Nashville, TN · Member since 2018 · 20 posts · 17 votes
    7y

    @Adrian Vega Ugh! First, stop collecting rent. There are services. If you don’t want to go that route, it’s their responsibility to get it to you in time.

    But, for your specific incident, I would respond with a ‘Please don’t take offense. Since I come to pick up the money, I remind everyone so we can make other arrangements if someone will be unavailable. Going forward, I will not send the text but, rent is due on time. As a reminder, rent is due on the first. (If true) The 5 day grace period does let you go without a late fee but, the rent is late if paid after the first.’

    [Of course, he probably thinks ‘what’s the difference’ if there is no late fee. If that comes up, I would very nicely explain that paying late will affect any referral he tries to get from you down the road and, you can always play the card... ‘I have bills too,man.’]

    3Reply
  • Steve Vaughan
    Rental Property Investor · East Wenatchee, WA · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
    7y

    Whoa.  As a napper with dozens I can't imagine doing all the work you do in prep texts, scheduling, going over, chatting, writing a receipt etc just to get rent.  

    Not to mention the boundary infringement and distrust your tenants rightly feel.  Apologize to that one and blame it on inexperience as a LL. 

    Give them deposit slips to your business savings acct.  They deposit directly and can still use cash.  I have quite a few cash payers and they like walking into a bank, depositing and getting a receipt.  2 text to say rent is in but that's it. You can view your acct online to verify and transfer to your checking acct instantaneously or automatically.  Boom. 

    4Reply
  • Account Closed
    Rental Property Investor · Central, FL · Member since 2016 · 950 posts · 821 votes
    7y

    They are responsible to pay you.  Not sure about this grace period you talk of.  Rents for me is due on the first late on the second and late fees start on the fourth.  I’ve thought about adding a discount of 50 dollars to my rent if paid before the first (so 800 rent and 750 if paid before the first). That way they feel like they get a discount and I get to train my tenants.  

    1Reply
  • Mark S.Pro Member
    Rental Property Investor · KY · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 539 votes
    7y

    @Adrian Vega

    Why are you having dinner with your tenants? That seems to definitely blurr some lines. I have never even met my tenants and they live 8 hours away. They don’t have my number and I don’t have theirs. My property management teams take care of that, and a lot more, and deposit to my business account. Yeah, it costs a bit more to have a PM, but a good one is worth their weight in gold. Best (deductible) money you’ll (read: your tenants) ever spend. I sleep like a baby.

    1Reply
  • Michael Noto
    Real Estate Agent · Southington, CT · Member since 2008 · 5k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    7y

    @Adrian Vega Why not just have them leave it in your mailbox if you live on site or better yet get a mail slot cut out that goes right into your apartment so they can drop it right in?

    1Reply
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