What is the best way to collect the application fee?

Question

I see a lot of folks talking about services that can collect the application fee AND do the screening, such as cozy.co. I have not looked deeply into these options.

That being said, I plan to submit my own screening via RentPrep, but I want to collect the fee and submit the background check myself. What are people using to actually collect the application fee that is not baked into the actual screening?

Thanks,

-Brian

Jennifer Rysdam · Answer

I just use SmartMove. They send the tenant an email, tenant clicks, pays online, and the info comes to me. I don't have to deal with any of the fees.

Account Closed · Answer

Mysmartmove you can make the applicant pay for it.  But are you talking about charging above and beyond the cost of the background check?  If so you can use zelle, PayPal, or any online payment processing system.

I only charge the amount for the background check so it’s a wash for me.  I don’t make money off of people applying.

Account Closed · Answer

@Brian Greeson for everything I only take money orders.

Jack B. · Answer

Mysmartmove you can make the applicant pay for it.  But are you talking about charging above and beyond the cost of the background check?  If so you can use zelle, PayPal, or any online payment processing system.

I only charge the amount for the background check so it’s a wash for me.  I don’t make money off of people applying.

I have people paypal the money usually. Some people are behind the times and on occasion I take a money order.

Brentin Trent · Answer

Account Closed that seems laborious and time intensive given I will want the fee prior to processing the application. Any online alternatives?

Brentin Trent · Answer

I like the idea of having the tenant fill out my application so I can check references, etc. I suppose I could do that and then also send them to rent prep or somewhere where they pay for their background screen

S Cutsail · Answer

@Brian Greeson Cozy makes them pay the app fee. Vts screening is great but they just changed the rule you have to have 100 plus units to use their service.

Matt M. · Answer

@Brian Greeson

My background check is $25 and due when they give me the application. Cash, money order, and I’ll even take a check for that only because if a $25 check bounces that’s a definite no..

Clint Shelley · Answer

@Brian Greeson

Smartmove for me too. I'm hands off except for the info. Easy and gives the applicant/tenants and me a layer of protection. Easy.

Clint

What is the best way to collect the application fee?

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