What tools should every landlord have?
We believe technology is one of the best tools you can access as a landlord, and that’s because good tech can make your life easier. It can also make the rental process more efficient. Most importantly, it keeps your tenants happy.
Try these five tech tools to see what kind of a difference they make in leasing, managing, and maintaining your Fort Worth rental property.
1. Syndicated Marketing
You want to get your listing in front of as many prospective tenants as possible. Posting your pictures and your description on rental websites one-at-a-time will require several hours. Instead, create a single listing and then syndicate it across multiple platforms.
You can invest in this technology yourself or partner with a property manager. We already have this available to us, and it makes the marketing and leasing process much faster and less expensive.
2. Smart Locks for Self-Showings
Allow tenants to see available and vacant properties at times that are convenient for them, without waiting for your schedule to allow for it. Self-showing technology has made a big difference in the speed with which applications can be completed, tenants can be screened, and properties can be filled.
Try tools such as:
- Digital keys
- Smart locks
- Upgraded lockboxes
The process is simple and secure: you collect some identifying information from a potential tenant, and then give them access to the property they want to see for a limited amount of time.
3. Digital Rent Payments
Most tenants are not interested in writing out a check when it’s time to pay rent.
Be willing to collect rent electronically. As property managers, we have software that allows us to collect rent online, with a bank account or credit card. While you might not have access to the same technology, you can still download payment apps that allow for a quick transfer of funds.
You’ll find this helps you to get rent paid on time. There are fewer missed and late payments.
4. Online Accounting Software
Access to financial reports and accounting statements should be as easy as collecting rent.
Tracking the income and expenses associated with your rental property is a lot easier with good technology. You should have a software system in place that:
- Tracks when rent is received
- Provides accounting reports
- Generates financial statements
- Prepares for tax forms
- Notifies you when rent is late
Financial apps exist for landlords who don’t have a huge portfolio of properties but still like to keep track of their money.
5. Video Doorbells
Security and safety are important features in any rental home. Lately, video doorbells have grown in popularity, especially among single-family homes, condos, and townhouses. It helps your tenants to see who is at the door before they decide to answer it. Delivered packages can be tracked.
These are five great investments in technology that will make your life as a landlord easier. We’d be happy to offer some additional advice on technology or anything pertaining to local property management. Please contact us at Trend Property & Management. We’re here to help with all your Fort Worth property management needs. We also serve Keller, Saginaw, Hurst, and the surrounding areas.
Jason Zimmerman
Jessica Schirmeister