How to collect rent
Put the amount, due date, grace period and accepted payment methods in the lease, collect electronically where you can, give a receipt for every payment, and record each one in a tenant ledger the same day. Be careful with partial rent: in some states accepting it can affect an eviction you’ve already started.
Payment methods compared
| Method | Pros | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Bank transfer (ACH) | Cheap, traceable, can be automatic | Takes 1–3 business days |
| Zelle or Venmo | Instant, free for most users | Daily limits; check business-use terms |
| Check | Familiar, paper trail | Can bounce; trips to the bank |
| Money order | Can’t bounce | Tenant pays a fee; fakes exist |
| Cash | No fees | Always give a receipt; some states require it |
| Online rent portal | Reminders and autopay | Monthly or per-payment fees |
California requires landlords to allow at least one way to pay that isn’t cash or an electronic funds transfer, unless the tenant has bounced a check before.
Receipts
Give a rent receipt for cash and money orders, and on request for other payments. Some states, including New York, require receipts for payments not made by personal check. A receipt with the date, amount, period and balance avoids disputes later.
Partial rent
Accepting partial rent is often fine, but record it clearly and say in writing that the rest is still due. In some states, accepting any rent after serving a notice or filing an eviction can waive or restart it. Check your state’s rules before taking money during an eviction.
When rent is late
- Send a friendly reminder the day after the due date.
- After the grace period, add the late fee your lease allows.
- Send a formal late rent notice or pay-or-quit notice that follows your state’s notice period.
- Keep the tenant ledger current; it’s your evidence if it goes to court.
Record every payment in seconds. RentLedger HQ logs each payment with method (cash, check, money order, Zelle, Venmo, bank transfer, card), prints a numbered receipt and shows each tenant’s balance. Pro posts rent for all tenants and adds late fees after the grace period. $7 a month.
Open the tenant ledgerQuestions
Can I require tenants to pay online?
In most states, yes, if the lease says so. California and some other places require at least one non-electronic option.
Should I accept cash?
If you do, always give a receipt and deposit it promptly. Many landlords avoid cash for safety and record-keeping reasons.
What date counts as paid?
Say it in the lease: for example, the date funds arrive, or the postmark date for mailed checks.
Checked against California Civil Code § 1947.3 and New York Real Property Law § 235-e, November 2026. State and local rules vary.