Collecting rent online has become the preferred choice for many landlords, but choosing the right app makes all the difference. A reliable rent payment platform simplifies rent collection, reduces errors, and enhances convenience for both landlords and tenants. This guide will outline key features to look for in a rent payment app and compare the best platforms available in 2025.

Key Benefits of Rent Payment Apps

1. Automate Rent Payments to Avoid Late Fees

Automated payments help tenants pay on time, reducing delays and eliminating manual reminders. This ensures a steady cash flow for landlords and removes the hassle of chasing tenants for rent.

2. Reduce Manual Stress Through Efficient Payment Tracking

Tracking payments digitally minimises paperwork and prevents rent disputes. With automated records, landlords can easily track overdue payments and generate reports without manual intervention.

3. Enhance Convenience for Landlords and Tenants

Digital rent payments offer security and flexibility with multiple payment options. Tenants can pay rent from anywhere at any time, while landlords can receive notifications of successful transactions instantly.

Must-Have Features for Rent Payment Apps

These essential features every property manager looks for while renting payment apps:

• Automated rent reminders: A good platform enables tenants to schedule recurring payments and receive automated rent reminders, reducing late or missed payments.

• Multiple payment options: The app should allow tenants to pay via various methods, including bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and digital wallets, for flexibility.

• Affordable transaction fees: Lower fees benefit both landlords and tenants. Ideally, fees should not exceed much; that could affect the ROI.

• Standard payment processing times: Most platforms process payments within 3-5 business days. Some apps offer expedited processing for quicker payouts.

• Rent Payment reporting to credit bureaus: Renters benefit from credit score improvements when timely rent payments are reported to credit bureaus.

• Blocking partial payments: Some apps block partial payments to prevent complications during evictions, ensuring tenants meet full rent obligations.

• Automated late fees: Apps that automatically calculate and apply late fees help enforce lease terms without landlord intervention.

• Secure transactions: Bank-grade encryption ensures sensitive tenant and landlord data remains secure, building trust.

• Lease agreement integration: Apps that sync lease agreements with rent collection ensure tenants understand their obligations and lease terms.

• Income and expense tracking tools: Automated financial tracking simplifies accounting by categorising rent income and property-related expenses.

• Reliable customer support: Accessible customer support ensures timely issue resolution and helps landlords make the most of the platform.

Best Rent Payment App Platforms for Landlords in 2025

There are many ways to collect rent, and one easy option is using property management software with a rent collection tool. These platforms usually have different integrations to address all areas of rental property management, which is a great option for landlords.

Here are the top platforms to consider.

Crib

Crib is a powerful property management app tailored for landlords in India. The platform ensures secure and fast processing, allowing landlords to receive payments directly into their bank accounts within seconds. It simplifies rent collection, accounting, tenant communication, and overall property management.

Key Features:

• Automatic Rent Reminders: Crib sends rent reminders to tenants on the due date. Each reminder includes a unique payment link to ensure timely payments.

• Multiple Payment Options: It accepts multiple payment methods, such as Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay, credit cards, debit cards, and net banking, making payments easy for tenants.

• Instant Payment Receipt: When a tenant pays rent using the Crib payment link, they receive an HRA-compliant rent receipt instantly via WhatsApp.

• Instant Settlement in Owner’s Account: The rent is settled directly into the linked bank account of the owner within an average of 8 seconds.

• Reward on Rent Payment: Tenants receive a unique reward when they pay rent using the Crib app or payment link.

• Split Payments for Roommates: Roommates can split payments so that each individual pays their share, reducing the risk of late or incomplete payments.

Zillow Rental Manager

Zillow Rental Manager is another tool for landlords, providing end-to-end solutions for marketing properties, screening tenants, and collecting rent online. Built by Zillow, this platform allows landlords to manage properties efficiently while giving tenants a seamless way to pay rent and manage their rental obligations.

Key Rent Collection Features

• Automated Rent Collection: Landlords can set up recurring payments while tenants receive automated reminders to ensure payments are on time.

• Flexible Payment Methods: Tenants can pay rent, deposits, and other fees using multiple payment options, including debit cards, credit cards, and ACH bank transfers.

• Standard Payment Processing: Money can take up to five business days to deposit into your account, depending on the renter’s payment method.

Rentec Direct

With features like online rent collection, tenant portals, and accounting tools, Rentec Direct simplifies rent payment processing while offering flexibility for landlords and tenants. 

The platform does require a basic subscription to access its rent collection tools, which can quickly become expensive depending on the number of rental properties owned.

Key Rent Collection Features

• Flexible Payment Methods: Tenants can pay rent using ACH transfers, credit cards, debit cards, and electronic cash.

• Electronic Cash Payments: Rentec Direct supports cash payments at select locations, with subscription startings at $45 per month.

• Rent Reporting Tool: Renters can report their on-time rent payments with their RentReporters integration. This feature is available to all Rentec Direct PM and Pro clients for free.

• Late Fee Automation: Set up automated late fees to take the manual work out of this step.

• Accept Full or Partial Payments: Landlords can decide to accept full or partial rent payments.

• Accounting Tool Integration: All payments are automatically recorded in Rentec Direct’s accounting tools to easily manage income and expenses.

Buildium

Buildium is a property management software designed for landlords and property managers handling residential, association, and commercial properties. It offers online rent collection, automated reminders, and financial tracking tools. While Buildium provides useful features, its pricing may not be suitable for small landlords or those looking for a lower-cost option.

Key Rent Collection Features

• Flexible Payment Methods: Tenants can pay rent, fees, and deposits using ACH bank transfers, e-checks, cash payments, credit cards, and debit cards.

• Electronic Cash Payments: Buildium partners with PayNearMe to allow renters to pay rent via electronic cash payments.

• Late Fee Charging: Charge late fees after grace periods have officially passed.

• Partial Payment Control: Landlords can accept or block partial payments, giving them full control over rent collection in cases such as eviction proceedings.

• Accounting Tool Access: Rent payments automatically sync to Buildium’s accounting dashboard to provide a detailed overview of income, expenses, and payment history for easy financial management and tax preparation.

NoBroker Pay

NoBroker is an app for rent payment that primarily focuses on enabling property rents and sales without brokers. It has a payment option called NoBroker Pay incorporated into it. Tenants may use the NoBroker app to pay their landlords directly for rent without having to pay any transaction fees. The platform gives customers the ability to choose from a variety of payment methods while providing a smooth and safe payment experience.

Key Rent Collection Features

• Subscription Fee: NoBroker Pay doesn't charge users any subscription fees. It's a free service provided within the NoBroker platform.

• Zero Transaction Fees: Rent payments are free of additional charges.

• Seamless Integration: NoBroker Pay works within the NoBroker ecosystem for easy property and rent management.

• Multiple Payment Options: Users can pay using UPI, cards, and net banking.

• Secure Transactions: Payments are protected through encryption and authentication for added security.

Choosing the right rent payment platform depends on your needs as a landlord. Select the one that best fits your rental business.

Why Crib is the Best Rent Payment App for Landlords

Collecting rent doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right rent payment app, you can make the process smoother and more reliable. Crib helps landlords get paid on time without the stress of chasing payments. Whether you want to automate rent collection or simplify the entire rental process, Crib makes it easy.

Sign up for a free account today and start collecting rent, security deposits, and move-in fees—all in one place.

FAQ’s

Q1: Are mobile applications for paying rent secure and safe?

Yes, rent payment apps use encryption and security measures to protect transactions. Most apps follow banking-level security standards to keep tenant and landlord data safe. Always use trusted apps with secure payment gateways to prevent fraud and unauthorised access to your financial details.

Q2: Do these applications have any costs associated with paying rent?

Some rent payment apps charge fees for credit card transactions or expedited transfers. While others may include subscription costs for additional features. Always check the app’s fee structure before using it to avoid unexpected charges.

Q3: How should I proceed if there are problems making a rent payment?

If you face issues making a rent payment, check your internet connection and payment details first. If the issue persists, contact the app’s customer support for help. You may also inform your landlord and try an alternative payment method if necessary.