My Rules of Rent Collection for Mobile Home Parks

[Logan M.]

Rent Collection can be one of the biggest pain points while trying to manage a mobile home park.

We have a few rules when it comes to rent collection that allows us to collect at a higher rate than the industry average.

Rules of Rent Collection

1. Never collect in person

2. Run payments via an online platform (We use Rent Manager)

3. Pay a constable or the Sheriff to deliver notices of non-payment 

4. Deliver notices on the 15th of every month

5. We try to work out payment plans with tenants and are mildly successful

What are some rules and trends you have regarding rent collection?

[Logan M.]

Quote from @Dave Rav:

Logan, some really good points and methods for rent collection.

We do much of the same.

We use online processor Schedule My Rent and pretty much make that the only way to pay.  Nice part about SMR is they accept money orders (which we know many MHP tenants like).

Never collect rent in person.  Been that way at least 8 years.  Read your post about the dangers of confronting tenants in default.  Happy to say we don't do that.  Automated online systems also are great with late fees and other fees.  It's automatic, doesn't give tenants chance to argue or give sob stories, and manage how payments applied. (Ours only allows payments in full - they can't bypass late fees).

As to delivering notices of NP, we send certified letters.  Nobody hand delivers.  Some cities or counties may require that though.

 I have found that most sheriffs are very affordable like $24 bucks and that holds up in court well.