Low Income Collections

[Greg Wilkerson]

A large portion of our rental portfolio consists of low-income tenants, most of which are participants of some sort of subsidized housing program. We constantly struggle with collections. I would really appreciate any ideas for mastering collections in the low-income area. Here are some of the things I am currently trying out to see if our % will increase:

(1) Include disclaimer on three day notice which states copy of notice was sent to housing authority 

(2)  Use a third party system which allows tenants to pay rent at 7-Eleven, Walgreens etc. This includes sending an invoice via snail mail before the first of the month.

(3)  Automated email sent via PropertyWare on the first of month reminding tenants of rent obligation

(4) Have our property manager call delinquent tenants on the first Friday after rent is considered late (payday) in attempt to collect

Any ideas, tips, hints etc. are greatly appreciated. Thanks!