I can't believe you Americans don't use direct debits.

I suggest you make a contract where the seller pays for an appraisal and closing costs except for your pre-paids.

All new tenants after the first few were required to sign up for rent payment by direct debit from their checking account on the first of the month.

The Minimum Required Funds (“MRF”) are funds you must have available to pay costs associated with the purchase of the property, pre-paid expenses at closing and a reserve for costs once you close.

They allow as much as 3% of the closing costs and prepaid taxes to be paid by the seller.

[removed, not relevant]... the landlord shall furnish the tenant, by personal delivery or by first-class mail, postage prepaid, a copy of an itemized statement...My understanding of the above is the landlord has a full 21 days before sending the statement by mail.

@Mike ReynoldsTexas has zero restrictions at all with pre-paid rent or depositsYou can literally put it all on Justify to win the Triple Crown if you wantDisclaimer:  NO that is not sound financial advise !

I get separate checks and business debit cards as well for all the accounts as well, I find this to be the easiest way to organize everything and make life super easy at the end.

I do what @Teresa F. does with roommates, and even married couples - one point of contact for the auto-debit of the rent, for return of the security deposit and for all service calls.

They get paid on prepaid debit card..