How to Set Up Automatic Rent Payments (the Easy Way)
The single most annoying part of being a landlord isn't repairs or paperwork — it's the monthly ritual of wondering whether rent came in, then sending the awkward "hey, did you send it?" text. Automatic rent payments (autopay) make that disappear: your tenant authorizes it once, and rent collects itself every month after that. Here's exactly how to set it up — and why it's easier for your tenant than whatever they're doing now.
The short version: Pick a rent app that supports autopay, add your unit and bank, and invite your tenant. They get an email — nothing to download — tap the link, and enroll once. From then on, rent lands in your bank automatically and you get notified. Total setup: about 10 minutes for you, 2 minutes for them.
What "autopay" actually means for rent
Autopay just means your tenant gives one-time permission for rent to be pulled on a set schedule — the same way a gym membership or Netflix bill works. The key difference from Venmo or Zelle: it recurs on its own. Nobody has to remember anything each month. Good rent platforms run it over ACH (bank-to-bank transfer), which is the cheapest rail, with a card option if the tenant prefers.
How to set it up, step by step
1Add your unit and rent terms
In your rent app, create the unit and enter the basics: the rent amount, the due date, and how often it's due (monthly, weekly, whatever the lease says). This takes a minute per unit.
2Connect your bank for direct deposit
Link the bank account where you want rent to land. This is usually a quick, secure connection through a payments provider like Stripe — money deposits straight into your account, not a holding balance you have to cash out.
3Invite your tenant — they just get an email
This is the part landlords worry about and shouldn't. With a good rent app, your tenant doesn't download anything. They get an email (or text) with a secure link. No app store, no new account, no password to remember. That removes the friction that kills most "let's switch how we pay rent" conversations.
4Tenant enrolls in autopay once
Your tenant taps the link, picks how they want to pay (bank transfer or card), and turns on autopay. It takes about two minutes, and then they're done — for good. No monthly reminder to themselves, no risk of forgetting. Honestly, it's less work for them than sending a Venmo every month.
5That's it — rent collects itself
From here, rent is pulled on schedule and deposited automatically. You get a notification the moment it lands (and a heads-up if a payment ever fails), and every payment is recorded for taxes or any dispute. The monthly chase is gone.
What to look for in an autopay tool
- No app required for your tenant. If your tenant has to download and create an account, half of them won't. An email link is the difference.
- ACH (bank transfer) support. It's the cheapest way to move rent. A card option is nice for tenants who want it.
- Automatic late fees. So you're not chasing penalties by hand.
- Deposits to your own bank. Not a balance you have to remember to cash out.
- No subscription. You shouldn't pay a monthly fee just to collect your own rent.
"Will my tenant actually go for it?"
Almost always — because you're offering them something easier, not harder. Most tenants prefer autopay once they realize it means never thinking about rent again and never risking a late fee for forgetting. And since there's nothing to download, the ask is tiny: "You'll get an email, set it up once, done." If a tenant really wants to keep paying by card or a different method, good tools let them choose.
From the team at Purely Payments: we built this to make renting easier. You add a unit, your tenant gets an email and sets up autopay once (no app to download), and rent lands in your own bank automatically — with late fees, receipts, e-sign leases, and maintenance handled in one place. It's free for you as the landlord, no subscription, whether you've got one rental or a few dozen.
Set up autopay in minutes.
Your tenant gets an email, sets it up once, and rent collects itself. Free for landlords, no subscription.
FAQ
Does my tenant need to download an app to set up autopay?
No — with a tool like Purely Payments, they get an email with a secure link, tap it, and enroll. No app store, no account to create.
How long does setup take?
About 10 minutes for you to add a unit and connect your bank, and about 2 minutes for your tenant to enroll. After that it's automatic.
What if my tenant wants to pay by card instead of bank transfer?
Most tools let the tenant choose. Bank transfer (ACH) is cheapest, but a card option is there for tenants who prefer it.
Can I still charge a late fee with autopay?
Yes — and a good rent app applies and tracks late fees automatically, so you're not calculating and chasing them by hand.
Does autopay work if I have several units?
Yes. You set each unit up once, and they all run on autopilot — whether that's one rental or a few dozen.
This article is general information for landlords, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules on rent collection, late fees, and fee pass-through vary by state and city — consult a qualified professional for your situation.