Entering Total Amount Due vs. Paid Amount

The payment form in Landager asks for two separate dollar amounts. Understanding the distinction between them is critical for accurate financial reporting.

Total Amount Due

This is the theoretical number: what the tenant was supposed to pay.

It includes the base rent from their Lease, plus any additional charges you add:

• Base Rent: e.g., $1,200
• Late Fee: e.g., $50 (if applicable)
• Maintenance Charge: e.g., $150 (if the tenant is being billed for a repair)

Total Amount Due = $1,400

Paid Amount

This is the empirical number: what the tenant actually handed you.

• If they paid in full: Paid Amount = $1,400 ✅
• If they could only pay part: Paid Amount = $800 (a Partial Payment)
• If they overpaid accidentally: Paid Amount = $1,500

Why Track Both?

Scenario 1: Identifying Shortfalls

If the Due Amount is $1,400 but the Paid Amount is $800, the system has a clear $600 gap documented. You now have a defined collection target for follow-up.

Scenario 2: Audit-Ready Records

If the IRS audits your rental income, you can prove the exact discrepancy between what was owed and what was collected. This level of precision demonstrates professional record-keeping.

Scenario 3: Tracking Overpayments

If a tenant sends a $1,500 bank transfer, but they only owe $1,200, typing both figures into the system documents the $300 excess. You can then add a note: "Applied $300 credit toward next month's rent."

Best Practice

Always fill in both fields, even when they are identical. Do not leave the "Total Amount Due" at zero and only fill in the "Paid Amount." The Due field provides the mathematical baseline that makes your collection rate percentage meaningful across your entire portfolio.