Payment Methods Explained

When recording a rent payment, you select the Payment Method to document exactly how the money physically changed hands.

The Five Available Methods

1. Cash

The tenant physically handed you paper currency or coins.

Best Practice: When accepting cash, immediately write a receipt note in the payment record (e.g., "Received $1,200 cash in person at Unit 4B, counted in front of tenant"). Cash is the hardest method to prove in a dispute.

2. Check

The tenant provided a personal check, cashier's check, or money order.

Best Practice: Record the check number in the Notes field (e.g., "Check #4521, First National Bank"). If the check bounces, you'll have the exact reference number for your bank to investigate.

3. Bank Transfer

The tenant sent money electronically via ACH, wire transfer, or direct deposit.

Best Practice: Record the transaction confirmation number in the Notes field. This is the most traceable method and the easiest to prove in a dispute.

4. Online

The tenant paid through a third-party digital payment service (Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, CashApp, etc.).

Best Practice: Screenshot the payment confirmation from the app and note the transaction ID. Many online payment apps have weak dispute resolution processes, so having your own records in Landager is critical insurance.

5. Other

Any payment method that doesn't fit the above categories (e.g., barter arrangements, cryptocurrency, or payment through a property management intermediary).

Best Practice: Always use the Notes field to explain exactly what "Other" means for this specific transaction.

Why Method Tracking Matters

Over time, the Payment Method field allows you to analyze your tenants' financial behavior patterns. If a reliable tenant who always paid via Bank Transfer suddenly switches to Cash, it might signal a change in their financial situation worth monitoring.

The method data also appears on exported reports, giving your CPA a complete picture of your income sources.