In Belgium
The automatic reminder is a key feature of online rental management software. It allows the landlord to configure automated reminders sent to tenants with late payments, without manual intervention.
The objective is to detect and address rent arrears as early as possible. Statistics show that a reminder sent within the first 5 days of delay recovers over 80% of unpaid rent without further action.
How it works
Configuration. The landlord sets the parameters in the software:
- Trigger day: number of days after the due date (e.g. day 5)
- Channel: email, SMS or both
- Tone: cordial for the first reminder, firmer for subsequent ones
- Escalation: automatic formal notice after a certain delay (e.g. day 15)
Detection. Via open banking or manual reconciliation, the software identifies rents not received by the due date.
Sending. The reminder is sent automatically, with the expected payment details (amount, reference, destination account). The tenant can pay directly by clicking a payment link.
Practical example
Sophie manages 3 apartments via an online platform. She configures reminders as follows:
- Day 5: cordial email reminder (“We have not yet received your rent for May…”)
- Day 15: firm email + SMS reminder
- Day 30: alert to the landlord for sending a formal notice by registered post
Since activating this feature, Sophie has found that 90% of delays are resolved within 5 days of the first reminder.
Key considerations
Tone and relationship. Reminders should remain courteous. An aggressive tone from the first delay can damage the landlord-tenant relationship. Most delays are due to forgetfulness, not bad faith.