How Are Landlords and Tenants Working Towards Frictionless On-Time Payments in 2026  

Written by Dylan Szeto and Derek Rosenberger

Late rent payments are one of the most common pain points for landlords. They disrupt cash flow, create administrative work, and can strain tenant relationships. A recent RentRedi survey found that automatic rent reminders are the top aid for both landlords and tenants when it comes to on-time rent payments.

Over 50% of landlords named automatic rent reminders as their tool for encouraging on-time payments, and a plurality of tenants (41%) said automatic reminders are the most helpful tool for remembering to pay rent before their late fee kicks in. 

Although automatic rent reminders are usually held in high regard in terms of increasing frictionless rent collection, the question still lingers: “What is the true benefit of using rent reminders to increase on-time payments?” To answer this question, RentRedi analyzed payment behavior for tenants who missed their initial due date to see what were good indicators that a tenant would pay in the days between when their rent was initially due and the time before their late fee kicked in, otherwise known as the “grace period”. 

What the RentRedi Data Shows About Rent Reminders

After accounting for other behaviors such as prior lateness, autopay enrollment, and rent amounts, RentRedi data found that tenants who did not receive rent reminders were 27% less likely to pay within their rent payment grace period. RentRedi’s study focused on tenants who had already missed their initial due date, since most rent reminders are sent either on the due date or after the due date.

Overall, 58% of tenants who missed their initial due date—but received a rent reminder—ended up paying their rent on-time, compared to 38% of tenants who did not receive a rent reminder. 

How Landlords Can Practice Smart Rental Operations

Late payments can potentially disrupt cash flow and create more administrative work for landlords. Based on RentRedi’s research, landlords can adopt these smart rental management strategies to improve rent collection and on-time payments:

• Emphasizing reminders as a first step before late fees or formal notices: Reminders can act as a grace-period tool that can remind tenants that they have missed their due date
• Pay attention to reminder disengagement: Tenants who turn off reminders may need closer monitoring 
• Combine reminders with proactive outreach: When reminders alone aren’t enough, timely personal communication or payment flexibility may prevent deeper arrears

How to Use Automatic Rent Reminders to Increase On-Time Payments

RentRedi’s automatic rent reminders are built to support each of these steps without adding extra work for landlords. You can schedule reminders before and after the due date so tenants stay aware as payment time approaches, and if they miss it. 

Messages stay consistent and neutral, reinforcing expectations without escalating tension. Engagement is visible, so you can quickly see which tenants are responsive and which may need a personal follow-up. 

And when reminders alone aren’t enough, you still stay in control — stepping in early with a direct message or flexible solution before a missed payment becomes a bigger problem. The result is steadier cash flow, fewer late payments, and a rent collection process that runs with intention instead of urgency.

Why Automatic Rent Reminders Are a Smart Move for Landlords

By automating rent reminders, landlords create a system that supports higher on-time payment rates while reducing the manual work that comes with chasing rent. 

Proactive reminders give tenants a clear, timely nudge to stay on track — and many say it’s the most helpful tool for remembering to pay before a late fee ever becomes an issue. That shared clarity benefits both sides: tenants feel supported, and landlords gain steadier cash flow, fewer follow-ups, and more predictable operations. 

Automatic rent reminders aren’t just a convenience — they’re a smarter way to run a stronger, more resilient rental business.