Collecting rent sounds simple—until it’s late.
Missed payments can quickly cause financial pressure, especially if you rely on rental income to cover your mortgage or personal bills. Whether you’re a landlord in Romford, Barking, Ilford, or anywhere in Essex or East London, late rent is more than an inconvenience—it’s a risk.
This guide breaks down the most effective ways to collect rent, what to avoid, and how ABC Gone’s Guaranteed Rent gives landlords peace of mind.
What You Need Before You Start Collecting Rent
Before you set up rent collection, make sure your property and legal documents are in order. This protects you from disputes later on.
As a landlord, you must provide:
- A signed tenancy agreement with payment dates
- An EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
- A Gas Safety Certificate
- An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
- Deposit registration in a government-approved scheme
- The latest “How to Rent” guide
- Proof of the tenant’s right to rent in the UK
Covering the basics gives you a strong legal foundation and reduces rent-related issues.
When Should Rent Be Paid?
Most landlords ask for rent monthly in advance. Common setups include:
- First of the month
- Anniversary of move-in date
- Pro-rata for first month, if tenants move in mid-month
Your tenancy agreement must clearly state the due date. If not, tenants could legally pay in arrears—which can throw off your cash flow.
Common Rent Collection Methods (And Their Problems)
There are several ways to collect rent—but not all of them are reliable.
1. Direct Debit
Pros | Cons |
Automated | Requires setup and tenant approval |
Easy to track | No notice if cancelled |
Can adjust amounts |
2. Standing Order
Pros | Cons |
Simple and widely used | Fixed amount and date |
No extra fees | No alert if cancelled |
Easy to check via online banking |
3. Bank Transfer (Manual)
Pros | Cons |
No setup needed | Tenant must remember to pay |
Works with any bank account | High chance of delays |
4. Cash
Pros | Cons |
Immediate | No payment trail |
No processing delays | Inconvenient and insecure |
Doesn’t scale across multiple properties |
The Problem with DIY Rent Collection
Even if you’ve automated payments, you’re still exposed to risk:
- What if the tenant cancels a standing order?
- What if they delay because of financial problems?
- What if you have to chase rent or threaten legal action?
This is where things get stressful.
The Best Way to Collect Rent (And Sleep at Night)
Let someone else handle it.
Landlords across Essex and East London are turning to ABC Gone’s Guaranteed Rent Scheme.
Here’s how it works:
- We pay you—every month—no matter what
- Payment starts 14 days after signing the agreement
- Even if the tenant hasn’t paid yet, you still get paid
- We source, vet, and manage tenants
- We handle rent collection, compliance, maintenance, and inspections
Everything in One Place: The ABC Gone Landlord Hub

We don’t just pay you—we give you full visibility.
Inside your ABC Gone Hub, you can:
- View and download rent statements (great for tax season)
- Track rent payments and tenant details
- Monitor compliance deadlines and renewals
- See maintenance status and inspection results
- Get real-time SMS and email alerts when your rent is paid
It’s your full property portfolio—on one screen.
Why Landlords Choose ABC Gone
- No more chasing tenants
- No late rent anxiety
- No surprise voids
- No compliance confusion
- No maintenance headaches
We make being a landlord feel easy—because it should be.
Final Word: Protect Your Income, Not Just Your Property
There are plenty of rent collection apps, platforms, and agencies out there.
But most only help after the tenant pays.
At ABC Gone, we take the risk off your shoulders.
You get paid. Always.
That’s what Guaranteed Rent really means.
Ready to stop chasing rent?
Call us today on 02085 530645
Or Book a Free Valuation to get started.