Zillow Rental Manager is a comprehensive online platform designed to simplify and streamline property management tasks for landlords, particularly those managing small to medium-sized rental portfolios.
What Zillow Rental Manager Does
Zillow Rental Manager is tailored for self-managing landlords who want to handle their rental properties efficiently without the need for a full-service property management company. The platform integrates various essential tools to facilitate listing properties, screening tenants, collecting rent, and managing leases, all in one convenient interface.Key Features and Functionality
Property Listings
Zillow Rental Manager allows landlords to create and post rental listings that are automatically syndicated across Zillow, Trulia, and HotPads, ensuring wide exposure to a large audience of potential tenants. The first listing is free, but subsequent listings incur a fee of $9.99 per property per week.Tenant Screening
The platform offers built-in tenant screening tools, including credit checks, background checks, and eviction history reports. These reports are available for $29 per applicant, which can be paid by either the landlord or the tenant. This feature helps landlords quickly and efficiently vet prospective tenants.Rent Collection
Zillow Rental Manager enables online rent payments via credit card, debit card, or ACH (bank transfer). The platform supports auto-pay and payment history tracking, making it easier to manage payment records. However, there are transaction fees associated with credit card and debit card payments: 2.95% for credit cards and a $9.95 fee for debit cards.Applications and Leases
Landlords can create rental applications directly on the platform, which prospective tenants can fill out online. The platform also allows for the creation and customization of state-specific lease agreements, which can be electronically signed by tenants, streamlining the move-in process.Mobile Access
The Zillow mobile app provides landlords with the ability to manage their listings, tenant communications, and payments on the go, enhancing the convenience and flexibility of the platform.Additional Benefits
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform is designed to be easy to navigate, making it suitable for landlords with varying levels of technical expertise.
- Cost-Effective: Zillow Rental Manager operates on a “freemium” model, charging for specific services rather than a percentage of rental income, which can be more affordable than hiring a property manager.
- Legal Tools: The platform offers enforceable lease agreement templates that comply with state-specific laws and can be signed online for free.