Bulk SMS for landlords: practical tips
Rent collection and building notices are routine messages that every tenant needs to see. SMS reaches them on any phone. A few habits make it work.
Keep one tenant list
Keep a spreadsheet with each tenant's name, phone, property, house number and rent. Update it when people move in or out, then import it as CSV. Tag tenants by building so notices go only to the people affected.
Rent reminders
- Send three to five days before the due date, and once on the day.
- Give the Paybill and the account to enter, usually the house number.
- Confirm payments with a short thank-you, so tenants have a record.
- Keep the tone polite. Leave arrears and disputes to a phone call.
Water, power and maintenance notices
Tell tenants what is happening, when, for how long and what to do, for example "please store water". Send the notice a day ahead where you can, and a short update when service is back.
Respect tenants' privacy
Tenants' numbers are personal data under the Data Protection Act. Use them for tenancy matters only, do not share them with third parties, and remove former tenants from your list.