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River Oaks
River Oaks

Rent Payments: What to Know About Paying Online and Flexible Payments

How can you pay rent for your apartment? There are many different methods for paying rent, and your available options depend on where you live. Each apartment manager determines how rent can be paid and how many payment options you can choose from. 

Once, paying rent with cash or checks was the only option. Today, the vast majority of people pay their rent online through a resident portal. Some apartments even offer flexible payments, paid in smaller amounts throughout the month. Learning about the latest trends in online and flexible payments can help you find the best apartment for your lifestyle and navigate new payment options when you find a new apartment.

How to Pay Rent: Do Your Research

The most important thing to know about paying apartment rent is that each apartment is different. Always check with the apartment manager to determine which rent payment methods are available, the best way to pay rent, and if there is a fee involved. Rent payment processing fees are common, but there may be a preferred payment method that does not charge a fee.

Be sure to ask ahead before signing the lease so you know how you are expected to pay rent and if there are fees involved.

 

Common Types of Apartment Rent Payment Options

Rent for an apartment is typically paid through an online payment portal, though some communities do still accept cash. Online payments open the door to payment automation, and some apartments also have flexible payment programs.

Cash Payments

While many apartments don't accept cash payments, including River Oaks, its possible some apartments will. When it comes time to move-in, typically a cashier's check is required. If you need a cashier's check, it's important to plan ahead so you're able to have this when you move, it's simple and just requires visiting your bank and having a special check created. It is similar to cash and does not require you to own a checkbook.

a woman holding money in her hands

Flexible Payments

Flexible payments allow you to pay your rent in smaller payments during the month. Depending on your apartment, flexible payments are usually paid online, using a program like Flex.

Online Payments

Online payments make it possible to use a payment card, though apartments often prefer that you directly connect your bank account for greater payment security. Once you set up online payments through a resident portal, you can also automate payments so that you never forget and your rent is never late.

  • Bank Account
  • Debit Card
  • Credit Card
  • Rent Automation
a laptop computer sitting on a desk with a notebook and a coffee cup

Rent Payment Options at River Oaks

River Oaks Apartments in Kentwood provide a wide variety of rent payment options to accomodate the different needs and lifestyles of our residents. We reccomend online payments through the resident portal, and can accept payments at any time including holidays and office closures. Rent payments are not made in the office, and should be handled through one of our payment partners or platforms.

All rent payments must either be online through the resident portal, through Zego (cash options) or Flex (flexible payments). The exception is payment on move-in day in which cashier's checks may be accepted.

Resident Portal Online Payments

River Oaks offers a secure resident portal where you can make online rent payments easily. The best way to pay rent online is to connect your bank account and schedule rent payments directly. This method is secure, reliable, and easy to do. Once you have connected a bank account, you can pay monthly or you can set up auto pay to ensure you never miss a rent payment day.

Zego: Credit, Cash, and Check Payments

Zego is our secondary payment processing service. They offer two payment services, CashPay and PayLease. PayLease allows you to pay by credit or debit card online. CashPay allows you to use a local shop (ex: Walmart) to pay your rent in person using a cash method. Get an account number from the lease office to use Zego rent payment options.

PayLease

  • Pay online through the Zego platform
  • Pay by credit card or debit card

CashPay

  • Pay in cash, check, cashier's check, or money order
  • Visit a local vendor (ex: any Walmart) to pay rent in cash
  • Use an account number provided by the lease office.
a man typing on a laptop computer while holding a credit card

Flex - Flexible Payments

Flex is our flexible rent payment option, allowing residents to pay rent in smaller installations during the month. This can make rent payments easier and more affordable for those living on a weekly income. However, flex payments do charge a percentage fee.

 

When is Rent Late vs On-Time?

At River Oaks, rent should be paid on the first of each month. A late fee is automatically charged if rent is not paid by the 5th of each month, excluding Flex residents who will have a different payment schedule. On-time rent and late fee policies apply universally, and holidays or closed office dates are not considered, as payments can be made online on these days.

 

Pay Rent Your Way at River Oaks Apartments

At River Oaks Apartments in Kentwood, we strive to provide our residents with a wide range of payment options to suit your needs. Adapt your rent payment methods to your lifestyle with options to pay rent online or even flexible rent payments. Contact us with any questions you may have or to inquire about availability.

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