Avail

“This product is a nightmare

Pros

I could not find any appealing features. Avail has managed to complicate something as simple as paying rent by adding unnecessary barriers. When it comes to online payments, I'd rather use PayPal, Venmo, or a straightforward bank transfer. Alternatively, I could use a check if I wanted the inconvenience of blackout payment dates.

Cons

This software was meant to simplify payment processes, but it actually makes them more complicated. Back in the day, paying rent was as simple as writing a check and handing it to the landlord, or even using online platforms like PayPal or Venmo. However, Avail has managed to complicate things to the point where I don't know when my payments will reach my landlord. For instance, today on 4/29/23, when I logged into the portal to pay my rent, I couldn't find the option to pay for 5/1/23. It's not a bank holiday or a weekend; it's just a regular Monday. With any other payment method, my rent would have been in my landlord's hands on time. If I had used PayPal or Venmo, my landlord would have received the money today, before the rent was due. This isn't the first time I've encountered this issue. The payment submission dates seem to shift without any apparent reason. Do I have to submit the payment request two days before or three? Do weekends not count? Are holidays off-limits? Why is Monday a blackout date?

“Poor customer service

Pros

Personally, I appreciate how easy it was for me to use, although it might not be as convenient for the person leasing from me.

Cons

The person leasing from me had to submit a photo holding a paper with today's date, but they didn't do it correctly, so the system rejected it. They tried again and got it right, but now their account is locked. No one answered the phone, and despite my attempts to help the tenant, I had to resort to the old-fashioned way and collect a check from them. I emailed the company, and the automated system provided some solutions, but that's not what I needed. I left messages asking for a callback, but no one returned my call. I initially liked this program, but I'm extremely disappointed with the customer service.

“Quick tracking and reminders

Pros

I easily track and manage income processing, late fee notifications, and send timely reminders to renters.

Cons

Generating a lease with this software is very complicated, and overall, understanding how the software works is incredibly difficult.