When starting a new tenancy through RentBetter, your landlord or Rental Provider may ask you to make your first rent payment before your lease begins. On the RentBetter platform, this is called the 'Early First Payment'.
This guide explains how it works, and what you need to do to complete the payment.
In this article:
What is an Early First Payment?
An Early First Payment is when your landlord or Rental Provider requests that your first rent payment be processed before you move into the property.
This is a common scenario and is usually arranged so that the payment is settled in their account ahead of you receiving the keys and taking possession of the property.
How to Make an Early First Payment
Typically, your landlord or rental provider will set this up as part of the tenancy setup if it’s a requirement for them. Once you’ve added your payment method, you’ll be able to view and make the payment through the platform if your rent payments are being processed via RentBetter.
The early first payment step will appear on your tenant dashboard and you can complete the payment before the required due date by clicking on the 'Pay now' button:
Follow the steps to make the payment through your nominated bank account or card.
Once you have made the payment, the status will be updated, and you can view the details via your Rental Payments page:
The early first payment will show in the top section under 'First payment' and then your regular rental payment schedule will show below this under 'Regular payments'.
General FAQs
What happens if I don't make the early payment?
The early payment is a request from your landlord or rental provider to help ensure a smooth move-in process. If the payment isn’t made by the due date, it will roll into the regular payment schedule instead of being processed early.
Please be aware that if a payment isn't made by the due date, it may cause a delay to your move-in.
Can I change the early payment due date?
If you're not able to make the payment by the due date and need to request a different date, you can contact your landlord or rental provider directly to let them know and discuss alternate options.
Is the early payment processed automatically?
No - the early first payment is not automatically processed, you'll need to log into your RentBetter tenant account to click the 'Pay now' button on your early first payment to trigger the payment by the due date. If it is not made by the due date, the payment will be collected as part of the regular rent schedule instead.
Will my regular rent payments start early too?
No - after your early first payment, future rent payments will follow the payment schedule set in your tenancy agreement unless otherwise arranged with your landlord/rental provider.
Does the early first payment put me 'Ahead' of my payments?
No, the early first payment is a one-off payment covering the first rental period before you move in. Your next rent payment will be due at the start of the next rental period, after you’ve moved in and once that rental cycle begins.
The early payment doesn’t place your account in credit or advance - it simply ensures your tenancy starts with your first rental period paid in full.
Need further assistance?
Have more questions on rent payments? Reach out to our friendly team via the support chat or email info@rentbetter.com.au and we’ll be happy to help.