The verdict in three sentences
Tracking rent in cash and on spreadsheets leaves an arrears rate of 15 to 30 %, for lack of systematic follow-up. A property management app collects via mobile money (fees 1 to 1.5 %), issues the PDF receipt instantly and triggers reminders on day 3, 7 and 15 with no intervention. The result: arrears down to 8 to 12 % and -50 % admin time for the manager.
Excel/cash versus a management app
Managing 20 to 200 units by hand means chasing payments and receipts. The app turns reactive tracking into an automatic process.
| Criterion | Excel / cash tracking | Property management app |
|---|---|---|
| Arrears rate | 15 to 30 % | 8 to 12 % |
| Rent collection | Cash, site visits | Mobile money (1 to 1.5 %) |
| Receipt | Manual, delayed | Instant PDF |
| Arrears reminder | Random | Auto day 3 / 7 / 15 |
| Condition report | Paper | Timestamped photo |
| Admin time | Baseline | -50 % |
The manager's economics
Management commission runs between 5 and 10 % of rent. Cutting arrears and admin time directly improves the margin on that mandate.
| 2026 parameter (estimate) | Value |
|---|---|
| Units managed | 20 to 200 |
| Management commission | 5 to 10 % of rent |
| MoMo collection fee | 1 to 1.5 % |
| App cost (one-off) | Project fee |
| App cost (subscription) | Monthly plan |
| Reminder cadence | Day 3, 7, 15 |
Mini case study
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Ngozi manages 60 units in Lagos, average rent, commission 8 %. With 25 % arrears, part of her commission evaporates and she spends days chasing payments. She adopts an app on a modest monthly plan. Arrears fall to 10 %, reminders become automatic, and her admin time is halved: across 60 units, that is a large sum of rent secured every month for a marginal cost.
FAQ
How does the app reduce arrears? It sends automatic reminders on day 3, 7 and 15, with a mobile money payment link. This regularity moves the arrears rate from 15-30 % down to 8-12 % with no effort from the manager.
Are receipts really automatic? Yes, as soon as rent is collected, the PDF receipt is generated and sent to the tenant. You remove manual entry and disputes over payments received.
What fees on mobile money collection? Budget 1 to 1.5 % of the amount depending on the operator. It is easily offset by lower arrears and the end of trips to collect cash.
How much does the solution cost? Two models: a one-off project fee, or a monthly subscription depending on the number of units and modules (condition report, accounting).
Can I handle condition reports and charges? Yes, condition reports use timestamped photos and charges are split per unit. The full history stays centralised, which simplifies reporting to the owner.
Let's talk about your project. We build your rental management app with mobile money collection and automatic reminders. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
