Last modified on July 11th, 2024
By APM Help

Are inconsistent trust accounting practices a source of anxiety? We all know rent pays the bills, but it’s critical to keep it separate from your own funds. Trust account issues can expose your business to unnecessary risk, causing more stress and urgency than a late-night maintenance call. Keep reading to learn how to keep your accounts clean and organized to avoid confusion and build trust with your owners. We’ll show you the secrets to trust account magic and turn you into a property management rockstar.

The Importance of Trust Accounts

A trust account is a separate bank account used exclusively to hold security deposits and rent payments collected from renters on behalf of property owners. Maintaining accurate trust accounts is not only ethical but also a legal requirement. Trust account regulations vary by state but generally require property managers to:

• Deposit all security deposits and rent payments into the trust account within a specific timeframe (usually within a few business days of collection)
• Disburse funds from the trust account only for authorized purposes, such as repairs, owner distributions, or refunds to residents upon move-out
• Maintain clear and accurate records of all trust account transactions

Failing to comply with trust account regulations can lead to serious consequences, including fines, penalties, and even license revocation. More importantly, it can damage your reputation and erode trust with your clients. By maintaining meticulous trust accounts, you demonstrate professionalism and build a solid foundation of trust with property owners.

Keeping Your Accounts Organized

Keeping trust accounts clean and organized is essential for building trust with property owners and ensuring financial transparency. Here are some key practices to maintain your trust accounts:

1. ) Maintain separate bank statements: Establish a dedicated bank account solely for trust funds. This will make it easier to track deposits, withdrawals, and account balances.
2. ) Document transactions meticulously: Create a system for numbering and referencing all trust account transactions. This could involve keeping a transaction log or using your accounting software’s built-in features.
3. ) Maintain a clear audit trail: Retain copies of all receipts, invoices, and bank statements related to trust account activity. This ensures you have a clear record of all transactions in case of an audit.
4. ) Utilize appropriate accounting software: Use dedicated accounting systems or software to track trust account transactions accurately. This can help prevent errors and streamline record-keeping.

By implementing these practices, you can ensure transparency and accuracy in your financial management.

Building Trust With Owners

Diligent trust account management is essential for building strong relationships with property owners. Here’s how:

1. ) Transparency and accuracy: Transparent and accurate financial reporting demonstrates your commitment to responsible financial management. Regular statements detailing all trust account activity, along with breakdowns of income and expenses, keep owners informed and build trust.
2. ) Open communication: Maintain open communication with owners regarding trust accounts. Be prepared to answer any questions they may have and address any concerns promptly. Providing regular educational resources about trust accounting procedures can further build confidence and strengthen credibility.

By maintaining accurate records and being transparent, you can assure owners that their funds are being managed responsibly and grow a positive working relationship.

How Property Management Software Can Help

While following best practices is essential, property management software can significantly streamline trust account management. Effective use of software is key to building a scalable and sustainable property management company. Here’s how:

1. ) Automated transactions: Many software programs automate routine tasks such as making deposits and withdrawals and generating reports. This reduces the risk of human error and frees up your time to focus on higher-level tasks.
2. ) Improved record-keeping: Software facilitates the organization and storage of all your trust account documentation. Electronic records are easily searchable and readily available for audits.
3. ) Integrated accounting: Some software integrates with existing accounting systems, allowing for seamless data transfer and reducing the need for manual data entry. This saves time and ensures consistency across your financial records.
4. ) Enhanced reporting: Property management software offers robust reporting capabilities, including trust account balance reports. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of owner balances and can be customized to identify potential commingling issues or negative balances.

Regular use of property management software not only streamlines operations but also provides valuable insights into trust account activity, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing trust with property owners.

Regular Reconciliation

Property managers should also establish a routine for reconciling their trust accounts. This involves comparing your bank statements with your internal records to ensure they match. Regular reconciliation helps identify any discrepancies or errors early on, allowing for prompt correction.

Addressing Negative Balances

It’s important to have a process for identifying and resolving negative balances in your trust accounts. Here are some general best practices:

• Communicate with the owner: Discuss the negative balance with the owner and see if they can contribute funds to make the account current.
• Transfer funds between owner properties (with permission): If the owner has other properties with excess funds, you may be able to transfer funds with their permission to resolve the negative balance.
• Have a clear company policy: Develop a clear company policy for handling situations where the owner is unable to resolve the negative balance. This policy should outline the steps the company will take to protect itself and ensure compliance with regulations.

Cleanliness Is Key

By following the best practices outlined above and leveraging the capabilities of property management software, you can significantly reduce the stress and anxiety associated with trust account management. Clean and organized trust accounts not only ensure compliance with regulations but also build trust and strengthen your relationships with property owners.

Download AppFolio’s free guide below to learn more about improving your accounting and reporting operations. 

About APM Help

AppFolio partners with the top proptech solutions and accounting and consulting advisers in the market, such as APM Help, to give your business a competitive edge while enhancing productivity and improving the resident experience. APM Help assists property managers in organizing their property books and keeping them clean while adhering to trust compliance regulations in each state.