Think that accepting credit cards from your tenants is a big hassle? Times have changed, and now anybody with a bank account and e-mail address can accept plastic. It’s not difficult.

PayPal changed all the rules. Before PayPal, vendors faced multiple hurdles if they wanted to accept credit and debit cards. No more!

First, let’s clear up a common misconception: Customers don’t need a PayPal account to pay via PayPal. PayPal accepts all major credit and debit cards, and their fee is approximately 3% of the transaction.

Here’s how to start:

1. Go to www.paypal.com, register as a "Premier Account" and log in.

2. "Get Verified" so you can transfer funds to your checking account.

You’ll want to "Add Bank Account" so you can transfer funds from PayPal.

Follow the instructions carefully. Once you have provided your account information, PayPal will make two small (pennies) deposits into your account. When those deposits are recorded by your bank, you will return to PayPal and confirm the deposit amounts.

This is how PayPal knows the account is valid and you are the owner, and the process will take a few days to complete.

You may also want to "Confirm phone" by following the online instructions.

If you have a web site, have your web programmer create a Pay Now button on your site (your programmer does not need your confidential information to do this). When your tenant makes a payment you receive an e-mail notification (you’ll be able to tell who paid).