This manual guides you through using Aargh Software’s CSV2EFT tool to process Pre-Authorized Payments (PAP) in Rent Manager. Follow the steps below to set up, process, and manage PAP transactions efficiently.
Resident Setup #
1. Configure PAP Charges #
- Add a PAP Charge to Tenant Ledgers:
- Create a recurring PAP charge with a $0 amount for each tenant.
- Add this to the tenant’s recurring charges in Rent Manager.
- Recommendation: Avoid setting an end date until the tenant cancels PAP.
- Enter Banking Information:
- Input each tenant’s banking details on the PAP tab in Rent Manager.
2. Define PAP Charge Types #
- Set Up System UDF:
- In Rent Manager, go to the System User-Defined Field (UDF) named “PAP Charges.”
- List all charge types to include in PAP, separated by commas (e.g., RC,UTILP,PARK,NSF,PET,ADJUST).
- Note: The ADJUST charge type is mandatory for PAP adjustments and must be included.
Monthly PAP Processing #
Follow these steps to process monthly PAP transactions:
1. Post Recurring Charges #
- In Rent Manager, post recurring charges.
- Ensure the “Post Zero Charges” option is checked to include $0 PAP charges.
2. Generate the Aargh CSV Report #
- Open the Aargh CSV Report in Rent Manager.
- Select the charge date (typically the 1st of the month).
- Choose the property (multiple properties can be processed simultaneously).
- Run the report.
3. Review the Report #
- Visually inspect the report for accuracy (e.g., tenant names, amounts).
- Ensure everything looks correct before proceeding.
4. Export to CSV #
- Export the report as a CSV file.
- Save it to a dedicated temporary folder (e.g., “Rent Manager Exports”).
- Important: Do NOT open the CSV file in Excel, as it may remove leading zeros, causing errors.
5. Convert to EFT File #
- Open the Aargh CSV2EFT program (keep it open until all files are processed).
- Drag the exported CSV file into the CSV2EFT program.
- Wait a few seconds for conversion.
- A new file named “EFTFile_2025.dat” will appear in the same folder.
6. Import to Bank #
- Upload the .dat file to your bank’s payment system.
- Verify the file was imported correctly.
7. Import Payments to Rent Manager #
- In Rent Manager, go to Admin > Import > Payments.
- Select the “Aargh Import” template.
- Ignore any “bad file name” warnings.
- Click the three dots, select the original CSV file, and click Next.
- Click Import.
- Check for errors. If any occur, investigate and manually process affected payments.
- Note: Imported payments apply to the oldest charges on the ledger, which may cause confusion if tenants have outstanding balances.
One-Off PAP Pulls #
For non-recurring PAP transactions (e.g., new tenants or specific properties):
- Post Charges:
- Manually post the relevant charge (e.g., rent) on the desired date.
- Add a $0 PAP charge on the same date.
- Avoid using the 1st of the month to prevent overlap with monthly pulls.
- Use PAP Adjust for Non-Standard Charges:
- If the charge type isn’t in the “PAP Charges” UDF, use the PAP Adjust process (see below).
- Follow Monthly Process:
- Generate the report, export, convert, and import as described above.
Handling Conditional Charge Types #
For charges that may or may not be included in PAP (e.g., utility chargebacks):
- Create Duplicate Charge Types:
- Example: For utilities, create “UTIL” (non-PAP) and “UTILPAP” (PAP-included).
- Link both to the same chart of accounts for consistent financial reporting.
- Configure UDF:
- Add only the PAP-included charge type (e.g., UTILPAP) to the “PAP Charges” UDF.
- Usage:
- Use UTILPAP for charges to include in PAP.
- Use UTIL for charges tenants pay separately.
Adjusting PAP Amounts #
To correct overpayments or outstanding balances via PAP, for example, to allow for $60 of payment for a $90 charge:
- Add First Transaction (ADJUST):
- In the tenant’s ledger, create a new charge.
- Charge Type: ADJUST.
- Date: Same as the PAP charge date (usually the 1st).
- Amount: Enter the adjustment (positive to increase PAP, negative to decrease).
- Comment: Note the reason (e.g., “Approved $60 PAP increase”).
- Save.
- Add Second Transaction (PADJ2):
- Create another charge.
- Charge Type: PADJ2.
- Date: Same as the ADJUST charge.
- Amount: Enter the opposite of the ADJUST amount (e.g., if ADJUST is $60, enter -$60).
- If negative, apply the credit to the ADJUST charge.
- Save.
- Verify:
- Run the Aargh CSV Report to confirm the adjusted PAP amount (e.g., $60 increase).
- For Recurring Adjustments:
- Add both charges as recurring entries with start and end dates.
#
Multi-Month Payment Plans
To automate adjustments over multiple months:
- Set up ADJUST and PADJ2 as recurring charges in Rent Manager.
- Specify start and end dates.
- The system will post adjustments automatically with monthly charges.
Owner Payments #
- Manual Owner Pay:
- Follow the same process as one-off PAP pulls.
- Ensure charges and PAP entries are posted on the correct date.
Best Practices #
- File Management:
- Use a single folder for all exports to stay organized.
- Never open CSV files outside the CSV2EFT program.
- Timing:
- Import payments to Rent Manager on the same day as the bank upload for efficiency.
- Error Handling:
- If import errors occur, review the CSV and ledger for discrepancies.
- Manually process payments as needed.
- Ledger Clarity:
- Communicate with tenants about how payments apply to older charges to avoid confusion.