Direct deposit won't change anything if there are no funds to make the transaction. Sounds like you need to have a heart to heart with them and go from there. At least, everyone will know where they stand and what to expect.

We have several rentals, we have a couple in one house who are always late. Every excuse in the book. They have been renting from us for 3 years but it's getting worse. We originally had a 1 year lease then went to month to month. Under the lease after 5 days late it's $50 after 10 days $150 or eviction. I told them the other day I was going to enforce it January 1st. We'll see what happens.
We have another couple that are late off and on but they always let us know ahead of time, that's ok with us as long as they let us know ahead of time

Al three of my daughters rent out there home,all three Venmo
Write a new and better lease.
Who can afford to bounce checks? Years ago I had a late fee for renters. Always felt like a dirtback when I collected it.

So your new lease asks for $1000 . but is $975. if paid before the due date. a $25 discount idf paid early and of couse a %25 late fe is past 10 days and what ever amount your stte lets you get buy with on interest ,,, but




If its had happened every month as a tenant,,, get rid of them

Ask them to take the checks to your bank and deposit it, or open up an account at their bank so they can quickly transfer it to you, this should make it so they see right away if it will go through or not.

I also suggest Zelle if your bank does it.

Maybe don't be so quick to blame the tenants or make them your enemy by blanketly reading the law or instituting monthly property inspections unless you have additional reasons to not trust them, as they are paying you after all even after the check issue it seems.