Guide

How to issue rent receipts (and why to always issue them)

Some states require a written receipt on request. All residents deserve one. The rent-collection system should generate it automatically.

The short answer

Issue a receipt automatically on every payment, showing date received, amount, what it was applied to, and the remaining balance. Generate it from the ledger so it can never disagree with the account.

Overview

Some states require a written receipt on request. All residents deserve one. The rent-collection system should generate it automatically.

Why it works this way

Some jurisdictions require a receipt on request, and cash payments almost always require one. Beyond the requirement, a receipt that names what the money paid for is what stops the argument about whether a payment covered rent or a fee.

Receipts written by hand or sent as a message have no relationship to the balance. Generated receipts do.

Do it in this order

1. Automate receipts on every posted payment. 2. Include the amount, date, method, and the balance forward. 3. Store on the resident record for the retention period.

Checklist

  • Automate receipts on every posted payment.
  • Include the amount, date, method, and the balance forward.
  • Store on the resident record for the retention period.
FAQ

Frequently asked

Do electronic receipts count?

Generally yes for electronic payments. Cash is the case to be careful with: give a receipt every time, without being asked.

Related resources

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