A receipt gives both sides a record of a payment. Whether one is legally required, and what it must say, depends on the law where the rental is located and how the tenant paid. For example, Washington RCW 59.18.063 requires a receipt for cash accepted by a landlord and, on request, for other forms of tenant payment. Check the current local rules before using this template.
Blank receipt
RENT RECEIPT Receipt no.: ________ Date received: ______________ Received from: ______________________________ Property and unit: __________________________ Rental period covered: ______________________ Amount received: $______________ Payment method: _____________________________ Balance remaining (if any): $_______________ Received by: ________________________________ Signature, if required: _____________________
Fill the fields accurately, give the tenant a copy, and keep a copy with your payment record. For a partial payment, show the amount received and the remaining balance separately. This is a suggested record format, not a universal legal form.
Keep the supporting record
The IRS says rental records should identify receipts and support income reported on a return. Keep the receipt alongside the related ledger entry, bank or payment record, and lease. Retention depends on the applicable tax limitation period and any other legal requirement. See the IRS rental recordkeeping guide and IRS retention guide.
The free rent ledger CSV has a receipt-number field. Landlord Ledger can store payment entries by property, but does not issue legal notices or decide local receipt requirements.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Check the rules for your rental location.