Free rent receipt template
Make a rent receipt in under a minute: enter the tenant, the rent period, what was due and what was paid. The balance is calculated for you and you can download a PDF to hand over or email.
How to fill out this rent receipt template
- Enter a receipt number, the date received, the tenant's name and the property address.
- Set the rent period and the amount due, then the amount you received and how it was paid.
- Check the balance owed, add a note if needed, and download the PDF.
- Keep a copy with your rent records and give the original to the tenant.
What should a rent receipt include?
The date, who paid and who received the money, the property, the period the rent covers, the amount and method of payment, and a receipt number you can find later. If part of the rent is unpaid, show the balance so there is no dispute about what was settled.
When do you have to give a receipt?
Some states require landlords to give a receipt when rent is paid in cash, and some require one on request for any payment. California Civil Code section 1947.3 and New York Real Property Law section 235-e are two examples. Rules differ by state, so check yours. A receipt is good practice for every payment.
Keeping the records
Rent you collect is income you report, and your receipts and ledger support that. The IRS guide to residential rental property explains the income and expenses landlords report.
What this template does not do
- This is a record of payment, not legal advice. Check your state's landlord and tenant rules.
- Amounts are shown in US dollars.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a rent receipt legally required?
It depends on your state and how the tenant pays. Some states, such as California and New York, require a receipt for cash payments. Giving one for every payment protects both sides.
Can I make a receipt for a partial payment?
Yes. Enter the full rent due and the amount actually received. The template shows the balance still owed.
Does the tenant need to sign it?
Not usually. The landlord or agent who received the money signs or types their name. The tenant keeps the receipt.
Is anything stored on your servers?
No. The form and PDF run in your browser. A draft is kept in this browser only, and Clear form removes it.
How do I keep a record of many payments?
Use the rent ledger template. It keeps a running balance for a tenancy and exports to PDF and CSV.
Sources
- Publication 527, Residential Rental Property — Internal Revenue Service. Explains rental income and expenses for landlords, and why you keep records of rent received.
- About Schedule E (Form 1040) — Internal Revenue Service. The form individual landlords use to report rental income and expenses.