Rent receipts are a crucial part of renting in British Columbia—they’re more than just a record of payment. Understanding your right to a rent receipt, what information it should contain, and how it protects you can help avoid disputes and support your rights as a tenant.

What Is a Rent Receipt and Why Does It Matter in BC?

A rent receipt is a written acknowledgment from your landlord confirming you have paid rent for a specific period. In British Columbia, while landlords are required to provide a receipt if you pay rent in cash, tenants paying by cheque or e-transfer should also request a receipt for their own protection and record keeping. Rent receipts can serve as proof of payment in disagreements or applications before the Residential Tenancy Branch.

When Should You Receive a Rent Receipt?

Under BC’s Residential Tenancy Act¹, landlords must give a rent receipt immediately if you pay rent with cash. If you pay another way, such as e-transfer or cheque, you have the right to ask for a written receipt, and your landlord cannot refuse.

What Should Be Included on a Rent Receipt?

A valid rent receipt in BC should clearly list:

• The date rent was received
• The payment amount and method (cash, cheque, e-transfer, etc.)
• The rental address and period covered (e.g., June 1–30)
• The landlord’s name and signature (electronic or wet)

Keeping these records can help protect you against future disputes about payments or missing rent.

How to Request a Rent Receipt from Your Landlord

If your landlord does not automatically provide a rent receipt (especially for cash payments), you can politely request one in writing, by email or text. Keeping communications documented helps ensure your request is clear.

Official Forms Related to Rent Receipts

• Notice of Dispute Resolution (Form RTB-12): If you need to resolve issues related to rent payments or lack of receipts, you can file this form to request a hearing with the Residential Tenancy Branch. For example, if your landlord refuses to provide a rent receipt and a dispute arises about payment status, this is the form to use. Find Form RTB-12 on the BC government site.

Your Rights under the Law

The Residential Tenancy Act grants tenants in BC strong protections regarding payment records¹. If you encounter any issues related to rent payments, receipts, or disputes, the Residential Tenancy Branch is the official provincial authority to provide guidance and resolve disputes.

For more on your general rights as a tenant in BC, visit Tenant Rights in British Columbia.

Related Issues: Paying Rent and Deposits

Rent receipts are only one piece of a tenant’s protection regarding rental payments. For guidance on how to pay rent, deadlines, and what happens if payments are late, see Tenant's Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips. To better understand how rental deposits work alongside rent receipts, visit Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

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FAQ: Rent Receipts in BC

1. Do I have a legal right to a rent receipt in BC?
   Yes. If you pay rent in cash, your landlord must provide a written receipt immediately. You can also request a receipt for payments by other methods.
2. What should I do if my landlord refuses to give a rent receipt?
   Request the receipt in writing. If your landlord still refuses, contact the Residential Tenancy Branch for support and consider submitting a dispute resolution request.
3. Is a rent receipt required for payments by cheque or e-transfer?
   No, but you may request one. Banks usually provide proof of payment, but a rent receipt can add extra clarity and protection.
4. What if there is a dispute about whether I paid rent?
   Provide all available proof such as receipts, bank statements, or communications with your landlord. If the issue is unresolved, apply for dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancy Branch.
5. Do receipts matter for deposit payments?
   Yes. Always get a receipt for any deposit paid to a landlord to avoid disagreements later.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• You have the right to a rent receipt in BC, with extra protections for cash payments.
• Keep receipts to protect yourself from disputes with your landlord.
• If issues arise, the Residential Tenancy Branch can help resolve them.

Having clear documentation of all payments is a simple way to keep your renting experience stress-free.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Residential Tenancy Branch: 1-800-665-8779
• Contact the RTB online
• Information for Tenants in BC
• Tenant Rights in British Columbia

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1. Residential Tenancy Act (British Columbia)

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