Rent Receipts and Payment Records in New Brunswick

Keeping clear rent receipts and payment records is one of the easiest ways tenants can protect themselves in New Brunswick. Good records help prove what you paid, when you paid it, and whether the landlord accepted a partial payment or set off damages. This guide explains what receipts should include, how to request written proof, options when a landlord won’t provide records, and the official steps to raise disputes with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal. It also shows how to use receipts when applying for repairs, defending against eviction notices, or asking for a rent receipt for subsidy or tax purposes. Practical examples and links to forms will help you act quickly and confidently.

What is a rent receipt and why it matters

A rent receipt is a short written record that shows a tenant paid rent. Receipts protect tenants when questions arise about late or missing payments, help with subsidy or tax paperwork, and can support a tenant in a dispute over arrears or deposits. Always ask for a receipt at the time of payment and keep photocopies or digital scans.

What a rent receipt should include

• Date the payment was received.
• Amount paid and the rent period it covers (for example, "Rent for June 1–30").
• Who paid (tenant name) and who received the payment (landlord or agent).
• Payment method (cash, cheque number, e-transfer reference, etc.).
• Any notes about partial payments, discounts, or deductions.
• Signature or printed name of the person receiving the payment and a contact phone or email.

How to request receipts and keep clear payment records

Ask for a written receipt every time you pay rent. If your landlord accepts e-transfer or online payments, keep screenshots or confirmation emails. For cash payments, ask the landlord to sign a receipt immediately. If you pay by cheque, keep a copy of the cheque stub and bank statements that show the cleared payment. For detailed guidance on paying rent and your responsibilities as a tenant, see Tenant''s Guide to Paying Rent: Rights, Responsibilities, and Tips.

When a landlord won’t provide receipts or records

• Politely request the receipt in writing and keep a copy of that request.
• If you do not get a receipt, gather other proof: bank statements, e-transfer confirmations, photos of delivered cash in the presence of a witness, or dated text/email confirmations.
• If the landlord still refuses, you may apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal to resolve the dispute ^[1].

Official forms and when to use them

• Application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal — used when a tenant needs the Tribunal to resolve a dispute about unpaid rent, missing receipts, or improper deductions. Example: you have bank records showing rent was paid but the landlord claims arrears; file an application and upload your receipts and bank statements ^[2].
• Notice to End Tenancy / Notice of Rent Increase — forms used by landlords to change tenancy terms or end agreements; tenants should check dates and formal delivery rules carefully and keep a copy when served ^[2].
• Request for Hearing or Evidence Submission — follow the Tribunals instructions for submitting photos, receipts, and bank records to ensure evidence is accepted ^[2].

Evidence and best practices

• Save every receipt, screenshot, confirmation email, and related message in a dated folder (digital and paper if possible).
• When paying in cash, bring a witness or ask the landlord to sign a receipt immediately.
• If a deposit or damage deduction is disputed, review the lease and consult Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know for deposit rules and timelines.

FAQ

Do I have the right to a written receipt for every rent payment?

Yes. Tenants should request a written receipt for every payment; if a landlord refuses, collect other proof and consider filing an application with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal ^[1].

What should I do if my landlord claims I owe rent but I have proof of payment?

Gather all payment records (receipts, bank statements, e-transfer confirmations), send a written request to the landlord asking them to correct their records, and if unresolved, file with the Tribunal and include your evidence ^[2].

How long should I keep rent receipts?

Keep receipts and payment records for at least one year after the tenancy ends, or longer if you have an unresolved issue or an ongoing dispute related to payments.

How-To

1. Ask for a written receipt every time you pay rent and save a copy immediately.
2. Collect supporting evidence such as bank statements, e-transfer confirmations, and dated communications.
3. If the landlord wont provide receipts, send a written request and keep that request for your records.
4. If the issue remains unresolved, apply to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal and upload your receipts and evidence ^[1].

Key Takeaways

• Always request and keep written receipts for every rent payment.
• Use bank records and screenshots to back up missing receipts.
• File with the Residential Tenancies Tribunal if you cannot resolve a payment dispute with your landlord.

Help and Support / Resources

• Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
• Residential tenancy forms and guides - Government of New Brunswick
• Tenant information and help - Government of New Brunswick

1. [1] Residential Tenancies Tribunal - Government of New Brunswick
2. [2] Residential tenancy forms and guides - Government of New Brunswick
3. [3] New Brunswick legislation and statutes - Government of New Brunswick

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