education and resources / PUBLIC GUIDANCE
Rent Receipt Generator: Frequently Asked Questions
Tenants often don't know rent receipts are a legal entitlement (not a landlord courtesy), and may need a properly worded request if a landlord is unresponsive or refuses.
A rent receipt is a landlord's written confirmation that rent was paid for a specific period. Under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, tenants have the right to request a free rent receipt from their landlord at any time, for any period they've already paid -- landlords cannot refuse or charge a fee. TOHS's Rent Receipt Generator helps tenants create a properly formatted receipt request or receipt template to use with their landlord.
Do I need my landlord to sign this? A rent receipt is generally most useful when it comes from your landlord directly, since it's their confirmation that payment was received. If your landlord won't provide one, our generator can help you create a request letter citing your legal right to one.
What if my landlord refuses to provide a receipt? Under the RTA, this is a right, not a request your landlord can deny. If a landlord refuses, tenants can escalate through the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Can I request a receipt after I've moved out? Yes -- former tenants can request receipts for rent paid during their tenancy, but only within 12 months after the tenancy ends. Current tenants have no such time limit.
Is this legal advice? No. This tool and this guidance are informational only and do not replace legal advice specific to your situation.