The rent receipt: everything you need to know
The rent receipt is an essential document in the relationship between the landlord and their tenant.
Often perceived as a mere formality, it nonetheless holds important legal value, as it proves that the tenant has fulfilled their obligations regarding the full rent and charges.
To avoid disputes and comply with regulations, each landlord must be aware of their obligations, the legal mentions to include, as well as the good practices for issuance and sending.
Rent receipt: the landlord's obligations
Is the rent receipt mandatory for the tenant?
The issuance of a rent receipt is not automatic, but mandatory upon request from the tenant (Article 21 of the law of July 6, 1989).
In other words:
The landlord does not have to send it systematically.
But as soon as the tenant requests it, they must provide it free of charge and without delay.
💡 Good to know:
The owner cannot charge for the receipt (postage, printing, etc.). It can be sent by mail or electronically, if the tenant gives their consent.
This document then becomes the legal proof that the tenant is up to date with their payments, particularly in the event of a change of residence, loan application, or dispute.
What are the mandatory mentions for a rent receipt?
A rent receipt must be clear, dated, and complete.
It certifies the payment of the rent and associated charges, without any possible ambiguity.
Here are the mandatory mentions to include:
The identity of the landlord (or their representative) and the tenant,
The full address of the rented property,
The month concerned by the payment,
The total amount paid, distinguishing between rent and charges,
The payment receipt date,
And the express mention:
“Received for settlement of all accounts for the rent and charges for the month of [month/year].”
Add a monthly numbering (e.g., “Receipt No. 04/2025”) for better administrative tracking and easier traceability.
When should the rent receipt be sent?
The rent receipt must be issued after receiving the full payment of the rent and charges.
It may not be sent:
neither before collection,
nor in the case of partial payment (in this case, the landlord must provide a partial receipt specifying the exact amount paid).
It is recommended to send it every month, as soon as the payment is validated, in order to maintain a clear and transparent rental relationship.
Many rental management platforms (such as Beanstock, Smartloc, or Rentila) automatically generate receipts after the rent is collected, simplifying management and reducing errors.
