Rent receipts in New York: when your landlord must give you one

What is it?

Real Property Law § 235-e makes it the landlord's duty to give you a written receipt when you pay rent for a residential apartment in cash or by any instrument other than your personal check. The receipt must state the date, the amount, the premises and the period the payment covers, and carry the signature and title of the person who received it (§ 235-e(a)).

Who qualifies?

Every residential tenant in New York State. The duty applies to the landlord and to any agent authorized to collect rent, such as a super or management company (§ 235-e(a)–(c)).

Exceptions

• Personal checks: the landlord must give receipts only if you ask in writing. Your request lasts for the rest of your tenancy unless you say otherwise (§ 235-e(b)).
• Co-op shareholders: a cooperative may use another mail method for its late-payment notice if the proprietary lease provides for it; certain government-supervised co-ops are excluded from that exception (§ 235-e(d)).
• Bank transfers and payment apps aren't specifically named in § 235-e. Keep your own confirmations, and ask in writing for receipts.

How much?

Section 235-e makes the receipt part of the landlord's duty and doesn't provide for any charge for it. The landlord must also keep a record of all cash rent receipts for at least three years (§ 235-e(b)).

How is it calculated?

• Paid in person to the landlord or their agent: the receipt must be given immediately (§ 235-e(c)).
• Paid indirectly: within 15 days after the landlord or agent receives the payment (§ 235-e(c)).
• Checklist for a valid receipt: date, amount, apartment and period paid for, signature and title of the person who took the money (§ 235-e(a)).

What documents do you need?

• Your receipts, kept together by month
• Money order stubs or copies, cancelled checks, bank statements
• A copy of your written request for receipts, if you pay by personal check
• Any late-rent notice received by certified mail

How do you get it?

1. 1

   Ask when you pay

   If you pay in cash or by money order in person, ask for the signed receipt right then.

2. 2

   If you pay by personal check, ask once in writing

   A short letter or e-mail asking for receipts is enough; it stays in effect for your tenancy.

3. 3

   Follow up in writing

   If no receipt arrives within 15 days of an indirect payment, write to the landlord citing § 235-e and keep a copy.

What if they refuse?

• Keep your own proof: money order copies, bank records and dated photos of what you paid.
• Avoid paying in cash without a receipt; if you must, bring a witness and write down the details.
• If you're sued for unpaid rent, your payment records and receipts are your evidence; and if the landlord never sent the required certified-mail late notice, that can be a defense (§ 235-e(d)).
• You can complain to the Attorney General's office; rent-regulated tenants can also contact DHCR.

Deadlines

• Immediately, for rent paid in person (§ 235-e(c)).
• Within 15 days of receipt, for rent paid indirectly (§ 235-e(c)).
• Five days after the due date: if rent hasn't arrived, the landlord must send you a certified-mail notice (§ 235-e(d)).
• Three years: how long the landlord must keep cash receipt records (§ 235-e(b)).

Frequently asked questions

Official sources

This page was written from the sources below. “Checked” is the date the source was last opened and read.

• N.Y. Real Property Law (opens in a new tab)
  New York State Senate — Open Legislation (official text of the Consolidated Laws) · § 235-e(a)–(d) · Checked: October 30, 2026
  When receipts are required, their contents, timing, record-keeping, and the certified-mail late notice
• Residential Tenants' Rights Guide (opens in a new tab)
  Office of the New York State Attorney General · Checked: October 30, 2026
  Receipts every month after one written request; where to complain

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