Is a landlord required to provide a receipt to tenants if they request one?

Answer 1

I would think a definite yes, especially if you pay your rent in cash, instead of a check. Most landlords use a standard lease agreement, so read yours and see what it says about payments, receipts, etc. I would not recommend paying the rent until he agrees to give you a receipt with the date and the amount paid. Otherwise, you have no proof that you paid the rent, and it will be your word against his.

Answer 2

In California, the landlord must provide copies of receipts if withholding money from the security deposit, I believe. The tenant must ask for them, they aren't automatically offered.

Other states probably have similar laws.

Check with your local Housing Authority.

Answer 3

This depends on the law of the state, but, in every state I know of, yes. But, the tenant should request the receipts in writing. I doubt a court would punish a landlord just because they didn't provide the receipts in the beginning. If they don't provide receipts after the written request, file a small claims action.

Answer 4

Typically the damage deposit remains the legal property of the tenant until the landlord provides PROOF that the landlord has somehow "earned" the right to keep it, i.e., by proving the costs of repairs.

Some states have laws that are very specific about what documentation the landlord must provide, when it must be provided (e.g., within 14 days), and what the tenant must do if he or she objects to the accounting. The landlord is often required to return the ENTIRE deposit if they fail to comply with the law, but that certainly doesn't stop the landlord from suing the tenant for non-payment.