Get a receipt when you pay rent

Protect yourself by getting a written receipt signed by your landlord every time you pay rent. In New York State, if you pay your rent with cash or a money order, the law says your landlord must give you a written receipt for the payment. A proper receipt will have:

1. The date of your payment

2. The amount of the payment

3. Your address

4. The month(s), weeks, or whatever time period you are paying for

Beware of paying your rent with money orders. Money orders may cause a lot of problems if there is a small mistake like the wrong date, or writing that is hard to read.

If you are in court and you didn’t get proper receipts for your payments, tell the judge.