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Cash Rent Receipt Template

Cash leaves no paper trail, so the receipt is the proof. Create a signed cash rent receipt and download it as Word or PDF. Free, no signup.

Payment
Who
Property & period
More options: partial payment, late fee, notes, receipt number
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Blank rent receipt template: · ·

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RENT RECEIPT

Receipt No. -

Date: -

Received from (tenant)
Received by (landlord / agent)
Amount paid
Payment method
Cash
Rental property address
Rent period covered
Landlord / authorized agent signature

Receipt ID (assigned on download) · Generated Oct 4, 2026 with rentreceiptmaker.com · Self-issued record. Confirm with the issuer if in doubt.

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When rent is paid in cash, a cash rent receipt is the only record that the money changed hands. This free template is set to “Cash” already. Enter the amount, tenant, property and rent period, sign, and download a Word or PDF copy for each of you.

Which states require a receipt for cash rent?

StateRuleLaw
New YorkWritten receipt required for cash, money orders and any payment other than a personal check (checks: on request). Must show date, amount, premises, period and the receiver's name and title.Real Property Law §235-e
MarylandReceipt required for cash payments or when the tenant asks; $25 penalty per violation. Landlords must keep a record of cash receipts.Real Property §8-205
WashingtonReceipt required for any cash payment the landlord accepts; for other methods, on request.RCW 59.18.063
CaliforniaAny payer can demand a written receipt.Civil Code §1499

Cities with rent control often add rules. This table is a starting point, not legal advice, so check your state and local law.

Tips for taking rent in cash

  • Count the cash in front of the tenant and write the receipt on the spot. Keep a blank printable receipt for this.
  • Always write the amount in words as well as numbers. Our template does it automatically.
  • Record partial payments with the balance still due, never “paid in full”.
  • Deposit cash promptly so your bank statement backs up your receipts at tax time.

Paid by check or app instead? Use the main rent receipt template. Collect the same rent every month? See monthly rent receipts.

Cash rent receipt example for $950 paid in cash with amount written in words and landlord signature
Cash rent receipt example: $950 paid in cash, signed by the landlord.

Frequently asked questions

Is a landlord required to give a receipt for cash rent?

In New York, Maryland and Washington, yes, by statute. California lets any payer demand a written receipt. Elsewhere it's strongly recommended, because cash leaves no bank record and the receipt is the only proof for either side.

What should a cash rent receipt include?

Date, receipt number, tenant name, amount in numbers and words, the words “paid in cash”, the property address, the rent period covered, any balance due, and the landlord's or agent's signature with their name.

Can a landlord refuse to accept cash rent?

Often yes, if the lease says so, but some states and cities restrict it. Washington lets landlords refuse cash but requires a receipt when they accept it. Check your lease and local rules.

How long should I keep cash rent receipts?

Keep copies at least as long as your tax records. Many accountants suggest at least three years after filing, and longer if a dispute or eviction is possible.

Can I give one receipt for several cash payments?

It's clearer to give one receipt per payment. If a tenant pays a month in instalments, issue a receipt for each and show the remaining balance on each one.

Last updated · Written and checked by the RentReceiptMaker editorial team against state landlord-tenant statutes. Templates, not legal advice.