Each province and territory has legislation that regulates landlords and tenants. Depending on your jurisdiction, a landlord may be legally required to issue a Rent Receipt in certain situations.
For example, in Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, providing a receipt for payment —free of charge—to any tenant who asks for one is part of a landlord’s mandated responsibilities.
Similarly, the Residential Tenancy Act in British Columbia requires landlords to issue a receipt any time a tenant pays in cash.
Generally, there should be no reason for a landlord to refuse to issue a rent receipt. However, if that’s the case, you may need to contact your local Landlord and Tenant Board for dispute resolution.