Free security deposit receipt maker

What goes on a security deposit receipt

The amount, the date you received it, the tenant, the rental's address and unit, how it was paid and who received it, with that person's signature. The receipt marks the money as a deposit held for the tenant, so nobody mistakes it for the first month's rent.

When the law asks for one

Rules differ by state. In Massachusetts, the landlord gives a receipt when the deposit is taken, with the amount, the date, who received it and a description of the rental, signed by that person. Within 30 days the landlord gives a second receipt with the name and location of the bank holding the deposit, the amount and the account number. The deposit goes in a separate, interest-bearing account at a bank in the state [1]. Fill in the bank fields above for that second receipt.

In Maryland, the receipt must tell the tenant their rights: to be at the move-in and move-out inspections, to get an itemized list of any charges and the rest of the deposit back within 45 days, and that a landlord who doesn't follow the rules may owe up to three times the amount withheld. A landlord who gives no written receipt owes the tenant $25, and keeps a copy of the receipt for 2 years after the tenancy ends [2]. Put those notices in the note, or attach them.

Questions

What should a security deposit receipt include?

The amount, the date it was received, who paid it, the rental's address and unit, how it was paid and who received it, signed by that person. This receipt also says the money is a deposit held for the tenant, not rent, and adds a receipt number and the amount in words.

Is a security deposit receipt required by law?

In some states, yes. Massachusetts requires one at the time the deposit is taken, and a second receipt within 30 days naming the bank, its location, the amount and the account number [1]. Maryland requires a written receipt that tells the tenant their inspection and return rights, and a landlord who gives none owes the tenant $25 [2]. Check your own state's rules.

Is a security deposit income?

Not while you hold it to return. That's why the receipt says "held, not rent". A deposit you keep for damage, or apply to the last month's rent, is counted when you keep it. Ask a tax professional about your case.

Is this receipt maker free?

Yes. Fill in the form and download the PDF. There's no account, and nothing you type is saved.

Can I keep every rent and deposit receipt in one place?

Use a free Venda rent book: receipts are numbered in order, each tenant gets theirs by email, and deposits are kept apart from rent in your year's totals.

Sources

1. Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 186, section 15B (read November 10, 2026)
2. Maryland Code, Real Property, section 8-203.1 (read November 10, 2026)

This page explains what the laws say. It isn't legal advice.