Importance of a rental ledger

A rental ledger (or tenant ledger) that shows your rent was paid on time is one of the more valuable things you can have at the end of your tenancy. 

What is a rental ledger?

A rental ledger is a complete statement (or record) of every rent payment you have made, and the dates that the rent covered. The ledger also shows if you have ever fallen behind on rent.

A ledger used to keep track of your rent payments and is a useful form of documentation if a tenancy matter ever needs to go before a court.

As a tenant, you may ask for a copy of your rental ledger for reference at any time and the landlord must provide it.

How to read a rental ledger

Your rental ledger provides some space where a property manager or landlord will record important information about a payment you’ve made. This will typically include your name, your address, the amount paid and the date.

Your property manager or landlord may note the type of payment made, whether the rent was paid late or if there were problems with the amount paid.

In some cases, your property manager or landlord will record your rental payments in the ledger and provide you with a receipt. This is protection for both parties (you and the property owner).

Hot tip: You should keep a copy of this receipt because it proves that your rent has been paid. Your landlord could also use this ledger to disprove a claim that you were double charged.

Why you should ask for a copy of your rental ledger

It’s a good idea to keep an updated copy of your rental ledger. It can provide you with a record in the event there’s a dispute about your rental payments.

When you apply for a new property, a rental ledger is one of the most valuable documents you can have. When you submit an application, present your ledger to a prospective property manager/landlord to show your good rental payment record.

Present your ledger with your rental application

When you submit your rental property application, it’s important to have all the requested and necessary supporting documentation.

Be prepared by including a photocopy of your photo identification (your passport or driver’s licence, for example), a copy of a recent payslip, rental references, and – if you’ve rented properties before – your rental ledger.

If you’re a first-time renter, look for another form of payment history that will help to demonstrate your ability to pay the rent on time. This could be a car loan statement or a savings account which has had regular amounts of money drawn.

Credit: https://www.rent.com.au/blog/rental-ledger