If I was not given a receipt for application money, and the landlord lost it, am I required to pay it again?

Question

My landlord lost half of my application money when I originally applied for the apartment. Now, I was given the apartment and have a signed lease, but every time I go in to talk to the front desk, they keep telling me I owe it. So they call the landlord, the landlord says to disregard it. But it keeps happening (four time now I've had to argue with them about this money). I called the landlord personally today who has yet to call me back to straight this out. If the landlord does require for me to pay for half the application that I've already paid, am I required to?

The guy I gave the money too at my apartment complex counted the full amount in front of my boyfriend and me and verified that we paid it all. If I'm not required, what is the best course of action?

And from now on, I'm getting a receipt for -everything-.

Answer 1

At this point your best bet is to pay the money that they say that you owe. I know it isn't what you want to hear.... You should have gotten a receipt for all the monies you paid. Let this be a lesson to you: next time pay by check or money order, not cash and hold on to the receipt. How much is "half of the application fee"? $25.00? $50.00? You are losing much more in lost sleep over it.  

Answer 2

Why argue? Just show them the receipt/cancelled check.

Answer 3

do you have the xerox copy of the reciept.....consult with your lawyer...

Answer 4

Unless you got a receipt, or paid with a form of payment that can be tracked like a check or money order, the burden of proof is going to be on you.  If you do get the landlord to say that you don't owe the money again, get it in writing. This way you have something to fall back on.  

Good luck!

Answer 5

you should always get a receipt when you pay for something.  to avoid the problem you now have from occurring again i suggest you pay using a check in the future.  even if you don't get a receipt your canceled check should prove you paid it