My landlord might not be declaring rental income on taxes - what can I do?

You definitely have a right to documentation of your living arrangement. What you're describing sounds like an informal arrangement that's unfortunately pretty common with room rentals, but that doesn't make it right. First, about the lease: Check your state's tenant rights laws. Most states recognize that even without a written lease, you have an implied month-to-month tenancy if you've been paying rent regularly. Document everything - keep records of all payments (take photos of cash before handing it over), any text messages or emails about your arrangement, etc. You could try writing up a simple month-to-month rental agreement yourself and present it to her, explaining it's just for your medical paperwork. If she refuses, your local housing authority or tenant rights organization might be able to provide documentation that verifies your living situation for medical purposes. Regarding the tax situation, while it's definitely wrong if she's not reporting income, that's between her and the IRS. However, if you ever feel threatened or if she attempts to evict you improperly, knowing this gives you some leverage. The IRS has a whistleblower program (Form 211) for reporting tax fraud, but consider that relationship will obviously be destroyed if you go that route.

After struggling with a similar situation last year, I discovered this AI tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that was super helpful for navigating rental housing tax issues. My landlord was doing the exact same thing - cash only, no paperwork, got super defensive when I asked for documentation. The tool analyzed my specific situation and gave me templates for both documenting my rental payments and creating my own proof of residence that worked for my insurance company. It also explained what rights I had as a tenant in my state without a formal lease. Honestly, it saved me a ton of stress trying to figure out if I was in the right legally. They also provided me with information about what constitutes tax evasion versus just poor record-keeping, which helped me decide how to approach the situation without making accusations I couldn't back up.

Just wanted to follow up about that taxr.ai site someone recommended. I was pretty skeptical (as you can see from my comment), but I was desperate after my landlord situation got worse, so I decided to try it. Honestly, it was way more legit than I expected. The documents it created were accepted by both my insurance company and the county assistance program I was applying to. The tenant rights guide it generated for my state was actually more detailed than what I found on my state's official website. What surprised me most was how it broke down exactly what information the IRS would need if I ever decided to report tax evasion, and the potential implications for me as a tenant. Really helped me make an informed decision without feeling like I was just taking shots in the dark. Definitely worth checking out if you're stuck in rental documentation hell like I was.

I had an almost identical situation last year! After trying for weeks to get proper documentation from my landlord with no luck, I was about to give up on the medical assistance I needed. Someone recommended I try Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to get direct help from the IRS about what to do. I was frustrated because I couldn't get through to an actual IRS person on my own, but Claimyr got me connected with a real IRS agent in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The agent explained exactly what documentation I could create myself to prove my living situation (even without landlord cooperation) and gave me guidance on what constitutes proper rental income reporting. She even sent me official IRS forms that helped my case with the medical assistance program. Having that official information directly from the IRS made all the difference.

I need to eat my words about that Claimyr service. After my skeptical comment, I decided to try it anyway because my situation with my landlord got worse - she actually threatened to kick me out when I mentioned needing documentation for my healthcare. I was shocked when I actually got connected to an IRS agent in about 30 minutes. The agent was incredibly helpful and explained that landlords are legally required to report rental income and provide receipts if requested. She walked me through creating a "statement of rent paid" document that I could use for my medical assistance application. The agent also explained what documentation the IRS would need if I decided to report suspected tax evasion through their whistleblower program. She didn't encourage or discourage reporting, just gave me factual information about the process and my rights. Having that official information gave me the confidence to stand up to my landlord, and I actually got her to sign my self-created rental verification form! Sometimes having the facts straight makes all the difference.

Everyone's giving good advice about documentation, but I want to address something else - your safety and living situation. If your landlord is getting "extremely hostile" over paperwork, that's a red flag. If they're hiding rental income from the IRS, they might be cutting corners in other areas too (like safety codes, proper maintenance, etc). I'd seriously consider looking for another place to live while you sort this out. Document everything in the meantime - take photos of the room/property, save all communications, keep records of every cash payment (dates, amounts). And just so you know, in most states, if you've established residency by living there and paying rent, they can't just kick you out without proper notice and eviction procedures, even without a lease. That's true even if they're operating off the books.

Since nobody's mentioned it yet - check if your state has a Rent Relief program or tenant advocacy office. When my landlord refused to give me a lease, I contacted our state's housing department and they connected me with a free tenant advocate who helped me draft a letter to my landlord explaining the legal ramifications of not providing proper documentation. The letter mentioned potential tax implications without directly accusing them of tax evasion. Sometimes just showing you know your rights and the relevant tax laws is enough to get reluctant landlords to cooperate. The advocate also helped me create alternative documentation that satisfied my benefits application.

I've been following this thread and wanted to add something that might help - have you considered creating your own paper trail moving forward? Even if your landlord won't cooperate, you can still protect yourself legally. Start sending her texts or emails about rent payments (like "Hi, here's my $950 rent payment for [month]" with a photo of the cash). Even if she doesn't respond, you're creating timestamped evidence of your rental arrangement. Keep copies of everything. Also, many medical assistance programs accept what's called a "self-attestation" of housing costs along with supporting evidence. You might be able to submit bank withdrawal records, photos of your living space, and a written statement about your living arrangement. Contact the specific program you're applying to - they deal with situations like this more often than you'd think. The hostile reaction when you asked for documentation is definitely suspicious, but focus on protecting yourself first. Getting proper documentation for your medical needs is your priority, and there are usually workarounds even when landlords won't cooperate.

Just wanted to share my experience from a few years ago when I was in almost the exact same situation. My landlord was collecting $800/month in cash and absolutely refused any documentation. When I needed proof of residence for disability benefits, she got really aggressive about it. What ended up working for me was going to my local Legal Aid office - they have free tenant advocates who help with exactly these situations. The advocate helped me understand that even without a lease, I had established tenant rights just by living there and paying rent regularly. They also gave me templates for creating my own documentation that would satisfy most government programs. The advocate explained that landlords who operate entirely in cash often don't realize they're still bound by tenant protection laws. In my case, they helped me write a formal letter to my landlord explaining her legal obligations to provide basic documentation of our rental arrangement. The letter mentioned relevant tax reporting requirements without making direct accusations. It took about two weeks, but my landlord eventually agreed to sign a simple month-to-month agreement. I think seeing official letterhead from Legal Aid made her realize this wasn't going away. Even if yours doesn't cooperate, Legal Aid can help you create alternative documentation that most programs will accept. The whole process was free and the advocate was really knowledgeable about both tenant rights and what documentation government assistance programs typically require. Definitely worth checking if there's a Legal Aid office in your area.

This situation is unfortunately more common than you'd think, and you're right to be concerned about both getting proper documentation and the potential tax implications. As someone who works in tax compliance, I see cases like this regularly. First, regarding your immediate need for documentation: Most medical assistance programs understand that not everyone has formal leases. You can create a "rental verification letter" yourself that includes your name, the property address, monthly rent amount, and how long you've lived there. Attach supporting evidence like bank withdrawal records showing regular cash withdrawals that match your rent payments, photos of mail delivered to your address, and any text messages or communications about rent. For the tax situation - while landlords are legally required to report rental income, the IRS typically needs more than suspicion to investigate. If you decide to pursue this route, document everything: keep records of your cash payments (photograph the money before handing it over), note the dates and amounts, and save any communications about rent. The IRS Form 3949-A allows you to report suspected tax law violations, though this would obviously end your living arrangement. My recommendation is to focus on getting your medical documentation first. Contact the specific assistance program you're applying to and ask what alternative proof of residence they accept. Most are quite flexible because they deal with informal rental situations regularly. Once your medical needs are sorted, you can decide whether to pursue the tax reporting issue. Document everything going forward - even if your landlord won't provide receipts, you can still create a paper trail that protects you legally and helps with future applications.

I've been in a very similar situation and wanted to share what worked for me. My landlord was also collecting cash rent and refused any documentation when I needed it for medical benefits. What ultimately helped was taking a multi-step approach: First, I started creating my own paper trail by sending brief text messages each time I paid rent (something like "Here's November rent - $950 cash as usual"). Even though she never responded, it created timestamped records of our rental relationship. Second, I contacted my local housing authority and explained the situation. They were surprisingly helpful and told me that cash-only landlords are more common than I thought. They provided me with a template for a "tenant declaration of rent paid" form that I could fill out myself, along with guidance on what supporting documentation to include. For your medical assistance application, definitely call them directly and ask what alternative documentation they accept. In my experience, they were much more flexible than I expected. I ended up submitting my self-created declaration along with bank statements showing regular withdrawals, photos of mail delivered to my address, and screenshots of the text messages about rent payments. The combination worked - my application was approved. As for the tax situation, I decided to focus on getting my medical needs met first rather than getting into a confrontation that could jeopardize my housing. You can always revisit that decision later once you're in a more stable position. Document everything going forward, stay calm with your landlord, and remember that you have more options than it might initially seem. Good luck with your medical assistance application!

I went through something very similar about two years ago - cash-only landlord, hostile reaction to any mention of paperwork, the whole nine yards. Here's what I learned that might help you: Your landlord's extreme reaction is definitely suspicious, but don't let that distract you from your immediate goal. For your medical assistance application, focus on creating bulletproof alternative documentation. Start TODAY by texting your landlord something like "Hi [name], dropping off December rent of $950 in cash as usual" every time you pay. Screenshot everything. Also, check if your state has a "Good Cause Eviction" law - many states now require landlords to provide written notices and follow proper procedures even for informal arrangements. This protects you if she tries to retaliate for asking for documentation. One thing I wish I'd known earlier: many medical assistance programs have "housing verification" forms that a neighbor, friend, or even postal worker can fill out confirming you live at the address. It's not ideal, but it's another backup option if your self-created documentation isn't enough. As for the tax situation - I ultimately decided not to report my landlord because I needed stable housing more than I needed to be a whistleblower. But I kept detailed records just in case the situation escalated. You can always file Form 3949-A later if needed. Focus on your health first. The tax stuff can wait, but your medical care can't. Document everything, stay calm, and remember that you have way more rights as a tenant than cash-only landlords want you to believe.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful. My landlord also collects cash only and got really defensive when I asked for basic documentation for my student aid application. What I've learned from reading everyone's experiences is that we actually have more power than these cash-only landlords want us to believe. Even without formal leases, we're still protected by tenant rights laws in most states. The key seems to be creating our own paper trail and knowing what alternative documentation different programs accept. I'm going to start implementing the text message strategy immediately - sending a quick message each time I pay rent to create those timestamped records. I'm also going to contact my local Legal Aid office and housing authority to see what templates and guidance they can provide. For anyone else in this situation: document everything, know your rights, and don't let hostile landlords intimidate you into giving up on benefits you're entitled to. The fact that they're operating informally doesn't mean they can ignore tenant protection laws or that we can't create valid proof of our living situations. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and practical solutions. It's made me feel much less alone in dealing with this frustrating situation.

I'm sorry you're going through this frustrating situation. The aggressive reaction from your landlord when you asked for basic documentation is definitely a red flag, and you're right to suspect she might be avoiding a paper trail for tax reasons. Here's what I'd recommend based on your situation: **For your immediate medical documentation needs:** - Contact the medical assistance program directly and ask what alternative proof of residence they accept. Most programs understand that formal leases aren't always available and have procedures for situations exactly like yours. - Create your own "rental payment record" documenting the $950 monthly payments, dates, and duration of your tenancy (8 months). Include any evidence you have like bank withdrawal records that align with rent payment dates. - Start texting your landlord about rent payments going forward (e.g., "Here's January rent - $950 cash as usual") to create timestamped documentation, even if she doesn't respond. **Regarding your tenant rights:** - In most states, paying rent regularly for 8 months establishes you as a legal tenant with rights, even without a written lease. This typically means month-to-month tenancy protections, including proper notice requirements for any changes or eviction attempts. - Document everything: take photos of your living space, save any communications about rent, and keep records of all payments going forward. **About the potential tax issue:** - While landlords are legally required to report rental income, I'd suggest focusing on solving your immediate medical documentation problem first. The tax situation can be addressed later through IRS Form 3949-A if you choose, but your healthcare needs are more urgent. - If you do suspect tax evasion, keep detailed records, but remember that pursuing this could jeopardize your housing situation. Your health and housing stability should be the priority right now. Most medical assistance programs are more flexible with documentation than you might expect - don't let the lack of a formal lease stop you from applying.

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this stressful situation, but you're definitely not powerless here. The extreme hostility over basic documentation is a huge red flag - legitimate landlords understand that tenants sometimes need paperwork for benefits, medical programs, etc. Here's my take on your options: **Immediate steps for your medical documentation:** - Call the medical assistance program tomorrow and explain your situation. Ask specifically what alternative documentation they accept. Many programs have seen this exact scenario and have workarounds. - Create a simple "tenant statement" listing your address, monthly rent amount ($950), payment method (cash), and duration of tenancy (8 months). Include any supporting evidence like bank statements showing regular withdrawals. - Start documenting every interaction going forward - text her about rent payments, photograph cash before handing it over, save any communications. **Know your rights:** - Even without a lease, you likely have established tenant rights after 8 months of regular payments. In most states, this means she can't just kick you out without proper notice (usually 30 days minimum). - Consider contacting your local tenant rights organization or Legal Aid office - they often have templates and can explain your specific state's protections. **Regarding the tax situation:** - While her behavior is suspicious, I'd focus on your medical needs first. You can always address potential tax issues later through IRS reporting mechanisms if you choose. - Keep detailed records of everything, but remember that pursuing tax fraud allegations would likely end your housing arrangement. Don't let her hostility intimidate you out of getting the healthcare you need. You have legitimate rights as a tenant and legitimate needs as someone seeking medical assistance.