Yes, the water bill was paid directly to her. She sent me a bill each month for the amount of my water bill and I paid them all to her by check as well as my rent. She did not give any receipts for anything after the initial two. I didn't really think anything of it, none of my landlords have ever given me receipts.

But yes, all of my rent and water bills were paid by personal check, I can view and print out all of the actual copies of the check with online banking and the date they were cashed, which is usually either the day they were due or just before or after. I always send in my checks about 5-7 days early.