My leasing office claims I didn't pay rent. What are my options?

I live in the state of Georgia in the U.S. I've never been late of my rent, and I've lived in this complex since October of 2005. I turned in my rent in person on January 30 of this month. I came home from work today to find a notice tacked to my door stating that I need to pay my rent AND the late fee, or I'll be evicted. I looked at my used checks and compared it to what's been cashed at my bank. Sure enough, check XXX4 has been cashed for my car payment, and check XXX6 is the next check for me to write.

Are there any suggestions on a route to take?

I paid with a check. I've checked online with my bank. They have not cashed the check. They've simply misplaced it, and are stating that I've never paid.

The receipt idea is a good suggestion for the future, though.

Check with the bank to see if that check was cashed and if it wasn't, cancel it. Always get a receipt of some sort when you pay for something, otherwise you'll end up in court.

your check register does not make
a lot of sense to me; did you give
your landlord cash or a check?
if a check, you have proof from the bank; if cash OUT of a check,
[and if there are no witnesses], you
will have to pay again.

sorry

Check with your bank to see if XXX5 check was cashed. You can do this online too to see if the check has cleared your account. You might also be able to get a copy of the check online, else you will have to go to the bank.

It's possible they misplaced the check, but without a receipt your screwed.

Your cleared check is your proof of payment. Obtain a copy of the cleared check from your bank (usually available online). If the check has not cleared or is lost, you'll need to stop payment before issuing a replacement check.

I would write a letter directly to the owner and request the late fee be waived and a credit for your bank fees.

Next time you pay in person, demand a receipt. It sounds like your apt manager is competent. They may have lost the check or one of their employees is stealing rent checks.