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What is a landlord reference letter?
A landlord reference letter is a document written by a landlord on behalf of their tenant. It is typically requested by a new landlord or property manager as part of the rental application process, in order to verify the tenant’s rental history and ensure that they are a reliable and responsible tenant. The letter is intended to provide insight into the tenant’s character and suitability as a tenant, based on the landlord’s experience renting to them.
What should be included in a tenant recommendation letter?
A landlord letter of reference should include several key pieces of information that can help a potential new landlord or property manager assess the suitability of a tenant. Here are some of the things that should be included in a rental reference letter:
- Introduction: The letter should begin with an introduction that includes the date, the name of the landlord or property manager, and the name of the tenant being referred.
- Rental history: The letter should include information about the tenant’s rental history, such as the length of their tenancy, the amount of rent they paid, and whether they paid on time. This information can help the new landlord or property manager assess the tenant’s financial responsibility.
- Behavior: The letter should provide details about the tenant’s behavior during their tenancy, such as whether they caused any damage to the property or were a good neighbor. This information can help the new landlord or property manager assess the tenant’s character and suitability as a tenant.
- Personal opinion: The letter may also include the landlord’s personal opinion of the tenant’s character and suitability as a tenant. This can be particularly helpful if the landlord has had a positive experience with the tenant and wishes to recommend them.
- Contact information: The letter should conclude with the landlord’s contact information, including their name, phone number, and email address. This will allow the new landlord or property manager to contact the landlord if they have any further questions.
Overall, a landlord reference letter should be honest and provide a balanced view of the tenant’s rental history and behavior. It should also be well-written and professional in tone.
Sample landlord reference letter
Example of a reference letter from a landlord where there were no problems:
Tenant Recommendation Letter
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing this letter to serve as a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant in one of my properties from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During their tenancy, [Tenant’s Name] lived in a [Apartment / Condo / House] unit located at [Address of Property].
As a tenant, [Tenant’s Name] was responsible and reliable, always paying their rent on time and taking good care of the property. They were respectful of their neighbors and did not cause any disturbances. Additionally, they left the property in good condition when they moved out.
Based on my experience renting to [Tenant’s Name], I would highly recommend them as a tenant. They were a pleasure to work with, and I believe they would make a great tenant for any future landlord.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss [Tenant’s Name] further, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Landlord’s Name]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant in one of my rental properties located at [Address of Property]. [Tenant’s Name] leased the property from [Start Date] to [End Date], during which time they were a model tenant.
During their tenancy, [Tenant’s Name] was always punctual with rent payments, never missed a payment, and was respectful of both the property and neighbors. They kept the property clean and in good condition, and were always cooperative whenever I needed access to the property for maintenance or inspections.
Furthermore, [Tenant’s Name] was a friendly, respectful, and responsible tenant who never caused any issues or disturbances. They were easy to communicate with and always responsive to any requests or concerns.
Based on my experience, I would highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant without reservation. They would be an excellent tenant for any landlord or property manager and I have no doubt that they will continue to be a responsible and reliable tenant.
If you have any further questions or would like to discuss [Tenant’s Name] further, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Landlord’s Name]Example letter from landlord where there were some late payments:
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant in one of my rental properties located at [Address of Property]. [Tenant’s Name] leased the property from [Start Date] to [End Date], during which time they were a generally responsible and reliable tenant.
During their tenancy, [Tenant’s Name] was always respectful of the property and neighbors, and they kept the property clean and in good condition. They were cooperative whenever I needed access to the property for maintenance or inspections, and they were easy to communicate with and responsive to any requests or concerns.
However, there were two occasions during their tenancy when [Tenant’s Name] was late with their rent payments. In both instances, they notified me in advance and made arrangements to catch up on the late payment within a reasonable timeframe. Although this was not an ideal situation, I appreciated their honesty and willingness to work with me to resolve the issue.
Overall, based on my experience, I would recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant with some reservations. While they were generally responsible and reliable, the two late rent payments are worth noting. That being said, I believe they have learned from their mistakes and would continue to be a generally good tenant moving forward.
If you have any further questions or would like to discuss [Tenant’s Name] further, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Landlord’s Name]Tips on How to Write a Perfect Landlord Reference Letter
- Be specific: Include specific examples of the tenant’s behavior and their positive attributes. This can include things like paying rent on time, taking good care of the property, being respectful to neighbors, and so on.
- Be honest: If the tenant had any issues during their tenancy, be sure to mention them in the letter. This can include late rent payments, property damage, or other issues. However, also mention if the tenant took responsibility for their actions and worked to resolve the issue.
- Keep it professional: Your landlord reference letter should be written in a professional tone and include all the necessary details. Avoid including personal opinions or unrelated information that could be deemed unprofessional.
- Use a formal format: Your letter should be formatted in a formal business letter format with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use a professional font and format, and double-check for any typos or errors before sending.
- Obtain tenant’s consent: Before writing a landlord reference letter, make sure you have the tenant’s consent to share their information with potential landlords or property managers. This can be done by having the tenant sign a consent form or by including a line in the letter indicating that you have the tenant’s permission to share their information.
- Provide your contact information: Make sure to include your contact information, such as your phone number and email address, so that the recipient can reach out to you if they have any questions or need further information.