If you have been asked by your potential landlord to provide a character reference, you may be wondering where to start. A character reference is a letter that attests to your character, personality, and overall trustworthiness. A good character reference can help a landlord feel confident in their decision to rent their property to you. In this article, we will provide you with several examples of character references for landlords so you can get an idea of what to include in your own letter.
Letter Examples
Employment-Related
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Your Name] as a tenant for your property. I have had the pleasure of being [Your Name]’s supervisor for the past [X] years at [Company Name], and I can confidently say that they are a responsible and trustworthy individual. [Your Name] has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and has shown great respect for their coworkers and superiors. I have no doubt that they will treat your property with the same level of care and responsibility.
Sincerely,
[Your Supervisor’s Name]
Academic-Related
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Your Name], who is applying to rent your property. I was [Your Name]’s professor for [X] years at [University Name], where they completed their [Degree Name]. As a student, [Your Name] consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a great sense of responsibility. They were always respectful to their peers and professors alike and were a pleasure to work with.
Based on my experience with [Your Name], I am confident that they will be an excellent tenant and will take great care of your property.
Best regards,
[Your Professor’s Name]
Personal-Related
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Your Name], who is applying to rent your property. I have known [Your Name] for [X] years and can attest to their excellent character and trustworthiness. [Your Name] is a responsible individual who has always shown great respect for others.
During the time that I have known [Your Name], they have proven to be a reliable and trustworthy friend. I have no doubt that they will treat your property with the same care and attention that they give to their own personal belongings.
Thank you for considering [Your Name] as a tenant for your property.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Community-Related
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Your Name], a member of our community who is applying to rent your property. I have had the pleasure of getting to know [Your Name] through our community events and have found them to be a responsible and trustworthy individual.
[Your Name] has always been an active member of our community and has demonstrated a strong commitment to helping others. They are a reliable and dependable person who has shown great respect for their neighbors and community.
I have no doubt that [Your Name] will make an excellent tenant and will treat your property with the same level of care and respect that they show to our community.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Financial-Related
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Your Name], who is applying to rent your property. As [Your Name]’s banker for the past [X] years, I can confidently say that they are a responsible and trustworthy individual.
[Your Name] has always been diligent in their financial matters and has never missed a payment on their account. They have a strong credit history and have always shown great respect for their financial obligations.
Based on my experience with [Your Name], I am confident that they will be an excellent tenant and will take great care of your property.
Best regards,
[Your Banker’s Name]
Legal-Related
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Your Name], who is applying to rent your property. As [Your Name]’s attorney for the past [X] years, I can attest to their strong character and trustworthiness.
During my time working with [Your Name], they have always shown great respect for the law and have been a responsible and trustworthy client. They have never been involved in any legal issues and have always been diligent in meeting their legal obligations.
Based on my experience with [Your Name], I am confident that they will be an excellent tenant and will take great care of your property.
Best regards,
[Your Attorney’s Name]
Tips for Writing a Character Reference
When writing a character reference for a potential landlord, keep the following tips in mind:
- Address the letter to the landlord by name.
- Include your full name, address, and contact information.
- Explain your relationship to the potential tenant.
- Provide specific examples of the tenant’s character and trustworthiness.
- Include information about the tenant’s employment, finances, academic background, or other relevant information.
- Avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting the tenant’s qualities.
- Conclude the letter with a strong recommendation for the tenant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I include in a character reference for a landlord?
A: A good character reference for a landlord should include your relationship to the tenant, specific examples of the tenant’s character and trustworthiness, and any relevant information about the tenant’s employment, finances, or academic background. It should also conclude with a strong recommendation for the tenant.
Q: Who can write a character reference for a landlord?
A: Anyone who knows the tenant well and can provide an honest assessment of their character and trustworthiness can write a character reference for a landlord. This may include employers, professors, community members, or personal acquaintances.
Q: How long should a character reference for a landlord be?
A: A character reference for a landlord should be approximately one to two pages long, or roughly 40 to 50 sentences. It should be long enough to provide specific examples of the tenant’s character and trustworthiness, but not so long that the landlord loses interest.
Q: Should I include my contact information in a character reference for a landlord?
A: Yes, it is important to include your contact information when writing a character reference for a landlord. This allows the landlord to verify the authenticity of the letter if necessary and also provides them with a way to contact you if they have any further questions.
Q: Can I use a character reference from a previous landlord?
A: Yes, a character reference from a previous landlord can be a valuable addition to your rental application. It demonstrates that you were a responsible tenant in the past and can help put a potential new landlord’s mind at ease.
Q: How should I format my character reference for a landlord?
A: Your character reference for a landlord should be formatted like a formal letter. It should include a header with your name and contact information, the landlord’s name and address, a greeting, a body that includes specific examples of the tenant’s character and trustworthiness, and a closing with your signature and contact information.
Conclusion
Providing a character reference for a potential landlord can help set you apart from other tenants and demonstrate your trustworthiness and responsibility. By following the tips and examples in this article, you can create a strong and compelling character reference that will help you secure your desired rental property.