Are you looking for a new apartment or house but struggling to find a landlord who will accept your application? One way to increase your chances of success is by providing a character reference letter for housing. This letter serves as a recommendation from someone who knows you well and can vouch for your reliability and trustworthiness as a tenant. In this article, we’ll provide tips and examples to help you write a winning character reference letter for housing.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter for Housing
Before we dive into the examples, here are some general tips to keep in mind when writing a character reference letter for housing:
- Be honest: Only write positive things about the applicant if you genuinely believe them to be true. Don’t exaggerate or misrepresent their character.
- Provide specific examples: Use concrete examples to illustrate why the applicant would make a good tenant (e.g. they always pay their bills on time, they take excellent care of their current property).
- Include contact information: Make sure to include your full name, phone number, and email address so the landlord can contact you if they have any further questions.
- Keep it concise: Your letter should be no more than one page long.
Examples of Character Reference Letters for Housing
Example 1: Renting for the First Time
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for tenancy in your property. Although [he/she] has never rented before, I have known [him/her] for [length of time] and can attest to [his/her] responsible character and reliable nature.
For example, when [he/she] lived with me, [he/she] always paid [his/her] share of the rent and bills on time and kept [his/her] living space tidy and organized. [He/She] is a respectful and considerate person who would make an excellent tenant.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Pet-Friendly Housing
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for tenancy in your pet-friendly property. As [his/her] current landlord, I can attest to [his/her] responsible ownership of [his/her] pets and [his/her] general reliability as a tenant.
For example, [he/she] always takes excellent care of [his/her] animals and ensures that they do not cause any damage to the property. [He/She] is also prompt with rent payments and respectful of [his/her] neighbors.
I have no hesitation in recommending [Applicant’s Name] for your property and believe that [he/she] would make an excellent tenant.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Long-Term Tenant
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for tenancy in your property. I have known [him/her] for [length of time] and can attest to [his/her] reliable and responsible nature as a long-term tenant.
For example, [he/she] has rented [his/her] current property for [length of time] and has always paid rent on time and taken excellent care of the space. [He/She] is a respectful and dependable tenant who would make an excellent addition to your property.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Student Housing
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for tenancy in your student housing property. As [his/her] academic advisor, I have gotten to know [him/her] well and can attest to [his/her] responsible and hardworking nature.
For example, [he/she] consistently maintains a high GPA and is always prepared for class. [He/She] is also involved in extracurricular activities and is a positive influence on [his/her] peers.
I believe that [Applicant’s Name] would make an excellent addition to your student housing community and am happy to recommend [him/her] for tenancy.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Employment Verification
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to verify [Applicant’s Name]’s employment status and recommend [him/her] for tenancy in your property. [He/She] has been employed at [Company Name] for [length of time] and is a reliable and trustworthy employee.
As [his/her] supervisor, I can attest to [his/her] punctuality, attention to detail, and excellent work ethic. [He/She] is a team player who is well-liked by [his/her] colleagues and respected by [his/her] superiors.
I believe that [Applicant’s Name] would make an excellent tenant and am happy to recommend [him/her] for tenancy in your property.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Military Housing
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for tenancy in your military housing property. As [his/her] commanding officer, I can attest to [his/her] responsible and disciplined nature.
For example, [he/she] always shows up on time and completes [his/her] duties with professionalism and attention to detail. [He/She] is a respected member of the military community and would make an excellent addition to your housing property.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Renewing a Lease
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to support [Applicant’s Name]’s application to renew [his/her] lease in your property. As [his/her] current landlord, I have been impressed with [his/her] reliable and responsible nature as a tenant.
For example, [he/she] always pays rent on time, takes excellent care of the property, and is respectful of [his/her] neighbors. [He/She] is a model tenant who is a pleasure to work with.
I strongly recommend that you consider renewing [Applicant’s Name]’s lease and continuing [his/her] tenancy in your property.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a character reference letter for housing?
A character reference letter for housing should include specific examples of the applicant’s reliable and trustworthy nature, as well as your contact information so the landlord can get in touch with you if needed.
Who should write a character reference letter for housing?
A character reference letter for housing can be written by anyone who knows the applicant well and can speak to their character and reliability as a tenant. This could be a current or former landlord, employer, teacher, or friend.
How long should a character reference letter for housing be?
A character reference letter for housing should be no more than one page long.
What tone should I use in a character reference letter for housing?
You should use a formal, friendly tone in a character reference letter for housing. Avoid using overly casual language or slang.
What if I don’t have any personal experience with the applicant’s tenancy?
If you don’t have any personal experience with the applicant’s tenancy, you can still write a character reference letter based on your experience with them in other areas of their life (e.g. work, school, volunteer activities).
Can I edit these examples for my own use?
Absolutely! Feel free to use these examples as a starting point and edit them as needed to fit your specific situation.
Conclusion
A character reference letter for housing can be a powerful tool to help you secure a new apartment or house. By providing a recommendation from someone who knows you well and can vouch for your reliability, you can increase your chances of success in the rental application process. Use the tips and examples in this article to craft a winning character reference letter for housing.