As a tenant, it is important to provide character references to prove that you are a reliable and trustworthy person. Landlords often request character references from potential tenants as part of the rental application process. If you need to provide a character reference for your tenancy application, you can use a template to make the process easier. In this article, we will provide you with several character reference templates for tenancy applications in the UK.
If you are applying for a rental property in the UK, you may be asked to provide a character reference along with your application. This reference serves as proof that you are a reliable and trustworthy tenant who will pay rent on time and take care of the property. A character reference template can help you create a professional and effective reference that will impress your potential landlord.
A character reference for a tenancy application should include information about your personal character, financial stability, and suitability as a tenant. The reference should be written by someone who knows you well and can speak to your good qualities as a person and a tenant. Your reference should be well-written, professional, and free of errors. You can find examples of character reference templates online and edit them as needed to fit your situation.
Here are some examples of character reference templates that you can use for your tenancy application:
Example 1: Character Reference Template for a Student
Greeting: Dear Landlord,
Paragraph 1: I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for your rental property. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years, and I can attest to their good character and responsible nature. [Tenant’s Name] is a hardworking student who takes their studies seriously and always pays their bills on time.
Paragraph 2: In my experience, [Tenant’s Name] is a trustworthy and reliable person who would make an excellent tenant. They are respectful of other people’s property and always keep their living space clean and tidy. I believe that [Tenant’s Name] would be an asset to your rental property and I wholeheartedly recommend them as a tenant.
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
Example 2: Character Reference Template for a Professional
Greeting: Dear Property Manager,
Paragraph 1: I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for your rental property. I have had the pleasure of working with [Tenant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years, and I can attest to their excellent character and professional demeanor. [Tenant’s Name] is a responsible and reliable individual who always meets their obligations.
Paragraph 2: In my experience, [Tenant’s Name] is a respectful and considerate person who would make an excellent tenant. They are meticulous in their work and always take good care of their surroundings. I believe that [Tenant’s Name] would be an asset to your rental property and I highly recommend them as a tenant.
Complimentary Close: Best regards,
Example 3: Character Reference Template for a Self-Employed Tenant
Greeting: Dear Sir/Madam,
Paragraph 1: I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for your rental property. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years, and I can attest to their good character and financial stability. [Tenant’s Name] is a self-employed individual who runs a successful business and has a stable income.
Paragraph 2: In my experience, [Tenant’s Name] is a responsible and reliable person who would make an excellent tenant. They are respectful of other people’s property and always keep their living space clean and tidy. I believe that [Tenant’s Name] would be an asset to your rental property and I wholeheartedly recommend them as a tenant.
Complimentary Close: Yours faithfully,
Example 4: Character Reference Template for a Family
Greeting: Dear Landlord,
Paragraph 1: I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] and their family as tenants for your rental property. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years, and I can attest to their good character and responsible nature. [Tenant’s Name] is a loving and caring parent who takes great pride in their family.
Paragraph 2: In my experience, [Tenant’s Name] is a respectful and considerate person who would make an excellent tenant. They are diligent in their parenting and always keep their living space clean and tidy. I believe that [Tenant’s Name] and their family would be an asset to your rental property and I highly recommend them as tenants.
Complimentary Close: Best regards,
Example 5: Character Reference Template for a Retiree
Greeting: Dear Property Owner,
Paragraph 1: I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for your rental property. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years, and I can attest to their good character and financial stability. [Tenant’s Name] is a retired individual who has a stable income from their pension.
Paragraph 2: In my experience, [Tenant’s Name] is a responsible and trustworthy person who would make an excellent tenant. They are respectful of other people’s property and always keep their living space clean and tidy. I believe that [Tenant’s Name] would be an asset to your rental property and I wholeheartedly recommend them as a tenant.
Complimentary Close: Sincerely,
Example 6: Character Reference Template for a Recent Graduate
Greeting: Dear Property Manager,
Paragraph 1: I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for your rental property. [Tenant’s Name] is a recent graduate who is starting their career and looking for a place to live. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years, and I can attest to their good character and responsible nature.
Paragraph 2: In my experience, [Tenant’s Name] is a hardworking and reliable person who would make an excellent tenant. They are respectful of other people’s property and always keep their living space clean and tidy. I believe that [Tenant’s Name] would be an asset to your rental property and I highly recommend them as a tenant.
Complimentary Close: Best regards,
Tips for Writing a Character Reference for a Tenancy Application
If you are asked to provide a character reference for a tenancy application, here are some tips to help you write an effective reference:
- Address the reference to the landlord or property manager by name.
- Introduce yourself and explain how you know the tenant.
- Include specific examples of the tenant’s good character, financial stability, and suitability as a tenant.
- Avoid making negative comments or providing irrelevant information.
- Be honest and objective in your assessment of the tenant.
- Proofread your reference carefully before submitting it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who can provide a character reference for my tenancy application?
A: Your character reference should be written by someone who knows you well and can speak to your good qualities as a person and a tenant. This could be a friend, family member, employer, or professional contact.
Q: What should I include in my character reference for a tenancy application?
A: Your character reference should include information about your personal character, financial stability, and suitability as a tenant. You should also include specific examples of your good qualities as a tenant, such as paying rent on time and taking good care of the property.
Q: How long should my character reference be?
A: Your character reference should be long enough to provide a detailed and accurate assessment of your character and suitability as a tenant. Generally, a reference of 40 to 50 sentences is sufficient.
Q: What should I avoid in my character reference for a tenancy application?
A: You should avoid making negative comments or providing irrelevant information in your character reference. Stick to the facts and provide a balanced assessment of your character and suitability as a tenant.
Q: Can I use a character reference from a previous tenancy application?
A: Yes, you can use a character reference from a previous tenancy application if the reference is still relevant and accurate. However, it is best to update the reference to reflect your current situation and circumstances.
Q: Can I write my own character reference for a tenancy application?
A: No, it is not recommended to write your own character reference for a tenancy application. The reference should be written by someone else who can provide an objective assessment of your character and suitability as a tenant.
Conclusion
Providing a character reference is an important part of the tenancy application process in the UK. A well-written reference can help you stand out as a reliable and trustworthy tenant. By using a character reference template and following the tips provided in this article, you can create a professional and effective reference that will impress your potential landlord.