When you’re applying for a co-op apartment, it’s common for the board to ask for personal references. A character reference letter can help applicants make a strong case for themselves. In this article, we’ll share seven examples of character reference letters for co-op boards and tips for writing them. You can find examples and edit them as needed to fit your specific situation.
Examples of Character Reference Letters for Co-Op Boards
Example 1: Letter for a Young Professional
Dear Members of the Co-Op Board,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Applicant’s Name]. As [his/her] employer, I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [length of time]. [He/She] is intelligent, hardworking, and dependable. [He/She] is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that [he/she] completes projects to the best of [his/her] ability. In addition, [he/she] has demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, working collaboratively with a diverse range of colleagues.
I have no doubt that [Applicant’s Name] would be an excellent addition to your community. [He/She] is a responsible, respectful person who would make every effort to be a good neighbor. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Letter for a Retiree
Dear Members of the Co-Op Board,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Applicant’s Name]. I have known [him/her] for many years and can attest to [his/her] good character and strong moral values. [He/She] has always been a reliable, honest, and trustworthy individual who takes pride in [his/her] actions.
Having retired from [his/her] career as a [profession], [Applicant’s Name] is eager to become a part of your community. [He/She] is looking forward to engaging in the social and cultural offerings that your cooperative has to offer. I have no doubt that [he/she] would be an excellent addition to your community, and I wholeheartedly recommend [him/her] for membership in your co-op.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Letter for a Family
Dear Members of the Co-Op Board,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Applicant’s Name], [his/her] spouse, and their [number] children, who are applying for residency in your cooperative. I have had the pleasure of knowing this family for [length of time], and I can attest to their strong family values, excellent social skills, and commitment to community involvement.
[Applicant’s Name] is a caring parent who is highly involved in [his/her] children’s lives. [He/She] is dedicated to their education and well-being and has always demonstrated a positive and supportive attitude toward them. As a family, they are respectful, polite, and considerate of others.
I highly recommend this family for membership in your co-op. I believe they would make exceptional additions to your community and would be valuable assets to the cooperative as a whole. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Letter for a Pet Owner
Dear Members of the Co-Op Board,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Applicant’s Name], who is a pet owner. As [his/her] veterinarian, I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [length of time]. [He/She] is a responsible, caring pet owner who goes above and beyond to ensure that [his/her] pets are healthy and well-cared for.
I have no doubt that [Applicant’s Name] would make every effort to be a good neighbor and ensure that [his/her] pets do not disturb others in the building. [He/She] is aware of the rules and regulations of pet ownership in co-ops and has always been respectful of them. I highly recommend [him/her] for membership in your cooperative.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Letter for a New York City Employee
Dear Members of the Co-Op Board,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Applicant’s Name], who is an employee of the City of New York. As [his/her] supervisor, I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [length of time]. [He/She] is a dedicated public servant who takes pride in [his/her] work and is committed to serving the people of New York.
[Applicant’s Name] is a responsible, respectful person who would make every effort to be a good neighbor. [He/She] has always demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, working collaboratively with a diverse range of colleagues. I have no doubt that [he/she] would be an excellent addition to your community and would make every effort to contribute to the cooperative’s overall success.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Letter for a Student
Dear Members of the Co-Op Board,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Applicant’s Name], who is a student. As [his/her] teacher, I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [length of time]. [He/She] is an intelligent, curious, and enthusiastic student who is committed to [his/her] studies.
[Applicant’s Name] is a respectful and responsible young person who would make every effort to be a good neighbor. [He/She] has demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, working collaboratively with a diverse range of peers. I have no doubt that [he/she] would be an excellent addition to your community and would make every effort to contribute to the cooperative’s overall success.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Letter for a Creative Professional
Dear Members of the Co-Op Board,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Applicant’s Name], who is a creative professional. As [his/her] colleague, I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [length of time]. [He/She] is a talented and dedicated artist who takes pride in [his/her] work and is committed to [his/her] craft.
[Applicant’s Name] is a respectful and responsible person who would make every effort to be a good neighbor. [He/She] has demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, working collaboratively with a diverse range of colleagues. I have no doubt that [he/she] would be an excellent addition to your community and would make every effort to contribute to the cooperative’s overall success.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter for Co-Op Boards
If you’ve been asked to write a character reference letter for someone applying to a co-op board, keep these tips in mind:
- Be honest and accurate in your assessment of the applicant.
- Emphasize the applicant’s positive qualities, such as responsibility, reliability, and respectfulness.
- Provide specific examples that illustrate the applicant’s character and abilities.
- Address the applicant’s fitness for co-op living, including their ability to be a good neighbor and abide by the rules and regulations of the cooperative.
- Include your contact information in case the board has any questions or requires additional information.
- Keep your letter concise and to the point, ideally no more than one page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a character reference letter for a co-op board?
A character reference letter should provide an honest and accurate assessment of the applicant’s character, abilities, and fitness for co-op living. Include specific examples that illustrate the applicant’s positive qualities, and emphasize their responsibility, reliability, and respectfulness.
Who should I address the letter to?
You should address the letter to the members of the co-op board.
What should I do if I don’t know the applicant well?
If you don’t know the applicant well, it’s best to decline the request for a character reference letter. Providing an inaccurate or insincere recommendation could harm the applicant’s chances of being accepted into the co-op.
How long should the letter be?
A character reference letter should be concise and to the point, ideally no more than one page.
Can I send the letter via email?
It’s best to send the letter via email if possible, as this will allow the co-op board to review it more quickly. However, make sure that you attach a PDF version of the letter rather than simply copying and pasting the text into the body of the email.
What should I do if I receive a request for a character reference letter?
If you receive a request for a character reference letter, take the time to carefully consider the applicant’s qualities and fitness for co-op living. If you feel comfortable doing so, provide a sincere and accurate recommendation that emphasizes the applicant’s positive qualities and abilities.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter for a co-op board can help applicants make a strong case for themselves. By emphasizing the applicant’s positive qualities and fitness for co-op living, you can help the board make an informed decision about whether to accept them into the cooperative. Keep our tips in mind, and use our examples as a guide to craft a strong and effective letter.