If you are a landlord or property manager, providing a tenant reference letter is an important part of your job. This type of letter can be requested by potential landlords, employers or even financial institutions, and serves to confirm the suitability of a tenant for a new residence or position. Here is an overview of how to write a tenant reference letter and some examples to get you started.
How To Write A Tenant Reference Letter
A tenant reference letter should be brief and to the point, while still providing all the necessary information. Start by introducing yourself and stating your relationship to the tenant. In the body of the letter, provide details about the tenant’s rental history, including any payments made on time or any issues with the property. Finally, close by offering your recommendation for the tenant.
Readers can find examples of tenant reference letters below and edit them as needed to fit their specific situation.
Example Tenant Reference Letter Titles
Reference Letter for a Reliable Tenant
Dear [Landlord/Property Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant Name] as a trustworthy and responsible tenant. Over the past [length of time] they have demonstrated a strong commitment to taking care of the property and paying rent on time.
[Tenant Name] always kept a clean and tidy apartment and was respectful of their neighbors. Any maintenance issues were reported promptly and taken care of in a timely manner. They were a pleasure to work with and I would not hesitate to recommend them.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for a Professional Tenant
Dear [Landlord/Property Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant Name] as an excellent tenant. Throughout their tenancy, they have been professional, responsible and respectful. They always paid rent on time and took care of the property as if it were their own.
[Tenant Name] was a wonderful tenant to work with and always communicated clearly and courteously. I have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone looking for a reliable tenant.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for a Long-Term Tenant
Dear [Landlord/Property Manager],
I am writing to confirm that [Tenant Name] was a tenant of mine for [length of time] and during that time was an excellent tenant. They always paid rent on time and took care of the property as if it were their own. Throughout their tenancy, [Tenant Name] demonstrated the qualities of a model tenant.
If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for a Student Tenant
Dear [Landlord/Property Manager],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Tenant Name] as a tenant. They rented [address] from me for [length of time]. During this time, they were a responsible and respectful tenant. They always paid rent on time and kept the apartment clean and tidy.
[Tenant Name] is also a full-time student and has been focused on their studies while living in the apartment. I highly recommend them as a tenant and believe that they would make a great addition to any rental property.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for a Tenant with Pets
Dear [Landlord/Property Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant Name] as a tenant. They recently rented [address] and were a model tenant during their stay. [Tenant Name] has pets, but they always took care of them properly and made sure the apartment was kept clean and tidy.
Any issues that arose during their tenancy were addressed and resolved quickly, and [Tenant Name] was always communicative and responsive. I highly recommend them as a tenant and wish them all the best in their new home.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for a Tenant Seeking Employment
Dear [Employer],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant Name] who was a tenant of mine for [length of time]. During their tenancy, [Tenant Name] was reliable, responsible and always paid rent on time. They kept their apartment clean and tidy and were respectful of their neighbors.
[Tenant Name] is now seeking employment and I believe that they would be an excellent addition to any workplace. They are focused, driven and always looking for ways to improve themselves. I highly recommend them for any position they may be applying for.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for a Tenant Moving Abroad
Dear [Landlord/Property Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant Name] as a tenant. They rented from me for [length of time] and have been an excellent tenant. They always paid rent on time and took care of the property as if it were their own.
[Tenant Name] is now moving abroad and I wish them all the best in their new adventure. I highly recommend them as a tenant and believe that they will be an asset to any rental property in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a tenant reference letter?
A tenant reference letter should include your relationship to the tenant, details about their rental history, and your recommendation. Be sure to include specific examples and details when possible.
How long should a tenant reference letter be?
A tenant reference letter should be brief and to the point. Aim for one page or less and no more than 300 words.
Can I refuse to provide a tenant reference letter?
While you are not legally required to provide a tenant reference letter, it is generally considered part of your duties as a landlord or property manager. If you choose not to provide a reference, be honest with the requester and let them know your reasons.
Can I write a tenant reference letter for a tenant who was evicted?
You can still provide a reference for a tenant who was evicted, but be sure to be honest about the circumstances and the reasons for the eviction.
Do I need to provide a tenant reference letter for every tenant?
You are not required to provide a tenant reference letter for every tenant, but it is generally considered good practice to do so. This can help your tenants in their future endeavors and build your reputation as a responsible landlord or property manager.
Can I ask for a tenant reference letter from a previous landlord?
Yes, you can ask for a tenant reference letter from a previous landlord. This can help confirm the suitability of a potential tenant and provide valuable insights into their rental history and behavior.
Conclusion
Providing a tenant reference letter is an important part of being a landlord or property manager. By following the tips provided in this article and using the example letters as a guide, you can create a letter that is professional, informative, and helpful to the requester.