If you’re applying for a rental property and need a personal reference, consider asking a family friend. This type of reference can be helpful when you don’t have a lot of rental history or your previous landlords are difficult to contact. In this article, we’ll provide tips for creating a strong family friend personal reference and share examples you can use as a template.
Tips for Creating a Strong Family Friend Personal Reference
When creating a family friend personal reference for a rental application, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Choose someone who has known you for a long time and can speak to your character and responsibility.
- Provide your friend with the details of the rental property and the application requirements so they can tailor their reference to the situation.
- Ask your friend to be honest and specific in their reference, highlighting your strengths and addressing any concerns the landlord may have.
- Make sure the reference is well-written and free of errors.
Remember, your family friend personal reference should be a professional document that gives the landlord confidence in your ability to be a responsible tenant.
Example Family Friend Personal Reference Letters
Reference for a Young Adult
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to provide a personal reference for [Applicant’s Name]. I have known [Applicant’s Name] since they were a child and can attest to their maturity, responsibility, and trustworthiness. [He/She] is a hardworking individual who is always willing to lend a hand to those in need. I believe [Applicant’s Name] would make an excellent tenant and take good care of your property.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for a Pet Owner
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a personal reference for [Applicant’s Name] in regards to their rental application. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [number of years] and can attest to [his/her] responsible behavior and care for animals. [He/She] is a proud owner of a [type of pet] and has always been mindful of [his/her] pet’s behavior and hygiene. I believe [Applicant’s Name] would make a great tenant and would take good care of your property.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for a Student
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to provide a personal reference for [Applicant’s Name]. I have known [him/her] for [number of years] and can attest to their responsibility and dedication to their studies. [He/She] is a hardworking individual who has always been respectful to others and their property. I believe [Applicant’s Name] would make an excellent tenant and take good care of your property.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for a Self-Employed Applicant
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to provide a personal reference for [Applicant’s Name] in regards to [his/her] rental application. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [number of years] and can attest to their hard work, dedication, and financial responsibility. As a self-employed individual, [he/she] has always been able to manage [his/her] finances and has never been late on [his/her] payments. I believe [Applicant’s Name] would make an excellent tenant and take good care of your property.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for a Military Applicant
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to provide a personal reference for [Applicant’s Name] in regards to their rental application. I have known [him/her] for [number of years] and can attest to [his/her] responsibility, discipline, and commitment. [He/She] is a [rank] in the [branch of military] and is currently stationed in [location]. Despite [his/her] busy schedule and frequent moves, [Applicant’s Name] has always been able to maintain [his/her] financial obligations and responsibilities. I believe [he/she] would make a great tenant and take good care of your property.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for a First-Time Renter
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a personal reference for [Applicant’s Name] in regards to [his/her] rental application. Although [he/she] has never rented before, I have known [him/her] for [number of years] and can attest to [his/her] responsibility, reliability, and trustworthiness. [He/She] has always been able to manage [his/her] finances and has never been late on any payments or obligations. I believe [Applicant’s Name] would make an excellent tenant and take good care of your property.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for a Recent Graduate
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to provide a personal reference for [Applicant’s Name]. I have known [him/her] for [number of years] and can attest to [his/her] responsibility, ambition, and dedication. [He/She] recently graduated from [name of school] and has been working hard to establish [his/her] career. Despite [his/her] busy schedule, [Applicant’s Name] has always been able to manage [his/her] finances and responsibilities. I believe [he/she] would make an excellent tenant and take good care of your property.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a family friend personal reference for a rental application?
When writing a family friend personal reference, you should include details about your relationship with the applicant, their character and responsibility, and how you believe they would make a good tenant. Be specific and honest in your reference, and tailor it to the requirements of the rental application.
Can a family member write a personal reference for a rental application?
While a family member can write a personal reference, it is generally not recommended as it may be perceived as biased. A family friend or professional reference is a better option.
How long should a family friend personal reference be?
A family friend personal reference should be 40 to 50 sentences long, or about one page. Be concise and to the point, while highlighting the applicant’s strengths and addressing any concerns the landlord may have.
Do I need to include my contact information in the family friend personal reference?
Yes, it’s important to include your contact information in case the landlord wants to follow up with you or has any additional questions. Include your name, phone number, and email address.
Should I use a formal tone in my family friend personal reference?
Yes, a family friend personal reference should be written in a formal tone to convey professionalism and respect. Use proper grammar and punctuation, and avoid slang or colloquial language.
Can I use a family friend personal reference for multiple rental applications?
Yes, you can use the same family friend personal reference for multiple rental applications as long as it is tailored to each specific application and includes the necessary details. Make sure to update the reference if anything has changed since the last application.
Conclusion
A family friend personal reference can be a valuable asset when applying for a rental property. By following the tips we’ve provided and using our examples as a guide, you can create a strong reference that showcases your character and responsibility. Remember to be honest, specific, and professional in your reference, and tailor it to the requirements of the rental application.