A good tenant reference letter is an essential document for landlords who want to verify the rental history and suitability of their potential tenants. It provides a detailed account of the tenant’s behavior, payment history, and overall reliability as a renter. In this article, we will share some tips on how to write an effective tenant reference letter and provide seven examples that you can edit as needed.
Tips for Writing a Good Tenant Reference Letter
When writing a tenant reference letter, keep the following tips in mind:
1. Use a professional tone
Your reference letter should be written in a professional tone and format. Use a formal greeting and sign off with a complimentary close. Avoid using slang or informal language.
2. Include all the necessary details
Make sure to include all the relevant details about the tenant, such as their name, rental period, and the property they rented. Provide specific examples of the tenant’s behavior and payment history.
3. Be honest
Be honest in your assessment of the tenant’s behavior and reliability. Avoid exaggerating or sugarcoating their performance.
4. Use specific examples
Use specific examples to illustrate your points. For example, instead of saying that the tenant was always on time with rent payments, provide the exact dates and amounts of the payments.
5. Keep it concise
A good reference letter should be no longer than one page. Keep it concise and to the point.
6. Offer to talk further
End the letter by offering to talk further about the tenant if needed. Provide your contact information and availability.
7. Proofread and edit
Before sending the letter, make sure to proofread and edit it for grammar and spelling mistakes. Ask someone else to review it as well.
Examples of Good Tenant Reference Letters
Letter Sample 1: Reference for Tim Johnson
Dear Ms. Lee,
I am writing to provide a reference for Tim Johnson, who rented my apartment at 123 Main St. from May 2019 to April 2020. During his tenancy, Tim was an excellent tenant who always paid his rent on time and kept the unit in great condition.
Specifically, Tim was always prompt with his rent payments, never once missing a payment or making a late payment. He also kept the apartment clean and tidy, reporting any maintenance issues promptly.
I would highly recommend Tim as a reliable and responsible tenant.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Letter Sample 2: Reference for Sarah Brown
Dear Mr. Rodriguez,
I am writing to provide a reference for Sarah Brown, who rented my apartment at 456 Elm St. from August 2018 to July 2020. During her tenancy, Sarah was an excellent tenant who always paid her rent on time and kept the unit in great condition.
Specifically, Sarah was an excellent communicator and always kept me informed of any maintenance issues or concerns. She also went above and beyond in maintaining the apartment, keeping it clean and tidy and reporting any issues promptly.
I would highly recommend Sarah as a reliable and responsible tenant.
Best regards,
Emily Jones
Letter Sample 3: Reference for Mark Johnson
Dear Ms. Hernandez,
I am writing to provide a reference for Mark Johnson, who rented my apartment at 789 Oak St. from January 2018 to December 2019. During his tenancy, Mark was an excellent tenant who always paid his rent on time and took great care of the unit.
Specifically, Mark was always prompt with his rent payments, never once missing a payment or making a late payment. He also kept the apartment in great condition, reporting any maintenance issues promptly and taking excellent care of the property.
I would highly recommend Mark as a reliable and responsible tenant.
Best regards,
Robert Davis
Letter Sample 4: Reference for Vanessa Gomez
Dear Ms. Wilson,
I am writing to provide a reference for Vanessa Gomez, who rented my apartment at 567 Maple St. from June 2019 to May 2020. During her tenancy, Vanessa was an excellent tenant who always paid her rent on time and took great care of the unit.
Specifically, Vanessa was always prompt with her rent payments, never once missing a payment or making a late payment. She also kept the apartment in great condition, reporting any maintenance issues promptly and taking excellent care of the property.
I would highly recommend Vanessa as a reliable and responsible tenant.
Sincerely,
Daniel Rodriguez
Letter Sample 5: Reference for James Lee
Dear Ms. Hernandez,
I am writing to provide a reference for James Lee, who rented my apartment at 123 Main St. from March 2018 to February 2020. During his tenancy, James was an excellent tenant who always paid his rent on time and kept the unit in great condition.
Specifically, James was always prompt with his rent payments, never once missing a payment or making a late payment. He also kept the apartment clean and tidy, reporting any maintenance issues promptly.
I would highly recommend James as a reliable and responsible tenant.
Best regards,
David Kim
Letter Sample 6: Reference for Michelle Chen
Dear Mr. Rodriguez,
I am writing to provide a reference for Michelle Chen, who rented my apartment at 456 Elm St. from September 2019 to August 2020. During her tenancy, Michelle was an excellent tenant who always paid her rent on time and kept the unit in great condition.
Specifically, Michelle was an excellent communicator and always kept me informed of any maintenance issues or concerns. She also went above and beyond in maintaining the apartment, keeping it clean and tidy and reporting any issues promptly.
I would highly recommend Michelle as a reliable and responsible tenant.
Sincerely,
Samantha Thompson
Letter Sample 7: Reference for William Johnson
Dear Ms. Wilson,
I am writing to provide a reference for William Johnson, who rented my apartment at 789 Oak St. from February 2018 to January 2020. During his tenancy, William was an excellent tenant who always paid his rent on time and took great care of the unit.
Specifically, William was always prompt with his rent payments, never once missing a payment or making a late payment. He also kept the apartment in great condition, reporting any maintenance issues promptly and taking excellent care of the property.
I would highly recommend William as a reliable and responsible tenant.
Best regards,
John Davis
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a tenant reference letter?
A good tenant reference letter should include details about the tenant’s rental period, property, behavior, and payment history. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and keep the letter concise and professional.
How do I address the tenant reference letter?
Use a formal greeting, such as “Dear [Landlord’s Name]” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
What if I don’t have much to say about the tenant?
If you don’t have much to say about the tenant, simply state that they were a good tenant who paid their rent on time and kept the unit in good condition. Use specific examples if possible.
Can I refuse to write a tenant reference letter?
Yes, you are not obligated to write a reference letter if you do not feel comfortable doing so. However, if you do agree to write a letter, make sure to be honest and professional.
What if the tenant was not a good renter?
If the tenant was not a good renter, be honest in your assessment. Provide specific examples of their behavior and payment history, but avoid using derogatory language or exaggerating their faults.
How long should a tenant reference letter be?
A good tenant reference letter should be no longer than one page. Keep it concise and to the point.
Conclusion
A good tenant reference letter is an essential tool for landlords who want to verify a potential tenant’s rental history and suitability. By following the tips and using the examples provided in this article, you can create an effective reference letter that will help you make informed decisions about your rental property.