If you’re a landlord and asked to provide a reference for your tenant, it’s important to make sure your letter is well-written and provides enough information to help the tenant secure a new rental. In this article, we’ll provide you with several examples of landlord reference letters, along with tips on how to write an effective one.
Tips for Writing a Landlord Reference Letter
Before we dive into the examples, here are a few tips to keep in mind when writing a landlord reference letter:
- Be honest: It’s important to provide an accurate portrayal of your tenant’s rental history.
- Be specific: Provide specific details about the length of the tenancy, the amount of rent paid, and any issues that arose during the tenancy.
- Include your contact information: Make sure to include your phone number and email address in case the potential landlord has any follow-up questions.
- Check for errors: Before sending the letter, make sure to proofread it for any errors or typos.
Remember, these examples are meant to be used as templates that you can edit as needed. Make sure to include any additional information that you think is relevant to the tenant’s rental history.
Landlord Reference Letter Examples
Example 1: Reference for a Tenant with Excellent Rental History
Dear [Potential Landlord],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name]. [He/She] was a tenant in my property at [Address] for [length of tenancy] and was an excellent tenant throughout [his/her] stay. [He/She] always paid the rent on time and kept the property in great condition. I would highly recommend [him/her] as a tenant.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Reference for a Tenant with a Pet
Dear [Potential Landlord],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant in my property at [Address] for [length of tenancy]. During [his/her] tenancy, [he/she] had a [type of pet] and was always respectful of the property and other tenants. [He/She] made sure to clean up after [his/her] pet and keep the property in great condition.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Reference for a Tenant with Late Rent Payments
Dear [Potential Landlord],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant in my property at [Address] for [length of tenancy]. While [he/she] was a good tenant in many aspects, [he/she] did have a tendency to pay the rent a few days late on occasion. However, [he/she] always communicated with me in advance and made sure to pay any late fees that were incurred. Overall, I would still recommend [him/her] as a tenant.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Reference for a Tenant with Noise Complaints
Dear [Potential Landlord],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant in my property at [Address] for [length of tenancy]. While [he/she] was a generally good tenant, there were some noise complaints from other tenants during [his/her] stay. However, [he/she] did make an effort to keep the noise down after being notified of the issue. Overall, I would recommend [him/her] as a tenant.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Reference for a Tenant with Property Damage
Dear [Potential Landlord],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant in my property at [Address] for [length of tenancy]. While [he/she] was a generally good tenant, there were some instances of property damage during [his/her] stay. However, [he/she] was always quick to notify me of any damage and made sure to pay for any repairs that were necessary. Overall, I would still recommend [him/her] as a tenant.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Reference for a Tenant with a History of Eviction
Dear [Potential Landlord],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant in my property at [Address] for [length of tenancy]. While [he/she] was a generally good tenant, it’s worth noting that [he/she] has a history of eviction. However, [he/she] was always upfront with me about this and provided me with references from previous landlords. Overall, I would recommend [him/her] as a tenant.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Reference for a Tenant with Subletting Violation
Dear [Potential Landlord],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant in my property at [Address] for [length of tenancy]. While [he/she] was a generally good tenant, [he/she] did violate the lease agreement by subletting the property without my permission. However, [he/she] did rectify the situation quickly and was a good tenant in all other aspects.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a landlord reference letter?
A landlord reference letter should include the tenant’s full name, the length of their tenancy, the amount of rent they paid, and any issues that arose during their stay. Make sure to also include your contact information so that potential landlords can reach out to you with any questions.
Do I have to provide a landlord reference letter?
No, there’s no legal requirement for you to provide a reference letter. However, it’s a common practice in the rental industry, and providing a letter can help your tenant secure a new rental.
Can I refuse to provide a landlord reference letter?
Yes, you have the right to refuse to provide a reference letter if you feel uncomfortable doing so. However, it’s important to be honest with your tenant about your decision.
Can I be held liable for providing a false reference?
Yes, if you knowingly provide false information in a reference letter and it causes harm to the tenant or the new landlord, you could be held liable for any damages that result. Make sure to be honest in your reference letter and only include information that you can verify.
How long should a landlord reference letter be?
A landlord reference letter should be no longer than one page. Keep it concise and to the point, and make sure to include all relevant information.
Can I charge a fee for providing a landlord reference letter?
Yes, you can charge a fee for providing a reference letter, but it’s important to be upfront with your tenant about the cost. Make sure to also provide a receipt for any fees charged.
Conclusion
Providing a landlord reference letter is an important part of being a landlord. By following our tips and using our examples, you can write an effective reference letter that helps your tenant secure a new rental.