If you’re a landlord in New Zealand, you may be asked to provide a reference letter for your tenant. This letter can help your tenant secure a new rental property by demonstrating that they were a responsible and reliable tenant. In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to write a great landlord reference letter in New Zealand, as well as seven examples that you can use as a starting point.
Tips for Writing a Landlord Reference Letter Nz
Start with a Strong Title
Your landlord reference letter should have a clear and descriptive title. This will help the reader understand the purpose of the letter at a glance. For example, you might title your letter “Reference for John Doe’s Tenancy at 123 Main Street.”
Provide a Brief Explanation
In the opening paragraph of your letter, provide a brief explanation of the purpose of the letter. Mention the tenant’s name, the address of the property they rented from you, and the length of their tenancy.
Include Specific Details
In the body of your letter, provide specific details about the tenant’s tenancy. Mention any rent increases, late payments, or other issues that arose during the tenancy, as well as how the tenant handled these situations. Also include positive details about the tenant’s behavior, such as their cleanliness, communication skills, and ability to get along with neighbors.
Use Examples
To make your letter more compelling, include specific examples of the tenant’s behavior. For example, you might mention that the tenant always paid rent on time, or that they went out of their way to help a neighbor in need.
Be Honest
While it can be tempting to give a glowing review of your tenant, it’s important to be honest about any issues that arose during the tenancy. However, if the tenant addressed these issues in a timely and responsible manner, be sure to mention this in your letter as well.
Offer to Provide Additional Information
In your closing paragraph, offer to provide additional information if needed. This might include contact information for yourself or other references, or additional details about the tenant’s tenancy.
Proofread Carefully
Before sending your letter, proofread it carefully to ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors. A well-written and error-free letter will be much more effective than one that contains mistakes.
Seven Examples of Landlord Reference Letter Nz
Reference for John Doe’s Tenancy at 123 Main Street
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for John Doe, who rented the property at 123 Main Street from me from January 2018 to December 2020.
During his tenancy, John was an excellent tenant. He always paid his rent on time and kept the property in excellent condition. He was also a great communicator and always kept me informed of any issues that arose during his tenancy.
I would highly recommend John as a tenant and would be happy to provide additional information if needed.
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Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for Jane Smith’s Tenancy at 456 Elm Street
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for Jane Smith, who rented the property at 456 Elm Street from me from July 2019 to June 2021.
During her tenancy, Jane was an excellent tenant. She always paid her rent on time and kept the property in excellent condition. She was also very respectful of her neighbors and was always willing to help out when needed.
I would highly recommend Jane as a tenant and would be happy to provide additional information if needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for David Lee’s Tenancy at 789 Maple Avenue
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for David Lee, who rented the property at 789 Maple Avenue from me from March 2020 to August 2021.
During his tenancy, David was an excellent tenant. He always paid his rent on time and kept the property in excellent condition. He was also very considerate of his neighbors and made efforts to maintain good relationships with them.
I would highly recommend David as a tenant and would be happy to provide additional information if needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for Sarah Brown’s Tenancy at 1010 Oak Street
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for Sarah Brown, who rented the property at 1010 Oak Street from me from January 2019 to December 2020.
During her tenancy, Sarah was an excellent tenant. She always paid her rent on time and kept the property in excellent condition. She was also very communicative and always let me know if there were any issues that needed to be addressed.
I would highly recommend Sarah as a tenant and would be happy to provide additional information if needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for Michael Johnson’s Tenancy at 1111 Pine Street
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for Michael Johnson, who rented the property at 1111 Pine Street from me from May 2020 to July 2021.
During his tenancy, Michael was an excellent tenant. He always paid his rent on time and kept the property in excellent condition. He was also very respectful of his neighbors and was always willing to help out when needed.
I would highly recommend Michael as a tenant and would be happy to provide additional information if needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for Emily Davis’s Tenancy at 2222 Spruce Street
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for Emily Davis, who rented the property at 2222 Spruce Street from me from September 2019 to August 2021.
During her tenancy, Emily was an excellent tenant. She always paid her rent on time and kept the property in excellent condition. She was also very communicative and always let me know if there were any issues that needed to be addressed.
I would highly recommend Emily as a tenant and would be happy to provide additional information if needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for Daniel Rodriguez’s Tenancy at 3333 Chestnut Street
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for Daniel Rodriguez, who rented the property at 3333 Chestnut Street from me from April 2020 to July 2021.
During his tenancy, Daniel was an excellent tenant. He always paid his rent on time and kept the property in excellent condition. He was also very respectful of his neighbors and was always willing to help out when needed.
I would highly recommend Daniel as a tenant and would be happy to provide additional information if needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a landlord reference letter in New Zealand?
Your landlord reference letter should include the tenant’s name, the address of the property they rented from you, and the length of their tenancy. It should also provide specific details about the tenant’s behavior during the tenancy, both positive and negative. Finally, it should offer to provide additional information if needed.
How long should a landlord reference letter be?
A landlord reference letter should be long enough to provide a detailed and accurate picture of the tenant’s behavior during the tenancy, but not so long that it becomes tedious to read. Aim for a length of one to two pages.
What is the purpose of a landlord reference letter?
The purpose of a landlord reference letter is to help a tenant secure a new rental property by demonstrating that they were a responsible and reliable tenant in the past. It can also help give the landlord peace of mind that they are renting to a trustworthy tenant.
Who should write a landlord reference letter?
The landlord or property manager who oversaw the tenant’s tenancy should write the landlord reference letter.
Can a landlord refuse to provide a reference letter?
While a landlord is not legally required to provide a reference letter, refusing to do so may harm the tenant’s chances of securing a new rental property. It’s generally considered good practice to provide a reference letter if requested.
Can a tenant write their own reference letter?
While a tenant can certainly write their own reference letter, it’s generally more effective to have the landlord or property manager write the letter on their behalf. This is because the landlord or property manager is seen as a more impartial third party.
Conclusion
If you’re asked to write a landlord reference letter in New Zealand, take the time to craft a well-written and honest letter that provides a detailed picture of the tenant’s behavior during the tenancy. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can help your tenant secure a new rental property and ensure that you’re renting to a trustworthy and responsible tenant.