If you are a landlord or a tenant in NYC, you may need to write or request a landlord reference letter. This type of letter can be used to verify a tenant’s rental history, financial stability, and overall character. In this article, we will provide tips on how to write a landlord reference letter, along with seven examples that you can edit as needed.
Tips for Writing a Landlord Reference Letter
Before we dive into the examples, let’s review some tips on how to write a strong landlord reference letter:
Title
Use a clear and concise title that reflects the purpose of the letter. For example, “Landlord Reference Letter for [Tenant’s Name]” or “Verification of Rental History for [Tenant’s Name].”
Letter Body
In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and describe your relationship with the tenant. In the second paragraph, provide specific details about the tenant’s rental history, such as the duration of their tenancy, their monthly rent payments, and their overall conduct as a tenant. If possible, include positive comments about the tenant’s character and personality.
Greeting and Complimentary Close
Use a professional and friendly tone throughout the letter. Begin with a formal greeting, such as “Dear [Landlord’s Name]” or “To Whom It May Concern,” and end with a complimentary close, such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards.”
Example 1: Verification of Rental History
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to verify the rental history of [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant at [Property Address] from [Move-in Date] to [Move-out Date]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] was a responsible and reliable tenant who consistently paid their rent on time and maintained the property in good condition. [Insert any positive comments about the tenant’s character or personality.]
If you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Recommendation for Future Tenancy
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to give my highest recommendation for [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant at [Property Address] from [Move-in Date] to [Move-out Date]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] was an outstanding tenant who consistently paid their rent on time, took good care of the property, and was respectful to their neighbors. [Insert any positive comments about the tenant’s character or personality.]
I strongly recommend [Tenant’s Name] for any future tenancy and am confident that they will be a responsible and reliable tenant.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Verification of Income
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to verify the income of [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant at [Property Address] from [Move-in Date] to [Move-out Date]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] was a responsible and reliable tenant who consistently paid their rent on time and maintained the property in good condition. Based on my records, [Tenant’s Name] earned an average monthly income of [Income Amount] during their tenancy.
If you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Verification of Employment
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to verify the employment of [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant at [Property Address] from [Move-in Date] to [Move-out Date]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] was a responsible and reliable tenant who consistently paid their rent on time and maintained the property in good condition. [Tenant’s Name] worked as a [Job Title] at [Company Name], where they earned an average monthly income of [Income Amount].
If you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Verification of Rental Payment History
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to verify the rental payment history of [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant at [Property Address] from [Move-in Date] to [Move-out Date]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] was a responsible and reliable tenant who consistently paid their rent on time and maintained the property in good condition. [Tenant’s Name] made a total of [Number] monthly rent payments during their tenancy, each in the amount of [Rent Amount].
If you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Verification of Lease Termination
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to verify that [Tenant’s Name] terminated their lease at [Property Address] on [Lease Termination Date]. During their tenancy, [Tenant’s Name] was a responsible and reliable tenant who consistently paid their rent on time and maintained the property in good condition. The property was inspected on [Move-out Date], and [Tenant’s Name] returned the keys to me on that date.
If you have any further questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Character Reference
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant at [Property Address] from [Move-in Date] to [Move-out Date]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] was a responsible and reliable tenant who consistently paid their rent on time and maintained the property in good condition. [Insert any positive comments about the tenant’s character or personality.]
As their landlord, I strongly recommend [Tenant’s Name] for any future tenancy or opportunity, and believe that they would be an asset to any community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a landlord reference letter?
A landlord reference letter should include your name and contact information, the tenant’s name and rental history, and any positive comments about the tenant’s conduct, character, or financial stability. You should also provide your signature and the date of the letter.
How do I request a landlord reference letter?
You can request a landlord reference letter from your previous landlord by sending a polite and professional email or letter. In your request, include your name, the address of the rental property, and the dates of your tenancy. You may also want to provide additional information about why you need the letter.
Can a landlord refuse to provide a reference letter?
Yes, a landlord is not legally obligated to provide a reference letter. However, if the landlord agrees to provide a reference, they must provide accurate and truthful information about the tenant.
How long should a landlord reference letter be?
A landlord reference letter should be concise and to the point. It should typically be no longer than one page, or around 300 words.
Can I use a landlord reference letter from a previous landlord?
Yes, you can use a landlord reference letter from a previous landlord as long as it is recent and accurate. If the letter is outdated or contains incorrect information, you may want to request an updated letter.
Can I edit the examples provided in this article?
Yes, you can edit the examples provided in this article to fit your specific needs. However, make sure that the edited letter contains accurate and truthful information about the tenant.
Conclusion
Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, a landlord reference letter can be a valuable tool in verifying rental history, income, and character. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can write or request a strong and effective landlord reference letter.