If you are a landlord, you may be asked to provide a reference for one of your former tenants. Writing a reference for a tenant can be a great way to help them secure a new rental property. However, it can also be a bit intimidating if you’ve never done it before. In this article, we will share some tips and examples to help you write a great reference for your former tenant.
Tips for Writing a Reference for a Tenant
When writing a reference for a tenant, it is important to keep a few things in mind:
- Be honest: Don’t exaggerate the tenant’s qualities or strengths. Stick to the facts and let the tenant’s record speak for itself.
- Be specific: When giving examples of the tenant’s behavior or qualities, be as specific as possible. This will give the reader a better understanding of the tenant’s character.
- Be brief: Keep your reference letter to one or two paragraphs. Your goal is to provide the reader with enough information to make an informed decision, not to write a novel.
Below are some examples that you can use as a guide when writing your reference. Feel free to edit them as needed to fit your specific situation.
Examples of Reference for Tenant from Landlord
Reference for Tenant’s Rental History
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name] who rented [Property’s Name] from me for [Length of Tenancy]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] was an excellent tenant who paid rent on time and took great care of the property. I would highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] to any future landlords without hesitation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for Tenant’s Character
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing in reference to [Tenant’s Name], who rented [Property Name] from me for [Length of Tenancy]. During this time, I found [Tenant’s Name] to be a responsible and respectful tenant. They were always considerate of their neighbors and took great care of the property.
[Tenant’s Name] is a reliable and trustworthy individual who I believe would make an excellent tenant for any future landlord. I am happy to recommend them without hesitation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference for Tenant’s Financial Responsibility
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who rented [Property Name] from me for [Length of Tenancy]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] was an excellent tenant who always paid rent on time and in full. They also took care of any repairs or maintenance issues that came up during their tenancy.
[Tenant’s Name] is a financially responsible individual who I believe would make an excellent tenant for any future landlord. I am happy to recommend them without hesitation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for Tenant’s Cleanliness
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing in reference to [Tenant’s Name], who rented [Property Name] from me for [Length of Tenancy]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] kept the property in excellent condition. They were always respectful of the property and left it clean and tidy when they moved out.
[Tenant’s Name] is a responsible and respectful tenant who I believe would make an excellent tenant for any future landlord. I am happy to recommend them without hesitation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference for Tenant’s Communication
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who rented [Property Name] from me for [Length of Tenancy]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] was an excellent tenant who always communicated in a clear and professional manner. They were always available to answer any questions or concerns that I had and kept me informed of any issues that arose during their tenancy.
[Tenant’s Name] is a reliable and trustworthy individual who I believe would make an excellent tenant for any future landlord. I am happy to recommend them without hesitation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference for Tenant’s Respectfulness
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing in reference to [Tenant’s Name], who rented [Property Name] from me for [Length of Tenancy]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] was a respectful tenant who always treated the property and their neighbors with consideration and care.
[Tenant’s Name] is a responsible and respectful individual who I believe would make an excellent tenant for any future landlord. I am happy to recommend them without hesitation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reference for Tenant’s Responsibility
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who rented [Property Name] from me for [Length of Tenancy]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] took great care of the property and always reported any issues or concerns to me in a timely manner.
[Tenant’s Name] is a responsible and trustworthy individual who I believe would make an excellent tenant for any future landlord. I am happy to recommend them without hesitation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a reference for a tenant?
When writing a reference for a tenant, you should include information about their rental history, character, financial responsibility, cleanliness, communication skills, respectfulness, and responsibility.
What is the best format for a reference for a tenant?
The best format for a reference for a tenant is a brief letter that includes your contact information, the tenant’s information, and your recommendation.
How do I make sure my reference is accurate?
You can make sure your reference is accurate by sticking to the facts and only including information that you know to be true.
Can I refuse to provide a reference for a tenant?
Yes, you have the right to refuse to provide a reference if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. However, it’s always best to be honest with the tenant about your decision.
Can I be sued for providing a bad reference for a tenant?
It is possible to be sued for providing a bad reference for a tenant if the information you provide is false or defamatory. However, if you stick to the facts and provide an honest assessment, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.
Can I provide a reference for a tenant who was evicted?
Yes, you can provide a reference for a tenant who was evicted. However, you should be honest about the eviction and provide any relevant information to the potential landlord.
Conclusion
Providing a reference for a tenant can be a great way to help them secure a new rental property. By following the tips and examples in this article, you can write a great reference that will help your former tenant stand out to potential landlords.