If you are a landlord and your tenant has asked you for a reference letter, you may be wondering where to begin. A reference letter is a formal document that can help a tenant secure a new rental property. It’s important to write a clear and concise letter that highlights the tenant’s positive qualities. In this article, we will provide tips and examples for creating a reference letter by landlord for tenant.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter
To begin, it’s important to start with a clear title that indicates the purpose of the letter. Below are some tips to keep in mind as you write your letter:
1. Be Specific
When writing a reference letter, be sure to mention the specific address and dates of the tenancy. This helps to confirm that the tenant was a reliable and responsible renter.
2. Highlight Positive Qualities
Use specific examples to highlight the tenant’s positive qualities, such as paying rent on time, keeping the property clean and tidy, or being a good neighbor. This can help to reassure a potential landlord that the tenant is responsible and trustworthy.
3. Keep it Concise
A reference letter should be no longer than one or two pages. Be sure to keep the letter focused on the tenant’s qualities as a renter, and avoid irrelevant details.
4. Include Contact Information
Include your contact information so that the potential landlord can reach out to you if they have any questions or concerns about the tenant.
5. Edit Examples as Needed
Below are some examples of reference letters by landlord for tenant. Use these as a starting point, but be sure to edit them as needed to reflect the specific circumstances of your tenancy.
Example 1: Employment Reference
Dear [Potential Landlord],
I am writing to highly recommend [Tenant Name] as a responsible and reliable tenant. [He/She] was a tenant in my rental property at [Address] from [Date] to [Date]. During this time, [he/she] consistently paid rent on time and took excellent care of the property.
[Tenant Name] is currently employed at [Employer], where [he/she] has worked for the past [Number] years. [He/She] is an extremely hard worker and has always demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and dependability. I have no doubt that [he/she] will continue to be a great tenant in the future.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Character Reference
Dear [Potential Landlord],
I am writing to highly recommend [Tenant Name] as a responsible and trustworthy tenant. [He/She] was a tenant in my rental property at [Address] from [Date] to [Date]. During this time, [he/she] consistently paid rent on time and was an excellent neighbor to other tenants in the building.
As [his/her] landlord, I can attest to [his/her] strong sense of responsibility and dependability. I have no doubt that [he/she] will continue to be a great tenant in the future.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Rental History Reference
Dear [Potential Landlord],
I am writing to highly recommend [Tenant Name] as a responsible and reliable tenant. [He/She] was a tenant in my rental property at [Address] from [Date] to [Date]. During this time, [he/she] consistently paid rent on time and took excellent care of the property.
[He/She] has a strong rental history and has always been a model tenant. I have no doubt that [he/she] will continue to be a great tenant in the future.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Pet Reference
Dear [Potential Landlord],
I am writing to highly recommend [Tenant Name] as a responsible and trustworthy tenant. [He/She] was a tenant in my rental property at [Address] from [Date] to [Date]. During this time, [he/she] consistently paid rent on time and took excellent care of the property.
[Tenant Name] also has a [Type of Pet] named [Pet Name], who was always well-behaved and caused no damage to the property. I have no doubt that [he/she] will continue to be a responsible pet owner in the future.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Lease Renewal Reference
Dear [Potential Landlord],
I am writing to highly recommend [Tenant Name] as a responsible and reliable tenant. [He/She] was a tenant in my rental property at [Address] from [Date] to [Date], and has recently requested to renew [his/her] lease.
During [his/her] tenancy, [he/she] consistently paid rent on time and took excellent care of the property. [He/She] is a model tenant and I have no hesitation in recommending [him/her] for a new rental property.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Goodbye Reference
Dear [Potential Landlord],
I am writing to highly recommend [Tenant Name] as a responsible and reliable tenant. [He/She] was a tenant in my rental property at [Address] from [Date] to [Date], and has recently moved out.
As [his/her] landlord, I can attest to [his/her] strong sense of responsibility and dependability. [He/She] took excellent care of the property and consistently paid rent on time. [He/She] will be missed as a tenant, but I have no doubt that [he/she] will continue to be a great tenant in the future.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a landlord refuse to write a reference letter for a tenant?
While a landlord is not legally obligated to provide a reference letter, it is generally considered to be good practice. If you do not feel comfortable writing a reference letter, you may simply decline the request or suggest that the tenant seek a reference from someone else.
What should I include in a reference letter?
A reference letter should include the specific address and dates of the tenancy, as well as examples of the tenant’s positive qualities, such as paying rent on time or taking good care of the property. Be sure to keep the letter focused on the tenant’s qualities as a renter, and avoid irrelevant details.
How long should a reference letter be?
A reference letter should be no longer than one or two pages. Be sure to keep the letter concise and focused on the tenant’s positive qualities.
Can I charge a fee for writing a reference letter?
While it is not common to charge a fee for writing a reference letter, you may wish to consider charging a small fee if the tenant has asked for multiple letters or if you have to spend a significant amount of time writing the letter.
Can a reference letter be emailed?
Yes, a reference letter can be emailed. However, it is best to ask the potential landlord if they have a preference for a physical or electronic copy.
What if I don’t have anything positive to say about the tenant?
If you do not feel comfortable writing a positive reference letter for a tenant, it is best to decline the request. It is not ethical to provide a negative reference letter, as this could harm the tenant’s chances of securing a new rental property.
Conclusion
A reference letter can help a tenant secure a new rental property, and it is important to take the time to write a clear and concise letter that highlights the tenant’s positive qualities. Keep in mind the tips and examples provided in this article, and be sure to edit the examples as needed to reflect the specific circumstances of your tenancy.