As a landlord, one of the most important tasks you may encounter is writing a reference letter for a tenant. This document serves as an official recommendation for your tenant and can help them secure a new rental property or lease. In this article, we will provide tips for writing a reference letter for a tenant, along with seven examples that you can edit and customize as needed.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter for Tenant
When writing a reference letter for a tenant, it’s important to keep in mind the following tips:
- Use a professional tone and format
- Include specific details about the tenant’s lease and rental history
- Highlight the tenant’s positive qualities, such as reliability and cleanliness
- Avoid mentioning negative aspects of the tenant’s behavior or rental history
- End with a positive statement about the tenant’s suitability as a renter
You can find several letter templates below that you can use as a starting point and customize as needed.
Examples of Reference Letter for Tenant
Example 1: Tenant Moving to a New City
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as an excellent tenant. [Tenant’s Name] is relocating to a new city and is seeking a new rental property. During the [Length of Lease] that [Tenant’s Name] rented from me at [Address of Rental Property], I found [Tenant’s Name] to be a reliable and responsible tenant.
[Tenant’s Name] always paid rent on time and took good care of the rental property. [Tenant’s Name] also communicated effectively with me and promptly addressed any maintenance issues that arose. I am confident that [Tenant’s Name] would make an excellent tenant for your property.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Tenant Applying for a Rental Property
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for your rental property. [Tenant’s Name] has been renting from me at [Address of Rental Property] for the past [Length of Lease] and has been an excellent tenant.
[Tenant’s Name] has always paid rent on time and has taken excellent care of the property. [Tenant’s Name] is also respectful of the neighbors and has never caused any issues or disturbances. I strongly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a responsible and reliable tenant, and I am confident that [Tenant’s Name] would be an asset to your property.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Tenant with a Pet
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for your rental property. [Tenant’s Name] has been renting from me at [Address of Rental Property] for the past [Length of Lease] and has been an excellent tenant.
Despite having a pet, [Tenant’s Name] has taken excellent care of the property and has never caused any damage. The apartment was always kept clean and tidy. [Tenant’s Name] is responsible and always paid rent on time. I can confidently recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for your property.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Tenant with a Co-signer
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for your rental property. [Tenant’s Name] has been renting from me at [Address of Rental Property] for the past [Length of Lease] and has been an excellent tenant.
[Co-signer’s Name] co-signed the lease with [Tenant’s Name] and has also been an excellent contact and co-signer. [Co-signer’s Name] is responsible and has excellent credit. [Tenant’s Name] and [Co-signer’s Name] paid rent on time and took good care of the rental property. I strongly recommend [Tenant’s Name] and [Co-signer’s Name] as reliable tenants.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Tenant with a Short-term Lease
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as an excellent tenant. [Tenant’s Name] rented from me at [Address of Rental Property] for the past [Length of Lease] and was an ideal tenant.
[Tenant’s Name] was responsible and always paid rent on time. The rental property was always kept clean and tidy. [Tenant’s Name] was an excellent communicator and promptly addressed any issues that arose. I strongly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant.
Best,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Tenant with a Long-term Lease
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as an excellent tenant. [Tenant’s Name] rented from me at [Address of Rental Property] for the past [Length of Lease] and was an ideal tenant.
[Tenant’s Name] was responsible and always paid rent on time. The rental property was always kept clean and tidy. [Tenant’s Name] was an excellent communicator and promptly addressed any issues that arose. I strongly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant.
Best,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Tenant with a Sublet Lease
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as an excellent tenant. [Tenant’s Name] sublet from me at [Address of Rental Property] for the past [Length of Lease] and was an ideal tenant.
[Tenant’s Name] was responsible and always paid rent on time. The rental property was always kept clean and tidy. [Tenant’s Name] was an excellent communicator and promptly addressed any issues that arose. I strongly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant.
Best,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a reference letter for a tenant?
A reference letter for a tenant is a document written by a landlord that serves as a recommendation for their tenant. It includes information about the tenant’s lease and rental history, as well as their positive qualities as a renter. This document can be used by the tenant to secure a new rental property or lease.
What information should be included in a reference letter for a tenant?
A reference letter for a tenant should include the length of the lease, the rental property’s address, and information about the tenant’s rental and lease history. It should also include positive statements about the tenant’s reliability, responsibility, and cleanliness as a renter.
What should I avoid mentioning in a reference letter for a tenant?
You should avoid mentioning any negative aspects of the tenant’s rental history or behavior in a reference letter for a tenant. Focus instead on highlighting their positive qualities as a renter.
Can I use a reference letter for a tenant template?
Yes, you can use a reference letter for a tenant template as a starting point and customize it to fit your specific needs. We have provided several examples above that you can use.
How should I format a reference letter for a tenant?
A reference letter for a tenant should be formatted in a professional manner. Use a standard font and size, and include your contact information at the top of the letter. Include a salutation, a body of two paragraphs, and a complimentary close.
Is a reference letter for a tenant legally binding?
A reference letter for a tenant is not legally binding, but it can serve as an official recommendation and help your tenant secure a new rental property or lease.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter for a tenant is an important task for landlords. By following the tips and using the examples provided in this article, you can create a professional and effective reference letter that highlights your tenant’s positive qualities and helps them secure a new rental property or lease.