If you’re a landlord, you may be asked to provide a rental reference letter for your tenant. This letter can help your tenant secure a new rental property, a loan, or even a job. In this article, we’ll discuss what a rental reference letter is and provide tips for writing one. We’ll also provide seven examples of rental reference letters that you can edit and use as needed.
Tips for Writing a Rental Reference Letter From Landlord
1. Keep It Brief and Professional
When writing a rental reference letter, it’s important to be brief and professional. Keep the letter to one page or less and use a formal tone. Include your contact information at the top of the letter and address it to the recipient.In the body of the letter, briefly introduce yourself and your tenant. Then, provide information about the tenant’s rental history, such as how long they lived in your property, if they paid rent on time, and if they caused any damage.
2. Use Specific Examples
To make your rental reference letter more effective, use specific examples of your tenant’s behavior. For example, you could mention that they always paid rent on time, kept the property clean and tidy, and were respectful to neighbors.By providing specific examples, you’ll help the recipient of the letter get a better sense of what kind of tenant your tenant is.
3. Be Honest
While you want to help your tenant secure a new rental property, it’s important to be honest in your rental reference letter. If your tenant wasn’t the best tenant, don’t lie or exaggerate their qualities.Instead, focus on the positive aspects of their behavior, but don’t make false statements.
4. Offer to Be Contacted
At the end of your rental reference letter, offer to be contacted if the recipient has any questions. This shows that you’re willing to vouch for your tenant and that you stand behind the information you’ve provided.
5. Proofread Carefully
Before sending your rental reference letter, proofread it carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors and make sure the information is accurate.
Rental Reference Letter Examples
Example 1: Rental Reference Letter for a Tenant Seeking a New Property
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to provide a rental reference letter for [Tenant’s Name]. [Tenant’s Name] was a tenant in my property at [Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] was a model tenant.
They always paid rent on time and took good care of the property. They were respectful to neighbors and never caused any problems. I would highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant to any landlord.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Rental Reference Letter for a Tenant Seeking a Loan
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to provide a rental reference letter for [Tenant’s Name]. [Tenant’s Name] was a tenant in my property at [Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] was an excellent tenant.
They always paid rent on time and kept the property clean and tidy. They were respectful to neighbors and never caused any problems. I would highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a responsible and trustworthy individual.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Rental Reference Letter for a Tenant Seeking a Job
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to provide a rental reference letter for [Tenant’s Name]. [Tenant’s Name] was a tenant in my property at [Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] was an exceptional tenant.
They always paid rent on time and were very respectful to neighbors. They kept the property clean and tidy and were always willing to help out with any issues that arose. I would highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a responsible and reliable individual.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Rental Reference Letter for a Tenant With Pets
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to provide a rental reference letter for [Tenant’s Name]. [Tenant’s Name] was a tenant in my property at [Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] had a pet that was well-behaved.
[Tenant’s Name] always cleaned up after their pet and made sure it did not disturb other tenants. They paid rent on time and kept the property clean and tidy. I would highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a trustworthy and responsible tenant.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Rental Reference Letter for a Tenant Who Moved Out Early
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to provide a rental reference letter for [Tenant’s Name]. [Tenant’s Name] was a tenant in my property at [Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. Unfortunately, [Tenant’s Name] had to move out early due to circumstances beyond their control.
However, during the time that they lived in my property, they were a great tenant. They always paid rent on time and kept the property clean and tidy. They were respectful to neighbors and never caused any problems. I would highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant to any landlord.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Rental Reference Letter for a Tenant Who Had a Dispute with Landlord
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to provide a rental reference letter for [Tenant’s Name]. [Tenant’s Name] was a tenant in my property at [Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. Unfortunately, there was a dispute between [Tenant’s Name] and myself related to [Issue].
However, despite this issue, [Tenant’s Name] was a good tenant. They always paid rent on time, kept the property clean and tidy, and were respectful to neighbors. I would recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant to any landlord.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Rental Reference Letter for a Tenant With No Rental History
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to provide a rental reference letter for [Tenant’s Name]. Although [Tenant’s Name] does not have any rental history, I can vouch for their character and responsibility.
[Tenant’s Name] has been a responsible and reliable individual during their time in my property at [Address]. They have always paid rent on time and taken good care of the property. I believe that they would make a great tenant.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a rental reference letter?
A rental reference letter is a letter written by a landlord on behalf of their tenant. The letter provides information about the tenant’s rental history, including how long they lived in the property, if they paid rent on time, and if they caused any problems.
Q: Why do tenants need rental reference letters?
Tenants may need rental reference letters when applying for a new rental property, a loan, or a job. The letter provides evidence of the tenant’s character and ability to pay rent on time.
Q: How should I format my rental reference letter?
Your rental reference letter should be formatted like a formal business letter. Include your contact information at the top of the letter, and address it to the recipient. Use a professional tone, and keep the letter to one page or less.
Q: What should I include in my rental reference letter?
Your rental reference letter should include your tenant’s name and the address of the property they rented from you. Provide information about their rental history, including how long they lived in the property, if they paid rent on time, and if they caused any damage. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
Q: Can I refuse to write a rental reference letter?
As a landlord, you are not legally obligated to write a rental reference letter for your tenant. However, refusing to write a letter may harm your relationship with your tenant and make it harder for them to secure a new rental property.
Q: How can I make my rental reference letter more effective?
To make your rental reference letter more effective, use specific examples of your tenant’s behavior. Focus on the positive aspects of their rental history, but be honest. Offer to be contacted if the recipient has any questions.
Q: Can I charge my tenant for a rental reference letter?
As a landlord, you cannot charge your tenant for a rental reference letter. Providing a reference is a part of your responsibilities as a landlord.
Conclusion
Writing a rental reference letter can help your tenant secure a new rental property, a loan, or a job. By following the tips we’ve provided and using one of our seven examples as a guide, you can write an effective rental reference letter that vouches for your tenant’s character and responsibility.