When it comes to renting an apartment, landlords often ask for a tenant reference letter from previous landlords or employers. This letter can help landlords determine whether or not a potential tenant is reliable, responsible, and financially stable. To help you craft the perfect tenant reference letter, we’ve compiled some tips and examples to guide you.
Tips for Writing a Tenant Reference Letter
Before diving into the examples, it’s important to keep in mind a few things when writing a tenant reference letter:
- Be honest. Only write what you know about the tenant and their behavior as a renter.
- Be concise. Keep the letter short and to the point.
- Include important details. Mention the tenant’s rental history, payment habits, and general behavior as a tenant.
- Use proper formatting. Make sure the letter is neatly written and formatted, and includes your name, address, and contact information.
With these tips in mind, let’s take a look at some examples of tenant reference letters:
Example 1: Tenant Moving Out
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a reliable and responsible tenant. [Tenant’s Name] has been renting [Apartment/Room Number] in [Building Name] for [Length of Tenancy] and has always been prompt with rent payments.
During [Tenant’s Name]’s tenancy, they have been respectful of the property and the neighbors. They have kept the apartment clean and free from damage, and have always followed building rules and regulations.
I highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant to any future landlord.
Best regards,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Example 2: Tenant with Pet
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant. [Tenant’s Name] has been living in [Apartment/Room Number] in [Building Name] for [Length of Tenancy] and has been an exceptional tenant.
[Tenant’s Name] has a pet dog, which they have taken great care of. They have always kept the apartment clean and free from pet damage, and have always followed building rules regarding pets.
[Tenant’s Name] has been prompt with rent payments and has been respectful of the property and neighbors. I highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Example 3: Tenant with Payment History Issues
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant. [Tenant’s Name] has been renting [Apartment/Room Number] in [Building Name] for [Length of Tenancy]. While there have been some issues with rent payments in the past, [Tenant’s Name] has since rectified the situation and has been making payments on time.
During [Tenant’s Name]’s tenancy, they have been respectful of the property and the neighbors. They have always kept the apartment clean and free from damage, and have followed all building rules and regulations.
I recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant, with the understanding that they are making efforts to rectify their payment history issues.
Best regards,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Example 4: Tenant with Noise Complaints
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant. [Tenant’s Name] has been living in [Apartment/Room Number] in [Building Name] for [Length of Tenancy]. While there have been some noise complaints regarding [Tenant’s Name], they have since taken steps to rectify the situation and have not had any further complaints.
[Tenant’s Name] has been prompt with rent payments and has been respectful of the property otherwise. They have always kept the apartment clean and free from damage, and have followed all building rules and regulations.
I recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant, with the understanding that they have taken steps to rectify any noise complaints.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Example 5: Tenant Moving for Job
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant. [Tenant’s Name] has been renting [Apartment/Room Number] in [Building Name] for [Length of Tenancy]. Unfortunately, they will be moving out due to a job relocation.
During [Tenant’s Name]’s tenancy, they have been prompt with rent payments and have been respectful of the property and neighbors. They have kept the apartment clean and free from damage, and have followed all building rules and regulations.
I highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant to any future landlord.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Example 6: Tenant with Short Tenancy
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant. [Tenant’s Name] has been renting [Apartment/Room Number] in [Building Name] for a short amount of time, but in that time they have proven to be a reliable and responsible tenant.
[Tenant’s Name] has been prompt with rent payments and has been respectful of the property and neighbors. They have kept the apartment clean and free from damage, and have followed all building rules and regulations.
I recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant based on their short tenancy with us.
Best regards,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I include in a tenant reference letter?
A: A tenant reference letter should include the tenant’s rental history, payment habits, and general behavior as a tenant. It should also mention any issues that may affect their ability to rent, such as payment history or noise complaints.
Q: How should I format a tenant reference letter?
A: A tenant reference letter should be neatly written and formatted, and include your name, address, and contact information. It should also be addressed to the landlord and mention the tenant’s name and previous rental history.
Q: Should I be honest in my tenant reference letter?
A: Yes, it’s important to be honest in your tenant reference letter. Landlords rely on these letters to determine whether or not a potential tenant is reliable and responsible, so it’s important to only write what you know about the tenant and their behavior as a renter.
Q: How long should a tenant reference letter be?
A: A tenant reference letter should be short and to the point, usually no more than one page long. Include only the most important details about the tenant’s rental history and behavior as a tenant.
Q: Should I include my contact information in a tenant reference letter?
A: Yes, it’s important to include your name, address, and contact information in a tenant reference letter. This allows the landlord to contact you if they have any questions or concerns.
Q: Can I edit these sample tenant reference letters for my own use?
A: Yes, feel free to edit these sample tenant reference letters as needed for your own use. Change the details to match your situation, and make sure to include all relevant information about the tenant’s rental history and behavior.
Q: How can I make my tenant reference letter stand out?
A: To make your tenant reference letter stand out, be specific and provide examples of the tenant’s behavior as a renter. Use concrete details to paint a picture of the tenant’s reliability, responsibility, and financial stability.
Conclusion
Writing a tenant reference letter may seem daunting, but with these tips and examples, you should be able to craft the perfect letter for any situation. Remember to be honest, concise, and detailed, and include your contact information so the landlord can reach out if needed. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to helping a great tenant find their next home.