Table of Contents
What Is a Landlord Reference Letter?
How to Select a Landlord For a Reference Letter
How to Write a Formal Landlord Reference Letter
Landlord Reference Letter Sample
Do All Apartments Require a Landlord Referral Letter?
Landlord Reference Letters Bottom Line
What Is a Landlord Reference Letter?
A landlord reference letter is a letter written by a previous landlord to verify a tenant’s rental history, character, and suitability as a renter. This letter can help potential landlords assess the reliability and responsibility of a prospective tenant. In the letter, the previous landlord generally explains what you are like as a tenant. Sometimes, this can include notes like "pays on time every time" and "makes sure to call when they notice something awry."
Your reference letter should be positive if you weren't evicted or caused problems with your landlord. If you are on good terms with your landlords, then it can act as a letter of recommendation for a high-end apartment.
How to Select a Landlord For a Reference Letter
Generally speaking, you should try to get a reference letter from your most recent landlord. If you use a previous landlord, it might lead to questions as to why your last landlord wouldn't vouch for you.
If you never moved out of your parents' house, they would be your reference. The only time that you should not use your most recent landlord is if you are in a lawsuit with them. In that case, they are probably not going to be willing to give you a good rating.
Now that we know what a reference letter is, it's important to know how to write one properly.
How to Write a Formal Landlord Reference Letter
- Start With an Introduction
- Write the Body Paragraphs
- Conclude the Reference Letter
1. Start With an Introduction
The first thing that a landlord needs to do in a reference letter is to introduce themselves and the relationship that they have with the potential renter. This includes basic information about the person in question, how long you had them as a tenant, where they lived, and how much rent they paid.
2. Write the Body Paragraphs
The body of the reference letter should include any additional details that the new landlord should be aware of. This can include things like payment timeliness, calls about domestic violence, or the reason why the lease was ended—if there was a worrisome reason.
3. Conclude the Reference Letter
The conclusion basically sums up whether or not you would recommend bringing this tenant to a new apartment. It's a fairly simple and easy conclusion. All you have to do is offer a "yay or nay" answer to whether you'd want to have your ex-tenant again.
It's also a good practice to include contact information should the new landlord want to reach out for additional information.
Landlord Reference Letter Sample
Dear [Recipient’s Name] / To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who rented my property located at [Property Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
During this period, [Tenant’s Name] demonstrated themselves to be a responsible and reliable tenant. They consistently paid their rent on time and maintained the property in excellent condition. They were respectful to neighbors and adhered to the terms of the lease agreement without any issues.
[Tenant’s Name] took great care of the property, ensuring it was kept clean and well-maintained. They promptly reported any maintenance issues and were cooperative and easy to communicate with throughout their tenancy.
Based on my experience, I highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant. I believe they would be an asset to any rental property and would treat it with the same care and respect as they did mine.
If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Printed Name]
[Title (if applicable)]
Do All Apartments Require a Landlord Referral Letter?
Most apartments won't require a landlord reference letter, but requirements will vary from building to building, at times even varying from person to person. A referral letter is optional for some and mandatory for many. Even if the letter is not required, it never hurts to have a positive letter accompanying an apartment application. After all, you only have one chance to make a good impression. You might as well use it to your advantage.
Landlord Reference Letters Bottom Line
While getting a landlord reference letter can seem inconvenient, it's relatively easy to do if you're on good terms with your last landlord. If you're renting in a competitive rental market and foresee a lot of competition, it's a good idea to get a reference letter from your most recent landlord before you start your search. Even though many apartments won't ask for a reference letter, it's better to be prepared and have one ready.