If you’re in need of a character reference for an apartment, you’ve come to the right place. A character reference can help sway a property manager’s decision in your favor, especially if you have a less-than-perfect rental history. In this article, we’ll explain what a character reference is and provide you with seven examples that you can edit as needed.
What is a Character Reference for an Apartment?
A character reference for an apartment is a letter written by someone who knows you well and can vouch for your character and reliability as a tenant. This person can be a friend, family member, employer, or anyone else who has seen your responsible behavior in action. The letter should explain why the writer thinks you would be a good tenant and why they recommend you to the property manager.
If you’re in need of a character reference, feel free to find examples below that you can edit to fit your situation.
Example 1: Explanation for Late Rent Payments
Dear [Property Manager’s Name],
I am writing this character reference letter for [Tenant’s Name] to recommend them as a tenant for your apartment building. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number] of years and can attest to their responsible and trustworthy character.
I am aware that [Tenant’s Name] has had some issues with late rent payments in the past. However, I can assure you that this is not due to any lack of responsibility or financial instability on their part. [Tenant’s Name] is a hard worker and has always made an effort to pay rent on time. Unfortunately, they have had some unexpected expenses that made it difficult to pay rent on time.
[Tenant’s Name] has taken steps to ensure that this issue will not occur again in the future. They have created a budget plan and have taken on additional work to supplement their income. I wholeheartedly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant and believe that they would make a great addition to your apartment building.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Tenant’s Professionalism and Responsibility
Dear [Property Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for your apartment building. I have had the pleasure of working with [Tenant’s Name] for [Number] years and can attest to their responsible and professional character.
[Tenant’s Name] is a hardworking and reliable person who takes their obligations seriously. They have always been respectful to their colleagues, and their work ethics are impeccable. They have also shown their responsibility by keeping their work area tidy and organized, which is a testament to their character.
I am confident that these qualities will translate into [Tenant’s Name] being a great tenant. They are respectful of others, and I am sure they will treat your property with the same care and attention they give to their work. I highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant, and I believe that they will be an asset to your apartment building.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Tenant’s Positive Impact on the Community
Dear [Property Manager’s Name],
I am writing this character reference letter for [Tenant’s Name] to recommend them as a tenant for your apartment building. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number] of years and can attest to their positive impact on the community.
[Tenant’s Name] is a kind, responsible, and community-oriented person. They take great pride in their community and are always looking for ways to give back. They have volunteered for several community events, including charity fundraisers and neighborhood cleanups.
[Tenant’s Name] is also an excellent neighbor who always looks out for others. They have helped me on several occasions, and I am sure that they will go out of their way to help their fellow residents in your apartment building. I highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant and believe that they would be a great addition to your community.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Tenant’s Reliability and Ability to Maintain the Property
Dear [Property Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for your apartment building. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number] years and can attest to their responsible and reliable character.
[Tenant’s Name] is someone who takes pride in taking care of their belongings and maintaining them in the best condition possible. They are clean, organized, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that things are in order. They are also reliable and always follow through on their commitments.
If [Tenant’s Name] is selected as a tenant, I am confident they will maintain your property in excellent condition. They will be respectful of the property and take care of it as if it were their own. I highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant and believe that they will be an asset to your apartment building.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Tenant’s Positive Impact on the Neighborhood
Dear [Property Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for your apartment building. I have had the pleasure of living next to [Tenant’s Name] for [Number] years and can attest to their positive impact on the neighborhood.
[Tenant’s Name] is a kind, responsible, and community-oriented person who takes pride in their surroundings. They are always willing to help out their neighbors and are well-liked in the community. They are also respectful of others, and I have never seen them engage in any behavior that would be disruptive to the neighborhood.
If [Tenant’s Name] is selected as a tenant, I am confident they will be an asset to the community. They will be respectful of their neighbors and will maintain your property in excellent condition. I highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant and believe that they would make a great addition to your apartment building.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Tenant’s Responsible Financial History
Dear [Property Manager’s Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for your apartment building. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number] years and can attest to their responsible and reliable character.
[Tenant’s Name] is someone who takes their financial obligations seriously. They have always been responsible with their money and have never had any issues with debt or bankruptcy. They have also been a responsible renter in the past and have always paid their rent on time.
If [Tenant’s Name] is selected as a tenant, I am confident they will continue to be a responsible renter who pays rent on time and takes care of your property. I highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant and believe that they would be an asset to your apartment building.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Tenant’s Respectful and Cooperative Nature
Dear [Property Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for your apartment building. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number] years and can attest to their respectful and cooperative nature.
[Tenant’s Name] is someone who is always willing to listen and cooperate with others. They are respectful of everyone’s opinion and take great care not to offend anyone. They are also very cooperative and always willing to help out in any way they can.
If [Tenant’s Name] is selected as a tenant, I am confident they will be an excellent addition to your apartment building. They will be respectful of the other tenants and will work cooperatively with them to maintain your property in excellent condition. I highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant and believe that they will be an asset to your community.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a friend write a character reference for me?
Yes, a friend can write a character reference for you. However, it’s essential to ensure that the person writing the letter knows you well and can vouch for your character and reliability as a tenant.
What should be included in a character reference letter?
A character reference letter should include the writer’s name and contact information, the date the letter was written, an introduction that includes the writer’s relationship to the tenant, an explanation of why the writer thinks the tenant would be a good tenant, and a closing statement that reiterates the writer’s recommendation.
Can I write my character reference letter?
No, you should not write your character reference letter. A character reference letter should be written by someone who knows you well and can vouch for your character and reliability as a tenant.
How many character reference letters do I need?
You only need one character reference letter, but you may want to consider asking for more if you have several people who can vouch for your character and reliability as a tenant.
What should I do if I have a bad rental history?
If you have a bad rental history, you should consider asking for a character reference letter from someone who can vouch for your character and reliability as a tenant. You may also want to consider offering to pay a larger deposit to show your commitment to being a responsible tenant.
When should I ask for a character reference letter?
You should ask for a character reference letter as soon as possible before you start applying for apartments. This will allow you to have the letter ready to provide to potential property managers when needed.
Conclusion
A character reference letter can be an excellent way to show potential property managers that you are a responsible and reliable tenant. By following the tips provided in this article, you can create a compelling letter that will help sway the property manager’s decision in your favor. Remember, a character reference letter should be written by someone who knows you well and can vouch for your character and reliability as a tenant.