If you’re looking for a way to vouch for a friend or family member’s good character to help them secure an apartment, writing them a character reference letter can be incredibly helpful. In this article, we’ll go over some tips for writing a strong character reference letter, provide several sample letters for you to use as inspiration, and answer some frequently asked questions about the process.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter for Apartment
When you’re writing a character reference letter for someone applying to rent an apartment, there are a few key things you’ll want to keep in mind:
1. Keep it professional
This letter is an opportunity for you to help your friend or family member make a good impression on their potential landlord, so it’s important to keep your tone professional and respectful. Avoid using slang, and make sure your grammar and spelling are on point.
2. Be specific
Don’t just write that your friend is a “great person” – provide specific examples of their positive character traits and actions. This will help the landlord get a better sense of who your friend is and why they’d make a good tenant.
3. Keep it concise
You don’t need to write a novel – a single page is plenty. Focus on the most important information, and try to keep your letter to no more than two paragraphs.
Sample Character Reference Letters for Apartment
Example #1 – Responsible
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Friend/Family Member’s Name] as a tenant in your apartment complex. In the time that I have known [him/her], [he/she] has consistently demonstrated responsibility and reliability in all aspects of [his/her] life. [He/She] is always on time, follows through on commitments, and takes great care in everything [he/she] does.
I believe that [Friend/Family Member’s Name] would make an excellent tenant, and that [he/she] would take great care of your property. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example #2 – Trustworthy
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Friend/Family Member’s Name], who is applying to rent an apartment in your complex. I have known [him/her] for [number] years, and during that time, I have always found [him/her] to be honest, trustworthy, and dependable.
[He/She] is a person of great integrity who always does what [he/she] says [he/she] will do. I have no hesitation in recommending [Friend/Family Member’s Name] as a tenant, and believe that [he/she] would be an excellent addition to your community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example #3 – Friendly
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to endorse [Friend/Family Member’s Name] as a tenant in your apartment complex. I have known [him/her] for several years, and in that time, [he/she] has always been a kind, friendly, and respectful person.
[He/She] is someone who goes out of [his/her] way to make others feel welcome and included, and [he/she] would no doubt be a great neighbor in your community. I highly recommend [Friend/Family Member’s Name] as a tenant, and hope that you will give [him/her] your full consideration.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
Example #4 – Responsible with Money
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Friend/Family Member’s Name] as a tenant in your apartment complex. In the time that I have known [him/her], [he/she] has consistently demonstrated responsibility and good judgement when it comes to money.
[He/She] is careful to live within [his/her] means, and always pays bills and debts on time. [He/She] is also a great saver, and has a solid financial plan in place. I believe that [Friend/Family Member’s Name] would make an excellent tenant, and that [he/she] would take great care of your property.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example #5 – Respectful
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Friend/Family Member’s Name], who is applying to rent an apartment in your complex. [He/She] is a person of great character, who has always been respectful and considerate of others.
[He/She] treats everyone [he/she] meets with kindness and compassion, and I have no doubt that [he/she] would be an asset to your community. I highly recommend [Friend/Family Member’s Name] as a tenant, and hope that you will give [him/her] your full consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example #6 – Responsible Pet Owner
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Friend/Family Member’s Name] as a tenant in your apartment complex. [He/She] is an animal lover who has always been a responsible and caring pet owner.
[He/She] understands the importance of maintaining a clean and safe living environment for pets and people alike, and [he/she] is always considerate of others when it comes to [his/her] furry friends. I believe that [Friend/Family Member’s Name] would make an excellent tenant, and that [he/she] would be a great addition to your community.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I say in a character reference letter?
A: In a character reference letter, you should provide specific examples of the person’s positive character traits and actions. You should also include your contact information and offer to answer any questions the landlord may have.
Q: Who can write a character reference letter?
A: Anyone who knows the person well can write a character reference letter – friends, family members, coworkers, or even acquaintances who have interacted with the person in a positive way.
Q: How long should a character reference letter be?
A: A character reference letter should be no more than one page long, and should focus on the most important information about the person’s character and reliability.
Q: What should I include in the greeting of a character reference letter?
A: Address the letter to the landlord or property manager, and begin with a formal greeting, such as “Dear [Landlord’s Name]”.
Q: Can I write a character reference letter for someone I haven’t known for very long?
A: While it’s preferable to write a character reference letter for someone you’ve known for a significant amount of time, you can still write a letter for someone you haven’t known for very long if you’ve observed positive character traits and actions in that time.
Q: Should I include any negative information in a character reference letter?
A: No – a character reference letter should focus solely on the person’s positive attributes and actions. If you have concerns about the person’s ability to be a good tenant, it’s best to decline the request to write the letter.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter for someone applying to rent an apartment can be a valuable way to help them make a good impression on their potential landlord. By focusing on specific examples of positive character traits and actions, you can provide a compelling endorsement of your friend or family member’s reliability and trustworthiness. With the tips and sample letters provided in this article, you should be well on your way to writing an effective character reference letter.