If your friend is looking for a new place to live, you may be asked to write a character reference letter for their potential landlord. This type of letter can provide insight into your friend’s character, reliability, and ability to pay rent on time. In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to write a character reference letter for a landlord from a friend, as well as seven examples that you can use as a template.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter for Landlord from Friend
When writing a character reference letter for a landlord from a friend, it’s important to keep in mind the letter’s purpose. You want to provide a positive endorsement of your friend’s character and reliability as a tenant. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use a formal tone and business letter format.
- Include specific examples of your friend’s good character and reliability.
- Explain how long you have known your friend and in what capacity.
- Describe any personal qualities that make your friend an ideal tenant.
- Make sure your contact information is included at the end of the letter.
- Encourage the landlord to contact you if they have any questions or need further information.
Example Letters
Example 1: Rent payment history
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend [Friend’s Name], who is applying to rent a property from you. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [length of time], and can attest to their reliability as a tenant.
In the [length of time] that [Friend’s Name] has been renting from me, they have always paid their rent on time and kept the property in excellent condition. They are a responsible and trustworthy individual, and I have no doubt that they would make an excellent tenant for your property.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Personal qualities
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend [Friend’s Name], who is applying to rent a property from you. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [length of time], and can attest to their excellent character and personal qualities.
[Friend’s Name] is a responsible, reliable, and honest individual who always goes above and beyond to help those around them. They are a great communicator and a pleasure to be around, and I have no doubt that they would make an excellent tenant for your property.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Employment status
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend [Friend’s Name], who is applying to rent a property from you. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [length of time], and can attest to their excellent character, reliability, and employment status.
[Friend’s Name] has been employed at [company name] for [length of time], and is a responsible and hardworking individual. They have always been able to pay their bills on time and have never had any financial issues. I have no doubt that they would make a great tenant for your property.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Pet-friendly tenant
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend [Friend’s Name], who is applying to rent a pet-friendly property from you. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [length of time], and can attest to their excellent character, reliability, and ability to care for pets.
[Friend’s Name] is a responsible pet owner who always makes sure their animals are well-cared for and well-behaved. They have experience with [types of pets] and would be an excellent tenant for your pet-friendly property.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Student tenant
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend [Friend’s Name], who is applying to rent a property from you. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [length of time], and can attest to their excellent character, reliability, and status as a student.
[Friend’s Name] is a hardworking and responsible student who always pays their bills on time and keeps their living space clean and tidy. They are an ideal tenant for any landlord looking for a responsible and reliable student tenant.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Military personnel tenant
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for my friend [Friend’s Name], who is applying to rent a property from you. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [length of time], and can attest to their excellent character, reliability, and status as a member of the military.
[Friend’s Name] is a responsible and dedicated member of the military who always pays their bills on time and keeps their living space clean and tidy. They are an ideal tenant for any landlord looking for a responsible and reliable military tenant.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Long-time friend tenant
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for my long-time friend [Friend’s Name], who is applying to rent a property from you. I have known [Friend’s Name] for [length of time], and can attest to their excellent character, reliability, and trustworthiness.
[Friend’s Name] is someone I have known for many years and have always been able to count on. They are a responsible and trustworthy individual who always pays their bills on time and keeps their living space clean and tidy. I have no doubt that they would make an excellent tenant for your property.
Please let me know if you have any questions or need further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a character reference letter for a landlord be?
A character reference letter for a landlord should be one page or less. It should be concise and to the point, while still providing enough detail to give the landlord a good sense of your friend’s character and reliability.
What should I include in a character reference letter for a landlord?
You should include specific examples of your friend’s good character and reliability, as well as an explanation of how long you have known your friend and in what capacity. You should also describe any personal qualities that make your friend an ideal tenant, and make sure your contact information is included at the end of the letter.
Do I need to use formal language in a character reference letter for a landlord?
Yes, a character reference letter for a landlord should use formal language and a business letter format. This will help to ensure that the letter is taken seriously by the landlord and reflects well on your friend as a potential tenant.
What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable writing a character reference letter for a landlord?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a character reference letter for a landlord, it’s okay to decline. Simply let your friend know that you don’t feel like you’re the best person to write the letter and suggest that they ask someone else.
Can I edit the examples to fit my specific situation?
Yes, the examples provided in this article are meant to be templates that you can edit as needed to fit your specific situation. Feel free to adjust the wording or add additional information as needed to make the letter more appropriate for your friend’s situation.
What should I do if the landlord contacts me with additional questions?
If the landlord contacts you with additional questions, it’s important to respond promptly and professionally. Answer their questions to the best of your ability and provide any additional information or clarification that they may need.
Conclusion
A character reference letter for a landlord from a friend can be an important tool in helping your friend secure a new place to live. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create a letter that provides a positive endorsement of your friend’s character, reliability, and ability to be a great tenant. Good luck!