If you’re looking to rent a property, you’ll likely be asked to provide an employment reference. This is a letter from your employer that confirms your employment status, salary, and general suitability as a tenant. In this article, we’ll explain what an employment reference for renting is, provide tips on creating one, give examples of what it should look like, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Tips for Creating an Employment Reference for Renting
When creating an employment reference for renting, it’s important to keep in mind that it should be professional, concise, and informative. Here are some tips to help you create a great reference:
1. Introduce Yourself and Your Company
Begin by introducing yourself and your company. Provide details on your position and how long you’ve worked for the company.
“To Whom It May Concern,
My name is [Your Name] and I am the [Your Position] at [Company Name]. I have been with the company for [Number of Years].”
2. Explain the Nature of the Employee’s Work
Provide an overview of the employee’s job responsibilities, including their job title and any important details about their role.
“[Employee Name] is employed at [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. Their primary job responsibilities include [Job Duties].”
3. Confirm Employment and Salary
Confirm the employee’s employment status and salary.
“As of the date of this letter, [Employee Name] is currently employed at [Company Name] and earns a salary of [Annual Salary].”
4. Provide a Positive Recommendation
Provide a positive recommendation for the employee as a tenant.
“I recommend [Employee Name] as a reliable and responsible tenant. They have consistently demonstrated professionalism and accountability in their work and I have no doubt that they will do the same as a tenant.”
5. Include Your Contact Information
Finally, include your contact information so that the landlord or property manager can reach out to you if they have any questions.
“If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Contact Information].”
Examples of Employment Reference for Renting
Example 1: New Job
Dear [Landlord Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Employee Name]. They have recently been hired as a [Job Title] at [Company Name] and have been an exemplary employee since their start date on [Date].
As of the date of this letter, [Employee Name] is currently employed at [Company Name] and earns a salary of [Annual Salary]. They work [Number of Hours] hours per week and will be able to comfortably afford the rent at your property.
I highly recommend [Employee Name] as a tenant. They are reliable, responsible, and always maintain a professional demeanor. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Contact Information].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Good Tenant
Dear [Landlord Name],
This letter serves as a reference for [Employee Name] who is applying to rent your property. [Employee Name] has been employed at [Company Name] as a [Job Title] for the past [Number of Years] years and has been a model employee throughout their tenure.
[Employee Name] earns an annual salary of [Annual Salary] and has always been able to pay their rent on time. They are a respectful tenant who takes great care of their living space and always adheres to community guidelines.
I highly recommend [Employee Name] as a tenant. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Contact Information].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Short Term Employment
Dear [Landlord Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Employee Name] who is applying to rent your property. They have been employed at [Company Name] as a [Job Title] for the past [Number of Months] months and have been an excellent addition to our team.
As of the date of this letter, [Employee Name] is currently employed at [Company Name] and earns a salary of [Annual Salary]. They work [Number of Hours] hours per week and will be able to comfortably afford the rent at your property.
Although [Employee Name]’s employment with us is temporary, I highly recommend them as a tenant. They are responsible, reliable, and always maintain a professional demeanor.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Contact Information].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Self Employed
Dear [Landlord Name],
This letter serves as a reference for [Employee Name] who is applying to rent your property. [Employee Name] is self-employed as a [Job Title] and has been running their business for the past [Number of Years] years.
As of the date of this letter, [Employee Name] is currently self-employed and earns an annual income of [Annual Income]. They are financially responsible and will be able to comfortably afford the rent at your property.
I highly recommend [Employee Name] as a tenant. They are a responsible and professional individual who takes great pride in their work. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Contact Information].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Recent Graduate
Dear [Landlord Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Employee Name] who is applying to rent your property. They recently graduated from [University Name] with a degree in [Major] and have been employed at [Company Name] as a [Job Title] for the past [Number of Months] months.
As of the date of this letter, [Employee Name] is currently employed at [Company Name] and earns a salary of [Annual Salary]. They are a responsible individual who will be able to comfortably afford the rent at your property.
I highly recommend [Employee Name] as a tenant. They are a hardworking and dedicated individual who always maintains a positive attitude. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Contact Information].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Long Term Employment
Dear [Landlord Name],
This letter serves as a reference for [Employee Name] who is applying to rent your property. They have been employed at [Company Name] as a [Job Title] for the past [Number of Years] years and have been an outstanding employee throughout their tenure.
As of the date of this letter, [Employee Name] is currently employed at [Company Name] and earns an annual salary of [Annual Salary]. They are financially responsible and have always been able to pay their rent on time.
I highly recommend [Employee Name] as a tenant. They are a trustworthy and reliable individual who always goes above and beyond in their work. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Contact Information].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a landlord ask for an employment reference when renting?
Yes, it is common for landlords to ask for an employment reference when renting a property. This helps to confirm the tenant’s employment status and financial stability.
Who should I ask to provide an employment reference for renting?
You should ask your current employer or a previous employer who can verify your employment status and character.
What information should be included in an employment reference for renting?
An employment reference for renting should include your job title, salary, and general suitability as a tenant. It should also include the contact information of the employer providing the reference.
How should I format an employment reference for renting?
An employment reference for renting should be professionally formatted and include the date, employer’s contact information, and a signature.
Who should I address an employment reference for renting to?
You should address the employment reference for renting to the landlord or property manager who is overseeing the rental property.
Can I use a personal reference instead of an employment reference for renting?
While a personal reference can provide some insight into your character, it is generally not sufficient for landlords who are looking to confirm your employment and financial stability.
Conclusion
An employment reference for renting is a crucial component of the rental application process. It can help landlords and property managers evaluate your suitability as a tenant and confirm your employment status and financial stability. By following the tips provided in this article and using the examples as a guide, you can create a professional and effective reference that will increase your chances of securing your desired rental property.