If you are applying for a rental property, it is likely that you will need a personal reference to vouch for you. One great option is to ask a family friend to write a personal reference letter on your behalf. This article will provide tips on how to draft a strong family friend personal reference letter, as well as seven examples that you can edit as needed.
Tips for Writing a Family Friend Personal Reference Letter
When writing a family friend personal reference letter, it is important to keep in mind that the letter should be professional and well-written. Here are some tips to help you draft a strong letter:
1. Start with a strong introduction
Your letter should begin with a strong introduction that clearly identifies the writer of the letter and their relationship to the applicant. It should also briefly state the purpose of the letter, which is to serve as a personal reference for the applicant’s rental application.
2. Provide specific examples
It is important to provide specific examples that demonstrate the applicant’s character, reliability, and responsibility. These examples could include situations where the applicant has demonstrated their ability to pay bills on time, maintain a clean and tidy living environment, or be a good neighbor.
3. Use a professional tone
Your letter should be written in a professional tone, even if you have a close relationship with the applicant. Avoid using slang or informal language, and make sure to proofread your letter carefully for any errors or typos.
4. Be honest
While it is important to highlight the applicant’s strengths, it is equally important to be honest about any weaknesses or areas of concern. If the applicant has had any past issues with paying bills on time or maintaining a clean living space, for example, it is important to address these issues honestly in your letter.
5. Provide your contact information
Make sure to include your contact information at the end of your letter, so that the landlord or property manager can follow up with you if needed. This shows that you are willing to stand behind your recommendation, and can help to strengthen the applicant’s case.
6. Edit carefully
Before submitting your letter, make sure to edit it carefully for any errors or typos. You may also want to have someone else read your letter to provide feedback and ensure that it is well-written and professional.
7. Use a formal format
Your letter should be written in a formal format, with a clear heading and appropriate salutation and complimentary close. This shows that you take the rental application process seriously, and can help to make a strong impression on the landlord or property manager.
Seven Examples of Family Friend Personal Reference Letters
Example 1: Rental History
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the [Rental Property] rental unit. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their strong character and reliability as a tenant.
During the time that [Applicant’s Name] lived in their previous rental unit, they consistently paid rent on time and maintained the unit in excellent condition. They were also respectful of their neighbors and always willing to lend a helping hand when needed.
I have no doubt that [Applicant’s Name] would be an excellent tenant in your rental property, and I strongly recommend them for the unit. If you have any questions or would like to speak with me further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Example 2: Employment History
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the [Rental Property] rental unit. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their excellent character and reliability as a tenant.
In addition to their strong rental history, [Applicant’s Name] is also a dedicated and hardworking employee. They have been employed at [Company Name] for [Number of Years] and have consistently demonstrated their ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
I have no doubt that [Applicant’s Name] would be an excellent tenant in your rental property, and I strongly recommend them for the unit. If you have any questions or would like to speak with me further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Example 3: Personal Character
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the [Rental Property] rental unit. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their excellent character and reliability as a tenant.
[Applicant’s Name] is a kind and responsible person who always goes above and beyond to help others. They are also a reliable friend and have always been there for me when I needed them.
I have no doubt that [Applicant’s Name] would be an excellent tenant in your rental property, and I strongly recommend them for the unit. If you have any questions or would like to speak with me further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Example 4: Financial Responsibility
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the [Rental Property] rental unit. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their excellent character and reliability as a tenant.
[Applicant’s Name] is a financially responsible individual who always pays their bills on time and manages their finances carefully. They have never had any issues with late payments or outstanding debts, and I am confident that they will continue to demonstrate this level of responsibility as a tenant.
I have no doubt that [Applicant’s Name] would be an excellent tenant in your rental property, and I strongly recommend them for the unit. If you have any questions or would like to speak with me further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Example 5: Pet Ownership
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the [Rental Property] rental unit. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their excellent character and reliability as a tenant.
[Applicant’s Name] is a responsible pet owner who always ensures that their pets are well-behaved and well-cared for. They have never had any issues with their pets causing damage to rental properties, and I am confident that they will continue to be responsible pet owners in the future.
I have no doubt that [Applicant’s Name] would be an excellent tenant in your rental property, and I strongly recommend them for the unit. If you have any questions or would like to speak with me further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Example 6: Community Involvement
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the [Rental Property] rental unit. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their excellent character and reliability as a tenant.
[Applicant’s Name] is an active member of the community and is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. They have volunteered at [Organization Name] for [Number of Years] and have made a positive impact on many people’s lives.
I have no doubt that [Applicant’s Name] would be an excellent tenant in your rental property, and I strongly recommend them for the unit. If you have any questions or would like to speak with me further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Example 7: Long-Term Relationship
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the [Rental Property] rental unit. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to their excellent character and reliability as a tenant.
[Applicant’s Name] and I have been friends for [Number of Years], and in that time, I have seen them grow and mature into a responsible and trustworthy individual. They have always been a reliable friend and someone that I can count on.
I have no doubt that [Applicant’s Name] would be an excellent tenant in your rental property, and I strongly recommend them for the unit. If you have any questions or would like to speak with me further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a family friend write a personal reference letter for a rental application?
Yes, a family friend can write a personal reference letter for a rental application. However, it is important to choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your character and reliability as a tenant.
What should be included in a family friend personal reference letter for a rental application?
A family friend personal reference letter for a rental application should include a strong introduction that identifies the writer of the letter and their relationship to the applicant, specific examples that demonstrate the applicant’s character and reliability, a professional tone, honesty about any weaknesses or areas of concern, the writer’s contact information, and a formal format.
How long should a family friend personal reference letter be?
A family friend personal reference letter should be approximately 50 to 80 sentences long. It should be long enough to provide specific examples that demonstrate the applicant’s character and reliability, but not so long that it becomes repetitive or overly detailed.
What should the greeting be in a family friend personal reference letter?
The greeting in a family friend personal reference letter should be completely different for every example. It should be professional and use the landlord’s name if known.
What should the letter body be in a family friend personal reference letter?
The letter body in a family friend personal reference letter should be two paragraphs long and provide specific examples that demonstrate the applicant’s character and reliability. It should be professional and well-written, with no errors or typos.
What should the complimentary close be in a family friend personal reference letter?
The complimentary close in a family friend personal reference letter should be completely different for every example. It should be professional and include the writer’s name and contact information.
Conclusion
A family friend personal reference letter can be a valuable asset when applying for a rental property. By following the tips provided in this article and using the seven examples as a guide, you can draft a strong and professional letter that showcases your character and reliability as a tenant. Remember to be honest, provide specific examples, and use a formal format to make a strong impression on the landlord or property manager.