If you’re looking to rent a property, a personal reference letter can strengthen your application. It’s a document written by someone who knows you well and can vouch for your character, reliability, and ability to pay rent on time. Landlords often request this type of letter to get a better sense of who the tenant is.
Tips for Writing a Personal Reference Letter for Rental
Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a personal reference letter for rental:
1. Briefly introduce yourself
Start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the person you’re writing the letter for. Briefly mention how long you’ve known each other and in what capacity.
2. Focus on the person’s positive qualities
Highlight the person’s positive qualities, such as their responsibility, dependability, and honesty. Provide specific examples that illustrate these traits.
3. Discuss their rental history
If the person has rented before, mention their rental history. For example, you can mention how long they lived in their previous rental, if they always paid rent on time, and if they took good care of the property.
4. Share any relevant personal information
If you have any relevant personal information that can help the person’s application, share it in the letter. For example, if the person recently got a new job or received a raise, mention it.
5. Provide your contact information
End the letter by providing your contact information in case the landlord has any further questions.
6. Edit and proofread
Make sure to edit and proofread the letter to ensure it’s free of errors and reads smoothly.
7. Keep the letter concise
Try to keep the letter to one page or less. Landlords don’t have time to read through lengthy letters, so keep it concise and to the point.
Examples of Personal Reference Letters for Rental
Character Reference Letter
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their character and reliability. [Provide specific examples of their positive qualities, such as their responsibility, dependability, and honesty.]
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number or Email Address].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Past Rental Reference Letter
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant. [Tenant’s Name] rented from me for [Number of Years] years and was an outstanding tenant. They always paid rent on time and took excellent care of the property. [Provide specific examples of how they took care of the property.]
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number or Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Employment Reference Letter
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant. I have been [Tenant’s Name]’s employer for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their character and reliability. [Provide specific examples of their positive qualities, such as their responsibility, dependability, and honesty.]
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number or Email Address].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Personal Reference Letter for College Student
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their character and reliability. They are currently a college student and have demonstrated responsibility and dependability as a student. [Provide specific examples of their positive qualities as a student.]
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number or Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Personal Reference Letter for Young Adult
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant. I have known [Tenant’s Name] since they were a child and have watched them grow into a responsible young adult. They are now seeking to rent their own place and I believe they would make an excellent tenant. [Provide specific examples of their positive qualities as a young adult.]
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number or Email Address].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Personal Reference Letter for Senior Citizen
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant. [Tenant’s Name] is a senior citizen and has always been a responsible and dependable member of our community. They are seeking to rent their own place and I believe they would make an excellent tenant. [Provide specific examples of their positive qualities as a senior citizen.]
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number or Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Personal Reference Letter for International Student
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant. [Tenant’s Name] is an international student from [Country] and has been studying in [City] for [Number of Years] years. They have demonstrated responsibility and dependability as a student and I believe they would make an excellent tenant. [Provide specific examples of their positive qualities as a student and as an international student.]
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number or Email Address].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a personal reference letter for rental?
A personal reference letter for rental should include an introduction, a focus on the person’s positive qualities, a discussion of their rental history, any relevant personal information, your contact information, and a concise closing.
Who should I ask to write a personal reference letter for me?
You should ask someone who knows you well and can vouch for your character and reliability, such as a friend, family member, employer, or teacher.
How long should a personal reference letter for rental be?
A personal reference letter for rental should be one page or less.
What should I do if I don’t have anyone to write me a personal reference letter for rental?
If you don’t have anyone to write you a personal reference letter for rental, you can try asking a coworker, neighbor, or former landlord.
What should I do if the landlord doesn’t ask for a personal reference letter?
If the landlord doesn’t ask for a personal reference letter, you can still offer to provide one. It can help strengthen your application and demonstrate your reliability as a tenant.
Should I include my rental history in the personal reference letter?
You don’t need to include your rental history in the personal reference letter, as that information should be included in your rental application. However, if your reference has personal knowledge of your rental history, they can mention it in the letter.
Conclusion
A personal reference letter for rental can be an asset to your rental application. Make sure to choose someone who knows you well and can vouch for your character and reliability. Provide them with the tips above and encourage them to be honest and specific in their letter. Good luck with your rental application!