If you’re a landlord or property manager who has a tenant who has requested a reference letter, it’s important to provide them with a well-written and informative letter. In this article, we’ll be discussing the basics of a reference letter landlord template, including tips for writing one and providing examples that you can edit as needed.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter Landlord Template
When writing a reference letter for a tenant, it’s important to keep in mind that your letter will be used to help the tenant secure another rental property. Here are some tips for writing a reference letter that will effectively communicate the tenant’s strengths:
1. Keep it Professional
When writing a reference letter, it’s important to keep a professional tone. The letter should be formatted like a business letter and should include your contact information as well as the tenant’s contact information.
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name]. [He/She] has been a tenant in one of my rental properties for [length of tenancy] and [has been an exceptional tenant / has kept the property in excellent condition / has always paid rent on time, etc.]. [He/She] has been a pleasure to work with and I would recommend [him/her] to any landlord looking for a reliable tenant.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Highlight the Tenant’s Strengths
When writing the letter, be sure to include specific examples of the tenant’s strengths. This can include things like paying rent on time, taking care of the property, being a good neighbor, and having a good relationship with you as the landlord.
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name]. [He/She] has been a tenant in one of my rental properties for [length of tenancy] and has been an exceptional tenant. [He/She] has always paid rent on time, taken excellent care of the property, and has been an outstanding neighbor to others in the complex. [He/She] has also been wonderful to work with, always communicating any issues or concerns promptly and courteously.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
3. Make it Personal
While it’s important to keep the letter professional, it’s also helpful to include a personal anecdote or story about your experience working with the tenant. This can help to humanize the letter and make it more compelling.
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name]. [He/She] has been a tenant in one of my rental properties for [length of tenancy] and has been a wonderful tenant. [He/She] has always been respectful and courteous, and has even gone above and beyond to help out other tenants in the complex when they needed it. I remember one time when [he/she] helped an elderly tenant carry groceries up to their apartment, showing a kindness that is rare to find these days. It’s been a pleasure having [him/her] as a tenant and I would recommend [him/her] to any landlord.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. Keep it Brief
While it’s important to include specific examples of the tenant’s strengths, it’s also important to keep the letter brief and to the point. Aim for a letter that is no longer than one page.
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name]. [He/She] has been a tenant in one of my rental properties for [length of tenancy] and has been a wonderful tenant. [He/She] has always paid rent on time, taken great care of the property, and has been a pleasure to work with. I would recommend [him/her] to any landlord looking for a reliable tenant.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
5. Customize it for the Tenant
When writing a reference letter, it’s important to customize it for the specific tenant you are writing it for. This can include mentioning their specific strengths and accomplishments, as well as their unique situation.
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name]. [He/She] has been a tenant in one of my rental properties for [length of tenancy] and has been an excellent tenant. [He/She] has always paid rent on time, taken exceptional care of the property, and has been a good neighbor to others in the complex. What sets [him/her] apart is [his/her] outgoing personality and willingness to help others. [He/She] is always looking for ways to make the complex a better place to live and I have no doubt that [he/she] will be an asset to any future landlord.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
6. Check it for Accuracy
Before sending the reference letter, be sure to double-check it for accuracy. This includes checking for any spelling or grammatical errors, as well as making sure all of the information is correct.
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name]. [He/She] has been a tenant in one of my rental properties for [length of tenancy] and has been an exceptional tenant. [He/She] has always paid rent on time, taken excellent care of the property, and has been a wonderful neighbor to others in the complex. [He/She] has been a pleasure to work with and I would highly recommend [him/her] to any future landlord.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a reference letter for a tenant?
A reference letter for a tenant should include your contact information, the tenant’s contact information, the length of their tenancy, and specific examples of their strengths and accomplishments as a tenant. It’s also helpful to include a personal anecdote or story about your experience working with the tenant.
How long should a reference letter be?
A reference letter for a tenant should be no longer than one page.
Do I need to use specific language or formatting in a reference letter?
While there is no specific language or formatting that you need to use in a reference letter, it’s important to keep the letter professional and to the point. The letter should be formatted like a business letter and should include your contact information as well as the tenant’s contact information.
What should I do if I don’t have anything positive to say about a tenant?
If you don’t have anything positive to say about a tenant, it’s best to politely decline their request for a reference letter.
What should I do if I don’t remember the specifics of a tenant’s tenancy?
If you don’t remember the specifics of a tenant’s tenancy, it’s best to politely decline their request for a reference letter.
Can a tenant write their own reference letter?
While a tenant can certainly write their own reference letter, it’s best to have the letter written by a landlord or property manager to add more credibility to the letter.
Conclusion
A well-written reference letter can make all the difference in helping a tenant secure another rental property. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create a reference letter that effectively communicates the tenant’s strengths and helps them stand out from the crowd.