If you are moving to New York City and planning to rent an apartment, you may be asked to provide a reference letter from your previous landlord. This letter can help you secure a new apartment, especially in a competitive market like NYC. In this article, we will provide tips and examples of reference letters for NYC apartments.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter NYC Apartment
Writing a reference letter for an NYC apartment can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips:
Example 1: Employment Verification
Dear Landlord,
I am writing this letter to verify that [tenant’s name] has been employed at [company name] for the past [number of years]. During this time, [tenant’s name] has been an excellent employee and has always paid rent on time. I have no hesitation in recommending [tenant’s name] as a responsible and trustworthy tenant.
Thank you,
[Your name and contact information]
Example 2: Character Reference
Dear Landlord,
I have known [tenant’s name] for [number of years] and can attest to their character and reliability. [Tenant’s name] has always been a responsible tenant, maintaining their apartment in excellent condition and paying rent on time. I have no doubt that [tenant’s name] will be an excellent tenant in your apartment building.
Sincerely,
[Your name and contact information]
Example 3: Pet Reference
Dear Landlord,
I am the veterinarian for [tenant’s name]’s pet [pet’s name]. [Pet’s name] is up-to-date on all vaccinations and is in good health. [Tenant’s name] is a responsible pet owner who always picks up after their pet and ensures that [pet’s name] does not cause any damage to the apartment. I highly recommend [tenant’s name] as a tenant.
Best regards,
[Your name and contact information]
Example 4: Rental History
Dear Landlord,
I am writing this letter to verify that [tenant’s name] has been a tenant at [apartment complex name] for the past [number of years]. During this time, [tenant’s name] has been an excellent tenant, always paying rent on time and maintaining their apartment in good condition. I have no hesitation in recommending [tenant’s name] as a responsible and reliable tenant.
Thank you,
[Your name and contact information]
Example 5: Income Verification
Dear Landlord,
I am writing this letter to verify that [tenant’s name] is employed at [company name] and earns a salary of [salary amount]. Based on my knowledge of [tenant’s name]’s financial situation, I believe that they will be able to afford the rent for your apartment. I recommend [tenant’s name] as a reliable tenant.
Sincerely,
[Your name and contact information]
Example 6: Renewal Request
Dear Landlord,
I am writing this letter to request a lease renewal for [tenant’s name]. [Tenant’s name] has been an excellent tenant, always paying rent on time and maintaining their apartment in good condition. I recommend [tenant’s name] as a reliable tenant and hope that you will consider renewing their lease.
Thank you,
[Your name and contact information]
Example 7: Subletting Request
Dear Landlord,
I am writing this letter to request permission to sublet my apartment to [subletter’s name]. [Subletter’s name] is a responsible and reliable person who will take good care of the apartment. I will continue to pay rent and maintain the apartment during the sublet period. Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your name and contact information]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I write my own reference letter?
Yes, you can write your own reference letter, but it is better to ask your previous landlord or employer to write one for you. A reference letter from a third party holds more weight than a self-written letter.
What information should be included in a reference letter for an NYC apartment?
A reference letter for an NYC apartment should include your name, contact information, the tenant’s name, the length of their tenancy, and a statement about their reliability, responsibility, and ability to pay rent on time.
How many reference letters should I provide when applying for an NYC apartment?
You should provide at least two reference letters when applying for an NYC apartment. These letters should be from previous landlords or employers.
Do reference letters need to be notarized?
No, reference letters do not need to be notarized, but they should include your signature and contact information.
Should I send the reference letter directly to the landlord or attach it to my application?
You should attach the reference letter to your application and send it to the landlord. Make sure that the letter is addressed to the landlord and not a general “to whom it may concern” letter.
What if I don’t have previous rental history?
If you don’t have previous rental history, you can provide a reference letter from your employer or a character reference from someone who knows you well.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter for an NYC apartment can be intimidating, but it is an essential part of the rental application process. Follow our tips and use our examples to create a compelling reference letter that will help you secure the apartment of your dreams.