Introduction
If you’re a landlord, you may be asked to provide a rental reference letter for your former tenants. This letter can help your tenants secure a new rental property, as it provides evidence that they were reliable and responsible tenants. In this article, we’ll provide tips for writing a rental reference letter, examples of different types of letters, and answer some frequently asked questions about the process.
Tips for Writing a Rental Reference Letter From Landlord
1. Include Basic Information
Begin the letter by stating your name, the tenant’s name, the rental property’s address, and the dates of the tenancy. This basic information will help establish your credibility as the landlord and provide context for the reference.
Dear [Mr./Ms. Tenant’s Name],
I am writing this letter in reference to your tenancy at [Rental Property Address]. You were a tenant at the property from [Start Date] to [End Date].
2. Highlight Positive Qualities
The purpose of the letter is to provide a positive reference for the tenant. Highlight their positive qualities, such as paying rent on time, being clean and respectful of the property, and being a good communicator. Be specific and provide examples if possible.
During your tenancy, you were always prompt with your rent payments and kept the property in excellent condition. You were always respectful of your neighbors and reported any maintenance issues promptly. As a tenant, you were an excellent communicator and we had no issues with the tenancy.
3. Be Honest
While you want to provide a positive reference for the tenant, it’s important to be honest in your assessment. If the tenant had any issues during their tenancy, address them honestly but also explain how they resolved the issue or made amends.
While there were a few instances where there were noise complaints from neighbors, you were always willing to work with me to resolve the issue and be more mindful of your noise level. Overall, you were an excellent tenant and I would not hesitate to recommend you to any future landlords.
4. Offer to Be Available for Further Questions
At the end of the letter, offer to be available for further questions or clarification if needed. This will show that you’re willing to go above and beyond to help your former tenant secure a new rental property.
If you have any further questions or require clarification about [Tenant’s Name]’s tenancy, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Examples of Rental Reference Letters From Landlord
Example 1: Rental Reference Letter for Apartment Rental
Dear [Mr./Ms. Tenant’s Name],
I am writing this letter in reference to your tenancy at [Apartment Name/Address]. You were a tenant at the property from [Start Date] to [End Date].
During your tenancy, you were an excellent tenant. You always paid your rent on time and kept the apartment in great condition. You were always respectful of your neighbors and there were no complaints about noise or disruptions during your time at the property.
I would highly recommend you as a tenant to any future landlords. If you have any further questions or require clarification about your tenancy, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Rental Reference Letter for Subletting
Dear [Mr./Ms. Tenant’s Name],
I am writing this letter in reference to your request to sublet your rental property at [Rental Property Address]. You were a tenant at the property from [Start Date] to [End Date].
During your tenancy, you were a wonderful tenant. You always paid your rent on time and kept the property in excellent condition. You were always respectful of your neighbors and there were no complaints about noise or disruptions during your time at the property.
I have no reservations in recommending you as a tenant to any future landlords or property managers. If you have any further questions or require clarification about your tenancy, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Rental Reference Letter for Job Application
Dear [Mr./Ms. Tenant’s Name],
I am writing this letter in reference to your tenancy at [Rental Property Address]. You were a tenant at the property from [Start Date] to [End Date].
During your tenancy, you were an exemplary tenant. You paid your rent on time and always kept the property in excellent condition. You were a wonderful communicator and always kept me informed of any issues or concerns you had.
I believe that your strong work ethic and attention to detail would make you an asset to any organization. I highly recommend you as a tenant and as a prospective employee. If you have any further questions or require clarification about your tenancy, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Rental Reference Letter for Security Deposit
Dear [Mr./Ms. Tenant’s Name],
I am writing this letter in reference to the return of your security deposit for your tenancy at [Rental Property Address]. You were a tenant at the property from [Start Date] to [End Date].
During your tenancy, you were an excellent tenant. You always paid your rent on time and kept the property in great condition. You left the property in immaculate condition and I have no reservations about returning your security deposit in full.
If you have any further questions or require clarification about your tenancy or the return of your security deposit, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Rental Reference Letter for Lease Renewal
Dear [Mr./Ms. Tenant’s Name],
I am writing this letter in reference to your request to renew your lease at [Rental Property Address]. You were a tenant at the property from [Start Date] to [End Date].
During your tenancy, you were a wonderful tenant. You always paid your rent on time, kept the property in great condition, and were always respectful of your neighbors. I would be delighted to renew your lease and have you as a tenant for another year.
If you have any further questions or require clarification about your tenancy or the lease renewal process, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Rental Reference Letter for Immigration
Dear [Mr./Ms. Tenant’s Name],
I am writing this letter in reference to your tenancy at [Rental Property Address]. You were a tenant at the property from [Start Date] to [End Date].
During your tenancy, you were an exceptional tenant. You always paid your rent on time and kept the property in immaculate condition. You were a wonderful communicator and always kept me informed of any issues or concerns you had.
I believe that you would make a valuable addition to any community, and I would be happy to provide any assistance I can to support your immigration application. If you have any further questions or require clarification about your tenancy or my support for your immigration application, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a rental reference letter?
In a rental reference letter, you should include basic information such as the tenant’s name, rental property address, and dates of the tenancy. Highlight positive qualities such as paying rent on time, being clean and respectful of the property, and being a good communicator. Be honest about any issues that arose during the tenancy but explain how they were resolved. Offer to be available for further questions or clarification if needed.
How do I format a rental reference letter?
A rental reference letter should be formatted like a formal business letter. Include your contact information, the date, and the tenant’s contact information at the top of the letter. Use a professional tone and be sure to proofread for errors before sending.
What should I do if I don’t have anything positive to say in a rental reference letter?
If you don’t have anything positive to say about a former tenant, it’s best to decline the request for a reference letter. You don’t want to provide a negative reference that could prevent the tenant from securing a new rental property.
Can I write a rental reference letter for a current tenant?
Yes, you can write a rental reference letter for a current tenant. However, it’s important to make sure that the tenant is not violating any lease agreements by subletting or renting out the property without your permission.
Can I refuse to write a rental reference letter?
Yes, you can refuse to write a rental reference letter if you feel uncomfortable providing a reference or if you don’t have anything positive to say about the tenant.
How long should a rental reference letter be?
A rental reference letter should be no longer than one page. Try to keep the letter concise and to the point while still highlighting the tenant’s positive qualities and providing an honest assessment of their tenancy.
Conclusion
Providing a rental reference letter is an important part of being a landlord. By following these tips and providing a positive and honest reference, you can help your former tenants secure a new rental property and maintain a good reputation as a landlord. Remember to be professional, concise, and honest in your assessment, and offer to be available for further questions or clarification if needed.