Are you looking for a rental property in New Zealand? If so, you will likely need a rental reference letter. This letter can help you prove to potential landlords that you are a trustworthy tenant. In this article, we will provide you with tips on how to write a rental reference letter in NZ, along with seven examples that you can use and edit as needed.
Tips for Writing a Rental Reference Letter in NZ
When writing a rental reference letter in NZ, it is important to keep in mind the following tips:
1. Keep it Formal
A rental reference letter should be written in a formal tone. Address the letter to the potential landlord and use professional language throughout the letter.
2. Be Honest
It is crucial to be honest in your rental reference letter. Do not exaggerate your experiences or lie about your rental history. If you do, this could harm your chances of being approved for a rental property in the future.
3. Include Relevant Information
Make sure to include relevant information in your rental reference letter, such as the dates you rented the property, the rent amount, and whether or not you paid your rent on time. You can also include any positive experiences you had with the landlord or the property itself.
4. Use Specific Examples
When writing your rental reference letter, use specific examples to highlight your strengths as a tenant. For example, if you always paid your rent on time, mention this and provide specific dates.
5. Keep it Concise
A rental reference letter should be concise and to the point. Avoid rambling or including unnecessary information. Keep your letter to one page if possible.
6. Proofread
Before sending your rental reference letter, make sure to proofread it carefully. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and make sure the letter is easy to read and understand.
7. Be Prepared to Provide Contact Information
Potential landlords may want to contact your previous landlord or property manager for more information. Be prepared to provide their contact information in your rental reference letter.
Rental Reference Letter Examples
Example 1: Verification of Rent Payment
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to verify that [Tenant’s Name] resided at [Property Address] and paid rent on time for the duration of their lease from [Lease Start Date] to [Lease End Date].
[Tenant’s Name] was always a reliable tenant who paid their rent on time and kept the property well-maintained. I would highly recommend them as a tenant for any future rental property.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Example 2: Character Reference
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to provide you with a character reference for [Tenant’s Name]. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their honesty, reliability, and responsibility.
During their time as a tenant at [Property Address], [Tenant’s Name] always paid their rent on time and kept the property well-maintained. I am confident that they would make an excellent tenant for any future rental property.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Example 3: Employment Verification
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to verify that [Tenant’s Name] is currently employed at [Company Name] and has been for the past [Number of Years] years. Their current salary is [Salary Amount].
[Tenant’s Name] is a reliable employee who always shows up to work on time and completes their assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner. I have no doubt that they will be a responsible tenant and make rent payments on time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Example 4: Reference from Previous Landlord
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant at [Property Address] from [Lease Start Date] to [Lease End Date].
[Tenant’s Name] was an excellent tenant who always paid their rent on time and kept the property well-maintained. They were respectful of the property and its neighbors and always followed the lease agreement.
I would highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for any future rental property.
Sincerely,
[Previous Landlord’s Name]
[Previous Landlord’s Contact Information]
Example 5: Rental History Verification
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to verify that [Tenant’s Name] has a good rental history and always paid their rent on time while living at [Property Address].
[Tenant’s Name] was a reliable tenant who took good care of the property and never caused any problems. They were always responsive to any requests or concerns and communicated well with me throughout their lease term.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Example 6: Pet Reference
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name] and their pet, [Pet’s Name]. [Pet’s Name] is a [Pet Breed] and has lived with [Tenant’s Name] at [Property Address] for [Number of Months/Years].
[Pet’s Name] is a well-trained and well-behaved pet who has never caused any damage to the property. They are fully vaccinated and up-to-date on all required shots. [Tenant’s Name] is a responsible pet owner who always cleans up after their pet and ensures that they do not disturb any neighbors.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Example 7: Personal Reference
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing this letter to provide a personal reference for [Tenant’s Name]. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their character and responsibility.
[Tenant’s Name] is a trustworthy individual who always pays their bills on time and is respectful of others. They are a responsible tenant who takes good care of the property and follows all lease agreements. I would highly recommend [Tenant’s Name] as a tenant for any future rental property.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a rental reference letter?
A rental reference letter should include your name and contact information, the name and contact information of the potential landlord, the dates you rented the property, the rent amount, and whether or not you paid your rent on time. You can also include any positive experiences you had with the landlord or the property itself.
Who should I ask to write my rental reference letter?
You can ask your previous landlord or property manager, your employer, a colleague, or a personal reference to write your rental reference letter.
How long should a rental reference letter be?
A rental reference letter should be one page if possible. It should be concise and to the point, while still providing all necessary information.
Do I need to provide contact information for my previous landlord or employer?
Yes, potential landlords may want to contact your previous landlord or employer for more information. Be prepared to provide their contact information in your rental reference letter.
Can I use a template for my rental reference letter?
Yes, you can find rental reference letter templates online and edit them as needed. However, make sure to personalize the letter and include specific examples to highlight your strengths as a tenant.
How should I sign my rental reference letter?
You can sign your rental reference letter with “Sincerely,” followed by your name and contact information.
Conclusion
A rental reference letter can help you stand out as a potential tenant and increase your chances of being approved for a rental property in New Zealand. By following the tips provided in this article and using our sample letters as a guide, you can craft a strong, professional rental reference letter that showcases your strengths as a tenant.