Writing A Tenant Reference Letter

As a landlord or property manager, you may be called upon to write a tenant reference letter. This letter is an important document that can help a tenant secure a rental property or even a job. In this article, we will provide tips on how to write a tenant reference letter, along with seven examples that you can use as a guide. Additionally, we will answer some frequently asked questions about tenant reference letters.

Tips for Writing A Tenant Reference Letter

When writing a tenant reference letter, it is important to keep in mind that this document can have a significant impact on the tenant’s future. Here are some tips to help you write an effective and helpful tenant reference letter:

Example 1: Request for Rental Application

Dear [Landlord/Property Manager],

I am writing to request a rental application for [Tenant Name]. [He/She] was a tenant in my property at [Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During [his/her] tenancy, [he/she] was a responsible and reliable tenant who always paid rent on time and took good care of the property.

I highly recommend [Tenant Name] as a tenant and believe [he/she] would make an excellent addition to your property. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 2: Reference for Rental Application

Dear [Landlord/Property Manager],

I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant Name], who was a tenant in my property at [Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During [his/her] tenancy, [he/she] was a responsible and reliable tenant who always paid rent on time and took good care of the property.

[Tenant Name] was a pleasure to work with and I highly recommend [him/her] as a tenant. [He/She] would make an excellent addition to your property and I am confident that [he/she] will continue to be a responsible and reliable tenant.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 3: Character Reference

Dear [Recipient],

I am writing to provide a character reference for [Tenant Name], whom I have known for [Number of Years]. During this time, I have found [him/her] to be a responsible, honest, and trustworthy individual.

[Tenant Name] has always been respectful of others and has a strong work ethic. [He/She] has never been involved in any criminal or unethical behavior and I believe [he/she] would make an excellent tenant or employee.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 4: Employment Reference

Dear [Recipient],

I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant Name], who was employed by our company from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During [his/her] employment, [he/she] was a reliable and hardworking employee who consistently met or exceeded expectations.

[Tenant Name] was an excellent team player and always demonstrated a positive attitude and strong work ethic. [He/She] has excellent communication skills and is able to work well with others. [He/She] would be an asset to any organization and I highly recommend [him/her] for any future employment opportunities.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 5: Rental Reference for College Student

Dear [Landlord/Property Manager],

I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant Name], who was a tenant in my property at [Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. [He/She] was a college student at the time and was renting the property with [Number of Roommates].

During [his/her] tenancy, [Tenant Name] was a responsible tenant who always paid rent on time and kept the property in good condition. [He/She] and [his/her] roommates were respectful of the property and the neighbors, and there were no issues or complaints during their tenancy.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 6: Rental Reference for Pet Owner

Dear [Landlord/Property Manager],

I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant Name], who was a tenant in my property at [Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. [He/She] rented the property with [Number of Pets] pets, which included [Type of Pets].

During [his/her] tenancy, [Tenant Name] was a responsible tenant who always paid rent on time and kept the property in good condition. [He/She] was also a responsible pet owner who ensured that the pets did not cause any damage or disruption to the property or the neighbors.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Example 7: Rental Reference for Military Personnel

Dear [Landlord/Property Manager],

I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant Name], who was a tenant in my property at [Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. [He/She] is a member of the military and was stationed at [Military Base] during [his/her] tenancy.

During [his/her] tenancy, [Tenant Name] was a responsible tenant who always paid rent on time and kept the property in good condition. [He/She] was also a valuable member of the community and was involved in various volunteer activities.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I refuse to write a tenant reference letter?

Yes, you have the right to refuse to write a tenant reference letter if you do not feel comfortable or if you do not have enough information about the tenant. However, if you do agree to write a tenant reference letter, it is important to be honest and provide as much information as possible.

What information should I include in a tenant reference letter?

A tenant reference letter should include the tenant’s name, the dates of their tenancy, and a brief description of their tenancy. You should also mention whether they paid rent on time, took care of the property, and were respectful of the neighbors. If you have any additional information about the tenant, such as their employment or character, you can include that as well.

Do I have to disclose negative information about the tenant?

If you have negative information about the tenant, such as late rent payments or damage to the property, you should be honest and include that information in the tenant reference letter. However, you should also provide context and any mitigating circumstances. For example, if the tenant was late on rent but always paid in full, you can mention that.

Can I write a tenant reference letter if the tenant was evicted?

Yes, you can write a tenant reference letter for a tenant who was evicted. However, you should be honest about the circumstances of the eviction and provide any additional information that may be helpful.

Can I charge a fee for writing a tenant reference letter?

While there is no law against charging a fee for writing a tenant reference letter, it is generally not considered ethical. If you are asked to write a tenant reference letter, it is better to do so without charging a fee.

Do I need to include my contact information in the tenant reference letter?

Yes, you should include your contact information in the tenant reference letter so that the recipient can contact you if they have any questions or require additional information.

Can I use a template for writing a tenant reference letter?

Yes, you can use a template for writing a tenant reference letter. However, you should customize the letter to fit the specific circumstances of the tenant’s tenancy and include any relevant information.

Conclusion

Writing a tenant reference letter can be an important and rewarding task. By following the tips and examples outlined in this article, you can create an effective and helpful reference letter that can benefit the tenant and the recipient. Remember to be honest, provide context, and include your contact information so that the recipient can follow up if necessary.

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