If you’re a landlord or property manager, you know how important it is to have reliable tenants who will pay rent on time and take care of your property. That’s why a written reference for rental application can be so valuable. In this article, we’ll take a look at what a written reference is, why it’s important, and how to write one. Plus, we’ll provide you with some examples that you can edit and use as needed.
Tips for Writing a Written Reference for Rental Application
Here are some tips for writing a written reference for rental application:
1. Purpose of the Reference
When writing a reference, be sure to state the purpose of the reference as it relates to the rental application. This will help the landlord or property manager to understand what specific information you need to include in your reference.
2. Provide Specific Details
Provide specific details about the tenant, such as their rental history, their employment status, and any other relevant information that will help the landlord or property manager make an informed decision about their application.
3. Use Professional Language
Use professional language and tone when writing a reference. This will help to establish credibility and make the reference more effective.
4. Keep it Concise
Keep your reference concise and to the point. Landlords and property managers are busy people, and they don’t have time to read lengthy references.
5. Include Contact Information
Include your contact information in the reference, so the landlord or property manager can follow up with you if necessary.
6. Proofread Carefully
Proofread your reference carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and that it presents the tenant in the best possible light.
7. Be Honest
Be honest in your reference. If the tenant has had issues in the past, it’s better to be upfront about them than to try to hide them.
Example Written References for Rental Application
1. Rental History
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who has been a tenant in my apartment complex for the past two years. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] has been a reliable tenant who always pays rent on time and takes excellent care of the unit. I have never had any issues with [Tenant’s Name], and I would highly recommend them for any rental property.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Employment Verification
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to verify the employment of [Tenant’s Name], who has applied to rent one of your properties. [Tenant’s Name] has been employed as a [Position] at [Company Name] for the past two years and is currently earning a salary of [Salary].
Based on [Tenant’s Name]’s employment history and current income, I would highly recommend them as a tenant. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
3. Personal Reference
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a personal reference for [Tenant’s Name], who has applied to rent one of your properties. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their responsible and trustworthy nature.
[Tenant’s Name] is a dedicated and hardworking individual who takes great pride in their home and their community. They are always willing to go above and beyond to help others and are an asset to any community they are a part of.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
4. Previous Landlord Reference
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant in my building for the past two years. During this time, [Tenant’s Name] was an excellent tenant who always paid rent on time and took great care of the unit.
[Tenant’s Name] is a responsible individual who takes great pride in their home and is always willing to help out their neighbors. They are an asset to any community they are a part of, and I would highly recommend them as a tenant.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
5. Character Reference
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Tenant’s Name], who has applied to rent one of your properties. I have known [Tenant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years and can attest to their honesty, integrity, and responsible nature.
[Tenant’s Name] is a dedicated and hardworking individual who takes great pride in their home and their community. They are always willing to go above and beyond to help others and are an asset to any community they are a part of.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
6. Tenant’s Income Verification
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I am writing to verify the income of [Tenant’s Name], who has applied to rent one of your properties. [Tenant’s Name] is currently employed as a [Position] at [Company Name], where they are earning a salary of [Salary].
Based on [Tenant’s Name]’s employment history and current income, I believe that they would be an excellent tenant. [Tenant’s Name] is a responsible individual who takes great pride in their home and is always willing to go above and beyond to help others.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a written reference for a rental application?
A written reference for a rental application is a document that provides information about a prospective tenant. This information can include their rental history, employment status, and character references, among other things.
How important is a written reference for a rental application?
A written reference for a rental application can be very important for both landlords and tenants. For landlords, it can help them to make an informed decision about whether or not to rent to a particular tenant. For tenants, it can help to establish their credibility and reliability as a renter.
What information should be included in a written reference for a rental application?
A written reference for a rental application should include specific details about the tenant, such as their rental history, employment status, and character references. It should also include the purpose of the reference and the contact information of the person writing the reference.
What should I do if I don’t have any references to provide?
If you don’t have any references to provide, you can try to provide other forms of evidence that demonstrate your reliability as a tenant. This could include proof of income, credit reports, or rental payment histories.
Can a landlord contact my employer without my permission?
In most cases, a landlord cannot contact your employer without your permission. However, they may be able to request employment verification as part of the rental application process.
Can I provide a reference from a family member or friend?
You can provide a reference from a family member or friend, but keep in mind that this may not be as effective as a reference from a landlord or employer. If possible, try to provide a reference from someone who can speak to your reliability and responsibility as a tenant.
Conclusion
If you’re a landlord or property manager, a written reference for rental application can be an invaluable tool for evaluating prospective tenants. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create effective references that will help you to make informed decisions about who to rent to. For tenants, providing a written reference can help to establish your credibility and reliability as a renter, making it more likely that you’ll be approved for your desired rental property.