A letter of reference for renting can help persuade a property manager to choose you as a tenant, whether renting from an individual or a property management company.
To create a convincing and professional letter, your references can use a rental reference letter template as a guide. Selecting the appropriate people to write the reference letters can also give you an advantage over other applicants. Background and credit checks are standard procedures for property managers, but some may also ask for a rental reference letter to verify your identity.
Before you create a rental reference letter, reviewing a template to understand what to include is a good idea. Using a rental reference letter template, you can ensure that you provide all the necessary information and present it professionally and effectively.
Why do we need Rental Reference Letters?
Rental reference letters are essential for tenants to demonstrate their reliability and trustworthiness to potential landlords. They can increase the chances of being approved for a rental property and help establish a positive relationship between the tenant and landlord. Rental reference letters are required for several reasons, such as:
Building reputation: Rental reference letters may assist a new renter in establishing credibility by offering a second opinion on their previous renting experience. Landlords want to ensure they rent to reliable tenants who pay on time and take care of the property.
Demonstrating responsibility: A rental reference letter can demonstrate a tenant’s commitment and ability to meet their financial obligations. It can also show that they have respected their neighbours and taken good care of the property during their previous tenancy.
Building trust: Rental reference letters can help build trust between the potential tenant and the landlord. A good reference can reassure the landlord that the tenant is trustworthy and responsible.
What should be included in a Rental Reference Letter?
A rental reference letter is a statement from a current or previous homeowner or property manager that offers information about a tenant’s past renting history.
The letter usually contains information like the lease length, the monthly rental amount paid, and whether or not the renter paid rent on time and in full. The letter may also include information about the tenant’s personality, conduct, and whether or not they caused any vandalism during their rental.
Landlords or property managers often require a rental reference letter as part of the rental application process to verify a tenant’s rental history and reliability as a renter.
How do you Draught a Rental Reference Letter?
Here are the steps to follow when writing a rental reference letter:
- Address the letter: Begin with your contact details on the top left of the page. Proceed with addressing it to the person or organization requesting the reference.
- Add a salutation: Use a formal or generic greeting such as “To Whom It May Concern.” Or you can also use the full name, title, and surname to sound professional.
- Briefly explain your history with the renter: Formally explain for how long you know the individual you are recommending and what kind of bond you share with them.
- Describe why this individual would be an excellent renter: Take note of specific characteristics that make the individual you recommend an ideal tenant. Provide only information that will assist the individual you refer to in obtaining an apartment.
- Conclusion: Wrap up the letter with recommending the tenant. You might say that you would happily rent to the renter again or refer them to another landlord.
- Signature: Sign the letter, and you can also include your contact information, such as your name, phone number, and email address.
Sample Rental Reference Letter Template
We have provided a sample template below, which you can modify according to the writer of your rental reference. Once you have selected your rental reference, whether it is your employer, coworker, personal acquaintance, or anyone else who can attest to your character, share the template with them and request them to complete it.
After receiving the reference letter, double-check for any errors or incorrect details that may contradict the information you provided on your rental application. If necessary, ask your reference to make any necessary changes, and then you can send the rental reference letter to your prospective landlord.
Here’s a sample template you can use to write a rental reference letter:
[Name]
[Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]
[Email]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[To Whom It May Concern]
I am writing to provide a reference for [Tenant’s Name], who was a tenant in my [apartment/condo/home] at [Property Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
During their tenancy, [Tenant’s Name] was a responsible and reliable tenant who always paid their rent on time. They left the property in perfect shape when they moved out.
If you need additional details, please get in touch with me without thinking twice. I would be glad to assist.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Signature]
Conclusion
In conclusion, your rental reference letter doesn’t need to be a work of Shakespeare. It just needs to be concise and honest recommendations. Tenant reference letters should include only information about their renting experience with the landlord.
We hope you have good luck with apartment hunting!
