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Re: Rental Reference for [Tenant’s Name]
I am writing at the request of [Tenant’s Name], who rented [the property below] from me. I am happy to share the following information about their tenancy:
Tenant(s)
Rental Address
Move-In Date
Move-Out Date
Monthly Rent
Lease Type
Paid Rent on Time
Condition of Unit
Proper Notice Given
Would Rent Again
[Tenant’s Name] was [respectful of neighbors, communicated promptly about maintenance, and followed the lease rules]. Please feel free to contact me at [Phone / Email] if you have any questions.
※ Stick to facts you can support with records, and get the tenant’s permission before sharing information. Fair housing laws apply to references too.
How to fill out a Landlord Reference Letter
Free Landlord Reference Letter template
A landlord reference letter describes a tenant’s rental history for a future landlord. It gives the address, dates and rent, whether rent was paid on time, the condition of the unit and whether the landlord would rent to them again.
How to fill it out
Enter your name and contact details at the top, and the prospective landlord or property manager as the recipient.
Fill in the tenant's name, the rental address, move-in and move-out dates, monthly rent and lease type.
Choose the answers for on-time rent, the condition of the unit, whether proper notice was given and whether you would rent to them again.
Edit the short comment paragraph to describe the tenant in a sentence or two, based on facts.
Sign the letter and send it with the tenant's permission, or give it to the tenant to include with their application.
Tips
Check your rent ledger and move-out inspection before answering, so every statement matches your records.
Keep it short and factual. A new landlord mostly wants to know about rent, damage, notice and whether you would rent to them again.
Include a phone number or email so the new landlord can verify the letter.
Don't mention race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status or other protected characteristics — fair housing laws apply.
If the tenant still owes money, state the facts neutrally rather than giving opinions.
Landlord Reference Letter example
Jane Smith, Landlord 45 Elm St Springfield, IL 62701 (555) 123-4567 · [email protected]
Oak Ridge Apartments Leasing Office 77 Oak Ridge Rd Springfield, IL 62704
I am writing at the request of Michael Brown, who rented 12 Oak Ave, Unit 3 from me. I am happy to share the following information about his tenancy:
Michael was respectful of neighbors, reported maintenance issues promptly and followed the lease rules. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 123-4567 if you have any questions.
Tenant(s)
Michael Brown
Rental Address
12 Oak Ave, Unit 3, Springfield, IL 62702
Move-In Date
August 1, 2022
Move-Out Date
December 31, 2026
Monthly Rent
$1,200.00
Lease Type
Month-to-month
Paid Rent on Time
Always
Condition of Unit
Good
Proper Notice Given
Yes
Would Rent Again
Yes
All names, companies and contact details are fictional. Click “Fill sample” above to put this example into the empty fields; click again to remove the parts you did not change.
FAQ
Can a tenant ask for a reference letter?
Yes. Tenants often ask their current or former landlord for one when they apply for a new place. Landlords are generally not required to write one.
What if the tenant sometimes paid late?
Choose "Usually" or "Sometimes late" and keep the comment factual, such as "rent was paid within five days of the due date." Avoid guesses about reasons.
Is this the same as a rental verification?
Close. A rental verification is often the new landlord's own form with specific questions; this letter is a general reference the tenant can include with any application.
