For Tenants with a Positive Rental History
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[To Whom It May Concern]
This letter is to serve as a reference for [Tenant Name], who resided at [Property Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date] as my tenant.
During their tenancy, [Tenant Name] consistently demonstrated the following positive qualities:
On-Time Rent Payments

Image Source: eforms.com
Rent payments were always received on time, often even before the due date. There were no instances of late payments or bounced checks.
Respectful of Property
[Tenant Name] maintained the property in excellent condition. They were mindful of their surroundings and took good care of the apartment and its furnishings.
Good Communication
[Tenant Name] was always communicative and responsive. They promptly addressed any maintenance issues and kept me informed of any concerns or changes in their living situation.
Considerate of Neighbors
[Tenant Name] was a respectful and considerate neighbor. I received no complaints from other residents regarding noise or disruptive behavior.
Cleanliness
[Tenant Name] kept the property clean and tidy throughout their tenancy.
[Tenant Name] was a model tenant and I highly recommend them to any future landlord. They are a responsible and trustworthy individual who I believe would be a valuable asset to any rental property.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
For Tenants with Minor Issues
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[To Whom It May Concern]
This letter is to serve as a reference for [Tenant Name], who resided at [Property Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date] as my tenant.
During their tenancy, [Tenant Name] generally fulfilled their responsibilities as a tenant.
Rent Payments
While rent payments were generally on time, there were [Number] instances of late payments. These were [Explain reason for late payments, e.g., minor delays due to unforeseen circumstances].
Property Maintenance
[Tenant Name] generally maintained the property in good condition. However, there were [Number] instances of minor damage, such as [List minor damages, e.g., a small scuff on the wall, a broken lightbulb]. These issues were [Explain how the issues were resolved, e.g., repaired promptly by the tenant, addressed during the move-out inspection].
Communication
[Tenant Name] was generally communicative, although there were [Number] instances where communication could have been improved. For example, [Explain specific instances, e.g., a delay in notifying me of a minor maintenance issue].
Overall
Despite these minor issues, [Tenant Name] was a generally responsible tenant. They were [Mention positive qualities, e.g., respectful of neighbors, responsible with utilities].
I believe that [Tenant Name] has learned from these minor experiences and will be a more responsible tenant in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
For Tenants with Serious Issues
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[To Whom It May Concern]
This letter is to serve as a reference for [Tenant Name], who resided at [Property Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date] as my tenant.
During their tenancy, [Tenant Name] unfortunately did not meet my expectations as a landlord.
Rent Payments
[Tenant Name] had [Number] instances of late rent payments, including [Mention specific instances, e.g., a payment that was two weeks late, a bounced check].
Property Maintenance
[Tenant Name] did not adequately maintain the property. [Describe specific issues, e.g., significant damage to the walls and carpets, failure to address maintenance issues in a timely manner].
Communication
[Tenant Name] was not always responsive to communication. [Describe specific instances, e.g., difficulty in contacting them regarding maintenance issues, failure to address concerns raised by other tenants].
Neighbor Complaints
I received [Number] complaints from other residents regarding [Describe complaints, e.g., excessive noise, disruptive behavior].
Due to these issues, I cannot recommend [Tenant Name] as a future tenant.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Conclusion
A well-written landlord reference letter can significantly impact a tenant’s ability to secure future rental properties. It’s crucial to be honest and accurate in your assessment. If you have any doubts or concerns, it’s best to decline to provide a reference.
FAQs
Who should write a landlord reference letter?
Landlords, property managers, or building superintendents can write landlord reference letters.
What information should be included in a landlord reference letter?
A landlord reference letter should include the tenant’s name, the address of the property, the dates of tenancy, and a brief overview of the tenant’s rental history.
How long should a landlord reference letter be?
A landlord reference letter should be concise and to the point. Aim for a length of one to two paragraphs.
Can a landlord refuse to write a landlord reference letter?
Yes, a landlord has the right to refuse to write a landlord reference letter.
What if a tenant requests a letter of recommendation but has been a problematic tenant?
If a tenant has been a problematic tenant, it’s best to decline to provide a reference or to be honest and
Landlord Reference Letter Sample