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It’s common practice for landlords to request character references from potential tenants. Read our tips and download our template letter to help you know what to write.
As a landlord, you know how important a positive reference is for vetting potential tenants. An honest assessment from fellow landlords who have rented to your prospect is the best way to assess potential risks.
Here are the five essential elements of a great Character Reference Letter:
Write formally – Keep your letter professional by including:
A courteous introduction (e.g. “Dear ____” or “To whom it may concern”).
A statement of intent (e.g. “I am writing this letter to recommend ____ as a tenant”).
A closing sentiment (e.g. “Kind Regards” or “Sincerely”).
Disclose relevant details – Payment history is among the most important information landlords want about potential tenants. How often they paid, how much they paid, and whether or not they paid in a timely fashion are all important details to include. You might also want to consider:
Tidiness/maintenance of the property under their watch.
Neighbours’ disposition to your tenants.
Any legal notices you’ve had cause to serve your tenants.
Describe your relationship – Include any relevant information such as how long your tenants have rented from you and any personal connection you may have to them. Other landlords want to be assured that you’ve known your tenants for a sufficiently long period of time.
Assuage potential risks – You can disclose other relevant information that will help address other concerns a landlord might have. This could include qualities of your tenants (e.g. reliable, hardworking, friendly, honest), their job stability, or even the nature of any pets they own.
Keep it brief – Your letter should be less than a page long.
[Your Address] |
[Recipient's Address] |
[Date] |
To whom it may concern, |
I am writing this letter to confirm that [Tenants' Names] have been exemplary tenants since they moved into the rental property at [Rental Address] on [Starting Date of Tenancy]. |
Over the last [Rental Period], they have paid their rent in a timely fashion on a [weekly/fortnightly/monthly] basis. Their last rent payment of [Rent Charge] was delivered promptly and without incident via [Type of Payment] on [Payment Date]. |
I can also confirm that as tenants, they have never made any unreasonable requests, and they have always been friendly and respectful during my visits. |
Furthermore, they have proven themselves to be model neighbours. They have kept their property consistently neat and tidy, and they have never received any complaints. |
[Rest assured, their pet [type of pet] is well-behaved. It has never caused damage to the property, nor has it ever evoked complaints from neighbours.] |
I am pleased to recommend [Tenants' Names] to you, and I am confident that you will find them to be responsible tenants. Should they ever wish to return, I would gladly rent my property to them again. |
If you have any concerns, you are welcome to contact me at [phone number/email address], and I will gladly answer any other questions you may have. |
Sincerely, |
[Signature] |
[Your Name] |
You can also download the character reference template as a PDF.
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