Suppose you're ready to rent an apartment but you have a low credit score, no credit history at all, or have gaps in employment due to any number of reasons. In that case, we have a proactive way to improve your chances of signing a lease and proving your future as a respectful tenant.
A viable and workable solution to prove you're a quality tenant to your potential new landlord is a letter of recommendation or reference. The same concept applies as if you were vying for a job and hope to better your chances by including references that can vouch for you. In this case, being honest about your current financial situation and offering recommendations or reference letters to the leasing office is a sign of good faith.
Writing a reference letter for a new apartment won't take much time. Ask that the individuals providing a reference for you honestly and succinctly deliver the information. Target exactly who should provide a letter on your behalf.
It's best to turn to a previous landlord or leasing office where you lived and successfully paid your rent over the course of the lease at the rental property. This showcases you are a responsible tenant and can fulfill the terms of a lease agreement like making rent payments on time. They may even have a form letter already in their files that they can use for situations just like this.
If not, here is a sample letter they can use. Fill in the information for sections in parentheses ( ). If you write a landlord reference letter for them, they'll be more inclined to speak highly of you as their former tenant since you're saving them time with a template.
(Name of Individual Providing the Recommendation) (Their Street Address) (Their City, State, Zip Code)
(Potential Landlord Or Apartment Company's Name) (Street Address) (City, State, Zip Code)
Re: Tenant Recommendation Letter for (Your Name)
Dear (Name of landlord or leasing office manager),
I am writing to let you know that (Your Name) lived at (your previous place of residence) from (Date to date). (He/she/they) was/were an excellent tenant who was dependable and trustworthy. (He/She/They) paid the rent on time without fail for the entire length of (his/her/their) lease. We highly recommend (him/her/them) as a tenant in your complex.
If you have any questions regarding (Your Name) reliability as a potential tenant, I am available by (phone or email).
(Name and Signature) (Phone Number or Email Address)
Ask your current employer or manager at your workplace if they would be willing to vouch for the fact that you have a job at a certain salary. This will communicate to the leasing office that you have the financial safety net of a job that provides you with the income and ability required to pay on a timely basis. Show proof of pay stubs to drive the point home.
Here is a sample letter they can use. Fill in the information for sections in parentheses.
(Name of Individual Providing the Recommendation) (Their Street Address) (Their City, State, Zip Code)
(Potential Landlord Or Apartment Company's Name) (Street Address) (City, State, Zip Code)
Re: Tenant Recommendation Letter for (Your Name)
Dear (Name of landlord or leasing office manager),
I am writing to let you know that I have worked with (Your Name) for (length of time) at (Company name). (He/She/They) is/are a reliable individual who can be counted on for paying monthly rent on time. (Your Name) will prove to be a great tenant for your complex.
As (his/her/their) manager, I can assure you of this fact because of (his/her/their) work ethic and can-do attitude throughout employment.
If you have any questions regarding (Your Name) reliability as a potential tenant, I am available by (phone or email).
(Name and Signature) (Phone Number or Email Address)
Here is a sample letter they can use. Fill in the information for sections in parentheses, while the section in brackets [ ] is for your information, not to be included in the letter.
(Name of Individual Providing the Recommendation) (Their Street Address) (Their City, State, Zip Code)
(Potential Landlord Or Apartment Company's Name) (Street Address) (City, State, Zip Code)
Re: Tenant Recommendation Letter for (Your Name)
Dear (Name of landlord or leasing office manager),
I am writing to let you know that (Your Name) has been my friend for the last (number of years). [Alternative statement: (Your Name) is my sister, cousin, daughter, etc.] (He or she) is a person of integrity and character who you can depend on. (He /She/They) will make an excellent tenant and will pay rent on time as agreed upon by the rental lease. [IF REQUIRED, add: I believe in him/her/them, and I will co-sign the lease on their behalf.]
If you have any questions regarding (Your Name) reliability as a potential tenant, I am available by (phone or email).
(Name and Signature) (Phone Number or Email Address)
By having these references, you're exhibiting people who trust you based on the longevity of previous rental experience, friendship, family ties or work-related connections. It just might be what the leasing office needs to confirm and accept you as a new resident.
Now you're all set to get the letters written and hand them over to the leasing office manager at the new apartment complex. If sending by U.S. Mail, be sure to send the letter certified to ensure it gets to its destination and you have proof. If you're sending by email, be sure to get a receipt that indicates that the recipient has read the email.
A good letter of recommendation can really boost your chances of getting that new apartment. By highlighting your positive qualities and showing that you're responsible and trustworthy, the letter gives you an edge over other applicants and explains any gaps you may have in your rental history.
