Personal Reference Letter for Rental Application

A personal reference letter for rental application is a letter describing details about a potential renter. This is a reference letter you would provide to a potential landlord when you are placing an application for a new residence. In this letter, you will tell the landlord about your income, your rental history, and your ability to function well in the community. You will also need to provide personal references who can speak about your financial information and your character.

The best reference is a previous landlord because they can vouch for your payment history and the condition of the residence when you left. They can also offer some insight into your character. For example, the past landlord might note if you had a clean home, got along with neighbors, paid your rent on time, and followed the guidelines for tenancy.

If you are a first-time renter or you have bad credit, your personal references are especially important. Consider the people who can vouch for your sense of responsibility, your trustworthiness, and your financial situation. Some of the people who make good personal references are:

  • Coaches
  • Teachers
  • Past Employers
  • Mentors
  • Co-workers
  • Neighbors

Avoid asking close friends and family members to provide personal references for your rental application. They are generally seen as having a personal interest in you and your situation.

What to Include in a Reference Letter for Rental Application

  • Your Income
  • Your expenses
  • Your Employer
  • Your contact information
  • Current or previous landlord reference
  • Personal references

If your personal references are willing to write a letter to vouch for you, attach the letters to your letter for application.

Personal Reference Letter for Rental Application (Format)

Here is a basic format for a personal reference letter for rental application. It can be modified to suit your needs.

{Your name}

{Your address}

Leave this line blank.

{Potential landlord’s name}

{Potential landlord’s address}

{Date}

RE: Rental Application

Dear {Potential landlord’s name}:

I am writing in regard to my rental application filed {date you filed application}.

Here are further details about my ability to rent the residence.

My monthly income is {amount}.
My expenses excluding rent are {amount}.
My current employer is {Your employer}

Here are a few references that can provide more details about my character or if you need confirmation on any details provided above:

{Full name} – {contact details}
{Full name} – {contact details}
{Full name} – {contact details}
{Full name} – {contact details}

Please contact me at {phone number} or {e-mail} if you have any questions or need further information.

Thank you for your consideration of my application.

Sincerely,

{Your signature}

{Your name}

Sample Personal Reference Letter for Rental Application

Here is a sample letter based on the basic format above. This potential renter is currently renting another residence, and the current landlord is willing to provide a personal reference. She attaches two personal reference letters: one from her landlord and one from her employer.

Jade Bergeron

2035 East 93, Apt. 216

Banksville, CA 35729

Ms. Cynthia Jones

6219 South 72 East Avenue

Banksville, CA 35729

May 28, 2032

RE: Rental Application

Dear Ms. Cynthia Jones

I am writing in regard to my rental application filed May 24, 2032.

Here are further details about my ability to rent the residence.

• My monthly income is $4.200.00.

• My expenses excluding rent are $1,200.00.

• My current employer is Mr. Joseph Stall, Shoemaker Manufacturing

My references are:

• My current landlord, Mrs. Annie Bakersfield; (728) 357-7200.

• My current employer, Mr. Joseph Stall; (728) 357-8208

Please contact me at (728) 357-9698 or Jadelily28@gmail.com if you have any questions or need further information.

Thank you for your consideration of my application.

Sincerely,

Jade Bergeron

Jade Bergeron

Attachments: Personal Reference Letters (2)

Sample Personal Rental Reference Letter

Here is a sample letter based on the basic format above. This potential renter is moving out of his parent’s home and has no rental references.

Liam Sanders

2098 East 42 Street

Johnsonville, FL 89892

Mr. Joseph Braden

6578 South 93 Avenue

Johnsonville, FL 89892

June 23, 2032

RE: Rental Application

Dear Mr. Joseph Braden:

I am writing in regard to my rental application filed June 16, 2032.

Here are further details about my ability to rent the residence.

• My monthly income is $2,890.00.

• My expenses excluding rent are $689.00.

• My current employer is Ms. Jessica Devonshire, Allied Plumbing, LLC.

My references are:

• My current employer, Ms. Jessica Devonshire, Allied Plumbing, LLC; (768) 909-7600

• My former professor, Dr. William Atabey, University of Florida; (769) 802-9698

Please contact me at (768) 909-2400 or sandersliam2002@yahoo.com if you have any questions or need further information.

Thank you for your consideration of my application.

Sincerely,

Liam Sanders

Liam Sanders

Personal Rental Reference Letter (Template)

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Conclusion

Applying for a new residence requires information on your income, your ability to pay rent, and your general character. Be certain your references are reliable people who are willing to take the time to discuss your information with your potential landlord. If you are a first-time renter or you have bad credit, your personal reference letter can make all the difference in your application process.