Tenant reference letter for a friend 2024 (guide and free samples)

Whether you need a tenant reference letter from a friend or are writing one on behalf of your colleague, this guide will cover everything you need to know about a tenant reference letter for a friend, including:

• What is a tenant reference letter for a friend?
• who is eligible to write a tenant reference letter for a friend?
• How would you describe a friend as a good tenant?
• How do you write an effective tenant reference letter for a friend?
• Tenant reference letter for a friend template
• Tenant reference letter for a friend sample
• etc.

Instead of/apart from/in addition to friends and loved ones, a potential landlord may also request a recommendation letter from a prior landlord.

If that is the case, I have a comprehensive guide on landlord recommendation letters, you may read it here.

Otherwise, let’s get started

What is a tenant reference letter for a friend?

A tenant reference letter for a friend is a brief statement of facts written by a friend to a potential landlord to confirm that a prospective tenant is a responsible, reliable, financially stable individual who follows rules and regulations, adheres to deadlines, pays rent on time, and maintains a rental property in good condition.

Let me break this down for you so you understand how things work

You’ve done everything right to find the apartment of your dreams: you’ve researched neighborhoods, scouted buildings, and viewed endless virtual tours before settling on the perfect one that checks all the boxes.

Unfortunately, this does not always guarantee that you will be able to secure the lease. You may face competition (especially if you are looking for a rental property that checks all the boxes). To that end, having a reliable friend submit a reference letter on your behalf could help you land your dream rental.

Read also:

• Rental application letter (guide + free samples)
• Letter of commitment to pay rent (guide + samples)

Can anyone write a tenant reference letter for a friend?

No.

Not all of your friends will be eligible to write a tenant reference letter for you, and selecting the wrong friend is a clear reason for a landlord to deny your application.

Knowing who to ask to serve as a personal reference is as important as what they write.

Some friends who could provide a good reference include;

• employer
• supervisor, professor, or coach
• roommate
• co-worker
• previous property manager
• etc

Remember the goal is to select a friend who can give credible information and vivid examples concerning your behaviors (roommate, a co-worker can do this), financial stability (your employer can do this), and ability to comply with rules and regulations (professor, the supervisor can do this)

What about family members? can they write a tenant reference letter for you?

A casual friend?

Of course, you can use a family member or a casual friend for a reference letter; however, landlords typically regard rental reference letters from family members or casual friends as the least effective because they are biased, compromising the trustworthiness and authority of the reference made.

Using a family member or a casual friend to obtain a reference letter may also indicate to your landlord that you are limited on references and, thus not reliable.

A general rule? Avoid casual friends and family members for tenant reference letters.

Does the time matter?

Yes, time is extremely important.

When looking for a friend to write a tenant recommendation letter, you should prioritize a friend with whom you have been friends for a long time (at least 2-3 years).

Time will show the prospective landlord the tenant’s consistency and ability to maintain proper behavior.

How would you describe a friend as a good tenant?

Potential landlords are generally concerned with reliability; therefore, a friend’s reference letter that supports the tenant’s reliability is essential.

The question that follows is how can you describe your friend as a good tenant in your letter? or how do you convince the potential landlord that your friend is a reliable tenant?

Consider these aspects when convincing the potential landlord that your friend is a good tenant

• He has no relevant criminal convictions
• He does not have an eviction Record
• Has a good financial and credit history
• He is financially Stable
• He demonstrates respectable behavior and has a good reputation.
• He is clean and organized
• he cares
• He is honest and trustworthy
• He is a good communicator
• etc

How to write a tenant reference letter for a friend

A tenant reference letter for a friend is written in business letter format. Begin with your address and contact information, followed by a date and the potential landlord’s address, if unknown, write ‘to whom it may concern, open your letter by indicating that you are writing to recommend your friend (mention his name) and explain why you believe he is a good tenant. Leave room for more questions at the end of your letter. Sign off with “Sincerely,” your signature, and your name.

Keep in mind that the purpose of your reference letter is to provide information about the tenant’s reliability to the potential landlord.

So, to write an effective recommendation letter, I recommend that you consider the following;

1. Be simple and straightforward
2. Maintain a professional tone
3. Be honest
4. If you know the recipient, include his or her name in the salutation.
5. Mention your friend’s name
6. Explain your relationship with your friend and for how long you have known him
7. Explain why your friend is reliable- financial stability, good behaviors, reputation, carefulness, etc.
8. Do not mention any of your friend’s protected characteristics, religion, color, disability, medical condition, etc.
9. Provide your contact information

Format of a tenant reference letter for a friend

Your tenant reference letter for a friend should take the following format

• Your Address
• Date
• Recipient address/ ‘to whom it may concern’
• Salutation
• [opening paragraph]- A statement that you are writing to recommend a friend
• [body paragraphs]- The reasons that your friend is a reliable tenant
• [closing paragraphs] – provide an avenue for further questions and contact information
• Sincerely
• name and signature

Tenant reference letter for a friend template

[your name]
[your address]
[your email]
[your mobile number]

date

[Potential Landlord Or Apartment Company’s Name]
[Street Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]

or

To whom it may concern

Re: Tenant Reference Letter for [Friend’s Name]

Dear (Name of landlord or leasing office manager),

I’m writing to recommend that [friend name], my [enter your relationship example, employer, co-worker, roommate] for [time of your relationship] will make an excellent tenant for your property for the following reasons

1. [first reason]
2. [second reason]
3. [third reasons]
4. etc

If you have any questions about[friend name] reliability as a potential tenant, please contact me at [phone] or [email].

Sincerely,

[Signature]

name

Tenant reference letter for a friend sample

Brown Jobs
220 East Drive
Cityscape, CA 94333
jb@email.com
(555)-900-1000

December 30, 20…

Jane Smith
General Manager
Big Hall Apartments
101 Hall street
Downtown, CA 94104

Re: Tenant Reference Letter for James Alexander

Dear Ms.Smith

I’m writing to recommend James Alexander’s reliability as a potential tenant at your rental property. I am the General Manager at ABC Logistics, where James works, and I have been his direct supervisor for the past 6 years.

I’m writing to confirm that James is in good standing with ABC Logistics and that he has a good job and income. James’s income is sufficient to meet her needs, including your $1,500 monthly rent.

I write this recommendation letter for James without hesitation. He consistently demonstrates accountability and responsibility, and he completes assigned tasks on time.

James is trustworthy and honest. He also manages our teams’ supplier budgets and ensures that their commissions are paid on time.

Furthermore, to my knowledge, James has not been involved in any conflicts, is a team player, and demonstrates a high level of emotional intelligence.

If you have any questions about James’s employment or his reliability as a tenant, please contact me via email at jb@email.com or phone at (555)-900-1000.

Sincerely,

[Signature]

Brown Jobs

Rental reference letter (from the previous apartment manager)

Kane King
287 Rental Street
Downtown, CA 87655
kk@email.com
(555)-890-8791

December 30, 20…

Bob Jones
General Manager
Ze City Apartments
101 City street
Downtown, CA 94104

Re: Tenant Recommendation Letter for Helen Green

I am writing to recommend Hellen Green’s reliability as a potential tenant at your rental property. I am the Apartment Manager at ABC Living Space, where Ms. Green was a renter for the past 2 years.

Ms. Green was an excellent tenant who was dependable and trustworthy. She always paid her rent on time without fail for the entire length of her lease.

She moved out of our property because she wanted a bigger space for his family. We highly recommend her as a tenant in your property.

If you have any concerns regarding Hellen’s dependability as a tenant, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at kk@email.com or (555)-890-8791.

Sincerely,

[Signature]

Kane King

Read also:

• Non-renewal lease letter (guide & samples)
• Sample letter landlord to tenant notice to vacate (3 samples)
• 30-Day Notice to Landlord (tips +4 samples)
• Proof of Rent Payment Letter (tips +4 samples )