How to Write A Character Reference for A Potential Landlord
So, your friend, coworker, employee, etc. is trying to move into a new place, and he/she has asked you to be a character reference for him/her. And that means writing a letter, and you have no idea what you're supposed to include in such a letter.
Have no fear. It's really not as difficult as it may sound at first. In reality, landlords are just looking for a few simple things to make them feel a little bit more at ease about handing over those keys.
Tell the landlord what you know about the subject's history with regard to renting housing. If you don't know a lot of the specifics, stick to generics about how the subject has always been responsible and trustworthy.
If you happen to know something about how the subject is with money, address that in the letter. Specific stories are better, but the landlord is probably also just looking for certain "buzzwords" like "financially responsible" or "good with money."
It might also help to include what you know about the subject's personality, particularly if you think those qualities would make for a good tenant. If you only know the subject to be "loud and obnoxious," don't include that. But if you could describe the subject as "quiet and respectful," include something like that, because it looks great to a potential landlord.
The landlord basically just wants to know that the subject is not going to default on the rent and skip town, and that he/she won't be throwing raging parties every night. You've been asked to write the letter because the subject believes you have knowledge that can help to convince the landlord, so write about that.
And when in doubt, ask the subject exactly what it is they hope to get from you. This isn't a closed-book test; you're allowed to ask for help.
Index of Character Reference Letter Examples
