For example, your tenant might need a landlord reference letter, which is different from a proof of residence. With a reference letter, you give your opinion about whether you would rent to the tenant again. [2] X Research source Avoid providing information that isn’t requested. For example, don’t include information about the rent in your letter unless your tenant asks you to.

Find a release used for employment references and adjust it to fit your circumstances.

Use letterhead if you have one. Be sure to leave enough space at the top.

For example, you can write, “I am writing to confirm that Mr. Richard Alley currently lives as a tenant on my property located at 1234 End of the Road, Jonesport, Maine 04649. ”

For example, you can write, “Mr. Alley began renting form me on January 1, 2011. His current lease is set to expire on December 31, 2017. ”

For example, you might need to include information on the rent. You can write, “Mr. Alley’s current rent is $700 a month. ”

If you want, you can include your phone number and/or email address underneath your signature. [5] X Research source

Timely rent. Was the tenant ever late with rent? If so, did they promptly pay or did you need to pester them? Complaints. Did another tenant complain about excessive noise or a pet? Tidiness. When you walked through the apartment, was it kept in neat condition? Did they notify you about repairs that were needed? You might need to enter the apartment, in which case you should give your tenant proper notice.

Be honest with the tenant. Say, “I don’t think I can write a positive letter. Can you ask a previous landlord?” Also avoid lying in your reference letter. You might think this is a good way to get rid of a bad tenant. However, the future landlord might sue you for misrepresentation.

Use letterhead if you have it, and leave sufficient space up top. Use “To Whom It May Concern” as the salutation unless you know who you are addressing.

For example, you might write, “I recommend Alice Jones as a tenant. Ms. Jones started renting from me on June 1, 2014 in Jonesport, Maine. Ms. Jones has been an excellent tenant, and she’s never been late with rent. Because she has been so easy to rent to, I would rent to her again. ” Remember not to go overboard with praise. A landlord might think that you are trying to get rid of a problem tenant. Instead, use a neutral tone throughout the letter.

For example, you can write, “During the past three years, only one tenant has complained about Ms. Jones’ dog, about a month after she moved in. However, after speaking to Ms. Jones, she took her dog to a trainer, and I’ve never had another complaint since. ”

For example, you can write, “Please call with questions. I can be reached at home at 111-1111 or by email at happy_landlord@email. com. ”