Landlord Reference Letter for Section 8 — Free Template
Tenants applying for the Housing Choice Voucher program, often called Section 8, or other assisted housing are sometimes asked for a landlord reference. Each local housing authority and landlord sets its own process, so the letter should be accurate, factual and easy to verify, and you may also be asked to fill in a separate form.
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[Your role and contact details]
October 15, 2026
Re: Rental reference for [Tenant name(s)]
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to confirm the rental history of [Tenant name(s)], who has rented the property at [Address of the property they rented] from me since [Tenancy start date] and is a current tenant.
Payment history: [Rent payment history].
[Care of the property, lease compliance and anything else]
The information in this letter is accurate to the best of my knowledge and is based on my records. I am happy to confirm these details if you contact me using the information above.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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Who uses this letter
Voucher programs are run by local public housing agencies, and the landlord who accepts a voucher usually screens the tenant like any other applicant. That landlord, or a property that has assisted units, may ask for a reference from previous landlords. Some housing agencies also review rental history. Requirements vary by agency and property, so ask the tenant exactly who will read the letter and whether there is a form.
This letter is a general rental reference. It does not decide eligibility for any program.
Keep it factual and consistent
Confirm the dates of tenancy, the rent and the payment history, and describe how the tenant kept the unit and followed the lease. If your rent was partly paid through a housing program, describe the tenant's own payment history for their share.
Use the same facts you would give for any tenant, and don't mention the tenant's income source, disability, family status or other protected characteristics. Fair housing rules apply to references too.
Make it easy to verify
Include your role and contact details, sign and date the letter, and keep a copy. Housing staff and landlords often call to confirm references, and a letter with a working phone number is more useful than one without.
What to do, step by step
Get the tenant's permission
Make sure the tenant has asked for the reference or agreed to it, and ask who it should go to and whether the new landlord has a form of their own.
Check your records
Pull the lease, rent ledger and any notices so the dates, rent and payment history are exact.
Fill in the letter
Answer the questions above. Choose the payment history option that matches your records and describe the tenancy in specific, factual terms.
Sign and send it
Sign the letter, send it directly to the new landlord or give it to the tenant, and include contact details so the reader can confirm it.
Keep a copy
Save a copy with the date you sent it in case the new landlord calls to follow up.
What if the new landlord wants more than a letter?
Many landlords and property managers call or email to confirm a reference, and some send their own verification form. Answer the same way you did in the letter: confirm dates, rent and payment history from your records, and share only facts you can support.
Housing programs and larger management companies often require their own forms, sometimes signed. Completing the form doesn't make your letter wasted; the letter gives the tenant something to attach to applications in the meantime.
If you can't give a positive reference, it is usually best to confirm only the basic facts, such as dates of tenancy and rent, rather than offer opinions. Accurate, factual statements are fair to the tenant and protect you.
Example landlord reference letter for section 8
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Dana Whitfield
Owner, Elm Court Apartments · (555) 836-4410 · dana@elmcourtapts.example
October 5, 2026
Re: Rental reference for Alex Morgan
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to confirm the rental history of Alex Morgan, who has rented the property at 18 Elm Ct, Apt 6, Raleigh, NC 27603 from me since August 1, 2023 and is a current tenant.
The monthly rent is $1,275.00.
Payment history: Rent was almost always paid on time, and any late payment was resolved promptly.
Alex has kept the apartment clean and in good condition, follows the lease, and has received no complaints from neighbors. Alex communicates promptly about maintenance and allows access for repairs with reasonable notice. I am glad to have Alex as a tenant.
The information in this letter is accurate to the best of my knowledge and is based on my records. I am happy to confirm these details if you contact me using the information above.
Sincerely,
Dana Whitfield
Frequently asked questions
Does a landlord reference affect Section 8 eligibility?
Eligibility is decided by the local housing agency under program rules. A reference may be used by the landlord who will rent to the tenant, and some agencies review rental history, but the letter itself doesn't determine eligibility.
What if the housing agency has its own form?
Fill in the form as requested. You can attach this letter as additional detail, but make sure the facts in both match.
Can I write a reference for a tenant who currently uses a voucher?
Yes. Describe the tenancy the same way you would for any tenant, focusing on the tenant's share of the rent, care of the property and lease compliance.
What should a landlord reference letter include?
The tenant's name, the property address, the dates of the tenancy, the rent, a statement about payment history, and a short, factual description of how the tenant cared for the property and followed the lease. Add your contact details so the reader can confirm it.
Do I have to write a reference for a former tenant?
Generally no; it is voluntary. Many landlords will at least confirm basic facts like dates and rent. If you do write one, keep it accurate and consistent with your records.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.