Letter of Recommendation for Tenant — Free Landlord Template
A good tenant's next landlord wants to hear from you before handing over the keys. A landlord's letter of recommendation covers the essentials — how long they rented, whether rent was paid on time and how they treated the home — and adds a word about what they were like to work with.
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[Your email and phone number]
October 15, 2026
Re: Letter of recommendation for [Name of the person you're recommending]
Dear Property Manager,
It is my pleasure to recommend [Name of the person you're recommending] for a rental application. [How you know them, and for how long]
[Their key strengths]
One example shows the kind of person [Name of the person you're recommending] is. [A specific example or story]
Based on everything I have seen, I recommend [Name of the person you're recommending] [How strongly you recommend them]. I am confident [Name of the person you're recommending] will bring the same ability, care and commitment to this next step.
Please feel free to contact me at [Your email and phone number] if you would like any more information.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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Cover what landlords check
Include the property address, lease dates and whether rent was paid on time and in full. Mention any lease violations, noise complaints or damage, or say there were none. Then describe the condition of the home at your last inspection or at move-out.
End by saying whether you would rent to the tenant again. That single sentence is often the most important part of the letter for a new landlord.
Stay factual and fair
Base every statement on your records. If the tenant is still living in the property, describe the condition at your latest inspection rather than predicting move-out.
Fair housing rules apply. Leave out anything about family status, religion, national origin, disability or other protected characteristics, and focus on rent, conduct and care of the property.
Timing and delivery
Send the letter promptly, since rental applications often move within days. Many landlords and property managers prefer an email they can attach to the application file, while some tenants like a signed paper copy to bring to showings. Either way, include a phone number you answer, because the new landlord may want a quick call to confirm the details before approving the lease.
What to do, step by step
Agree to write it only if you can be positive
A lukewarm recommendation can hurt more than no letter at all. If you don't know the person well enough to be specific and enthusiastic, say so and suggest someone who does.
Ask for the details you need
Get the deadline, where the letter goes, who it should be addressed to and what the opportunity is. A résumé, job posting or program description helps you choose the right strengths to highlight.
Fill in your letter
Answer the questions above. Lead with how you know the person, pick two or three strengths that fit the opportunity, and back them up with one concrete example.
Keep it to one page and proofread it
Most readers skim. Three or four short paragraphs, the person's name spelled correctly and no generic filler will do more than a long letter.
Send it the way the recipient asks
Upload it to the application portal, email it as a PDF or hand a signed copy to the candidate. Keep a copy in case you're asked to write another one later.
What if you don't know the person well enough to write a strong letter?
It's fine to say no. A short, honest reply such as "I don't think I know your work well enough to write the strong letter you deserve" is kinder than a vague recommendation that admissions officers or hiring managers will read as a warning sign.
If you're willing but unsure what to say, ask the person for a quick list of things you worked on together, the qualities they'd like you to speak to and any accomplishments you may not know about. Many strong letters start from a conversation like this.
If you can only speak to part of their experience, write about that part honestly and specifically. A narrow letter with a real example is usually more useful than a broad one full of general praise.
Example letter of recommendation for tenant
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Frank Delgado
Property Manager, Westside Residential
frank@westsideresidential.com, (555) 337-4810
October 5, 2026
Re: Letter of recommendation for Amanda Lowe
Dear Property Manager,
It is my pleasure to recommend Amanda Lowe for a rental application. Amanda Lowe rented a three-bedroom house managed by Westside Residential at 72 Birch Lane from June 2021 to September 2026.
Amanda Lowe paid her rent in full and on time every month for more than five years. She kept the house and yard in excellent condition, reported maintenance issues promptly and was a considerate neighbor with no complaints on file.
One example shows the kind of person Amanda Lowe is. When the water heater failed during a cold snap, she called right away, gave our technician access that afternoon and even moved stored boxes so the replacement could be installed quickly. At her move-out inspection, the house was clean and needed only normal touch-up paint.
Based on everything I have seen, I recommend Amanda Lowe without reservation. I am confident Amanda Lowe will bring the same ability, care and commitment to this next step.
Please feel free to contact me at frank@westsideresidential.com, (555) 337-4810 if you would like any more information.
Sincerely,
Frank Delgado
Property Manager, Westside Residential
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a landlord reference letter?
Very close. A landlord reference letter is usually more factual, while a letter of recommendation adds a warmer endorsement. Either one helps a tenant's application, and many landlords use the terms interchangeably.
Should I include the monthly rent?
It can help show the tenant has handled a similar payment before. Ask the tenant whether they're comfortable with it. If not, say rent was paid in full and on time without the amount.
What if there were a few late payments?
Be honest and fair. You can note that rent was paid in full with a few late payments early in the lease and none since, if that's accurate. Leaving out important problems can mislead the next landlord.
Can I write a letter for tenants with roommates or a couple?
Yes. Write one letter that lists each tenant's name the way it appears on the lease, and make sure every statement applies to everyone on the lease.
What should a letter of recommendation include?
Explain who you are and how you know the candidate, including how long. Then describe two or three specific strengths relevant to the opportunity, support them with a concrete example, and close with a clear statement of your recommendation and your contact details so the reader can follow up.
How long should a letter of recommendation be?
Usually one page, or roughly 300 to 500 words. Admissions committees and hiring managers read many letters, so a focused letter with one strong example is more effective than a long one. Some graduate programs expect a little more detail, so check any instructions you've been given.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.