Most landlords these days require you to submit at least one rental reference with your rental application. The purpose of the rental reference is to confirm what you have said about yourself on paper. Some landlords may just ask for a name and phone number for a reference, and forgo the reference letter process. It can never hurt, though, to have a strong reference letter in hand when you are looking for a home.
As you turn in your rental application and get ready to sign your apartment lease, consider who would be your strongest reference. It should be a former landlord, preferably the most recent. If you are a first time renter, ask your employer to write a letter based on your character.
Ask your former landlord if he or she would mind writing a letter about your character. The difference between a personal reference and a rental reference is that a rental reference will focus specifically on your rental behavior. This reference letter should answer these questiosns:
- How does the person know you?
- How long have they known you?
- Do you pay rent on time?
- Do you keep the place clean?
- Do you keep quiet and avoid disrupting neighbors?
- Do you get along well with others?
The person writing the letter should also include his or her contact information in case your prospective new landlord needs more information.
Once you have a strong reference letter in hand you will be well on your way to moving to an apartment.
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