How to Get a Landlord Reference Letter (And What It Should Include)

The short answer

A landlord reference is one of the most powerful elements of a rental application. Learn how to ask for one, what to include, and what to do if you cannot get one.

A landlord reference — also called a landlord letter or tenant reference — is one of the most powerful elements of a rental application. It gives your new landlord direct evidence from someone who has already trusted you with their property. Here is everything you need to know about getting a great landlord reference.

What Is a Landlord Reference?

A landlord reference is a recommendation from a previous or current landlord that speaks to your reliability as a tenant. It typically covers:

• Whether you paid rent on time
• Whether you took care of the property
• Whether you were respectful of neighbors
• Whether they would rent to you again

It can be a written letter, an email, or a phone reference that a new landlord calls to confirm.

Why Landlord References Matter

Income and credit checks tell a landlord whether you can afford the rent. A landlord reference tells them whether you actually will pay it — and whether you will take care of the property. References from previous landlords are weighted more heavily than character references from employers or friends because they come from someone who has the same financial stake in you that the new landlord is about to take on.

How to Ask for a Landlord Reference

Asking for a reference should be low-pressure and professional:

When to Ask

• Best: When you give notice to vacate — "I am moving out on [date] and would love to have you as a reference. Is that okay?"
• After move-out: A few weeks after you have left and received your deposit back is also fine.
• During tenancy: If you have been a reliable tenant for 12+ months, it is fine to ask your current landlord for a reference even before you move.

How to Ask

Sample email or text:

"Hi [Landlord name], I wanted to let you know that I am starting my apartment search. Would you be willing to serve as a reference for me? I enjoyed living here and appreciate how well you maintained the property. A written letter or being available for a quick phone call would both be helpful. Thank you!"

What a Strong Landlord Reference Letter Includes

If your landlord writes a letter, a strong one will include:

• Your name and the address where you rented
• The dates of your tenancy
• A statement about payment history ("always paid on time")
• A statement about property care ("left the unit in excellent condition")
• A statement about communication ("responsive and respectful")
• Whether they would rent to you again ("I would strongly recommend [Name] to any landlord")
• The landlord's signature, phone number, and date

What If You Have a Bad Landlord Relationship?

If your relationship with your previous landlord was difficult, or you parted on bad terms:

• Ask your current landlord (if you are still renting) — if the relationship is good, this is your best option.
• Ask a landlord from 2+ tenancies ago — if you have multiple rental histories, go further back.
• Use a neighbor or building manager — someone from the building who can speak to your conduct, even if not the owner.
• Use an employer or character reference — not ideal, but better than nothing for first-time renters or those with gaps.
• Get a Settl Verified Passport — your verified income, identity, credit, and payment history demonstrate financial credibility and help offset the absence of a direct landlord reference.

First-Time Renters: No Landlord Reference? Here Are Alternatives

If you have never rented before, you cannot have a landlord reference. What you can do instead:

• Dormitory or student housing staff — a recommendation from a university housing office or RA counts for something
• Live-with family and use employer — if you have been living with family, a long-time employer reference carries weight
• Co-signer from a family member — adds financial backup when references are unavailable
• Settl Verified Passport — 8 verified data layers including identity, bank income, credit, criminal background, and eviction history prove you are a low-risk applicant even without rental history

Digital Landlord References: Settl vs. Traditional

Traditional landlord references require a phone call or mailed letter. The Settl Verified Passport goes further: for just $99, your identity, bank-verified income, rent payment history, payroll records, credit check, criminal background, eviction history, and landlord references are all bundled into a single shareable link. When a landlord opens your Settl verification link, they see a PTSR-compliant report instantly — no phone tag, no document review, no setup required on their end.

Under Colorado law (HB25-1236), landlords are required to accept PTSR-compliant reports like the Settl Verified Passport. Apply anywhere. Pay once.

Straight from the source. Get your Settl Verified Passport today.

Ready to get your Settl Verified Passport?

Verified identity, income, and stability, all in one report landlords trust. Apply anywhere, pay once.

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