When searching for a new apartment, property owners or managers often require personal references from potential renters. A personal reference is a recommendation from someone who knows the applicant well and can vouch for their character and reliability. This can help property owners make informed decisions about who to rent to and can give applicants an edge over other potential renters.
Personal references typically come from people unrelated to the applicant, such as former property managers, employers, or colleagues. These references can provide insight into the applicant’s work ethic, financial responsibility, and ability to maintain a clean and safe living space. Property managers may also ask personal references to verify the applicant’s identity or confirm their employment status. It’s important to choose references who can speak positively about you and provide relevant information to the property manager.
Rental references, or referrals, are votes of confidence from people who know you in a personal, financial, educational, professional, or prior rental setting. Having a few qualified people who can vouch for you can help your rental application stand out and increase the chances a property manager will rent to you. Learn more about the people you could consider for a personal reference for apartment applications.
When applying for an apartment, property managers often require personal references from potential tenants. These references provide valuable information about your character, responsibility, and financial stability. Here are some reasons why personal references are important for apartment applications:
Personal references can help property managers build trust with prospective tenants. By speaking with someone who knows you well, the property manager can get a better sense of your personality and whether you’d be a good fit for the building. This conversation can help the property manager feel more confident in their decision to rent to you.
Property managers can assess your level of responsibility through personal references. If your reference speaks highly of your work ethic, punctuality, and dependability, the property manager may feel more comfortable renting to you. However, if the reference raises concerns about your ability to pay rent on time or take care of the apartment, the property manager may be more hesitant.
Personal references can help property managers evaluate your financial stability. The property manager may feel more secure in your ability to pay rent if your reference confirms that you have a steady income and always pay your bills on time. However, the property manager may avoid renting to you if your reference speaks poorly about your financial situation.
Your ideal referral for a rental application should know you well enough that they can express to your potential property manager that you’ll be a great tenant. It’s best to choose someone who can confirm you have the qualities of a good renter: timeliness, cleanliness, financial stability, maturity, and responsibility.
Try to avoid choosing family members, close friends, or anyone who might appear to be writing a skewed reference because of their close relationship with you. Significant others or good friends are not the best people to use as rental references, as they may have a personal interest in the matter and won’t seem objective. Here’s who you should consider:
A property manager who can speak positively about you as a renter is the most reputable personal reference for your rental application. This individual knows firsthand what you’re like as a renter. A past property manager can confirm your ability to pay rent on time and share some kind words about your tenancy. They can also attest to your ability to follow rental rules and keep a property tidy.
Current co-workers can confirm you have a stable income and employment. They can also vouch for qualities property managers look for, such as maturity and dependability. If you’re a responsible team member, you’re more likely to be a reliable renter. These references can also help clarify any questions your property manager might have regarding your financial responsibility. They can be vital if you have bad credit or a history of paying rent late.
Previous employers can verify your career history and past income. Having a good relationship with a previous employer also suggests you’re respectful and reliable. These references may mention the qualities that made you a good employee, such as your ability to meet deadlines and your courtesy to others. These qualities help prove you can make on-time payments and be a courteous neighbor.
Family friends know you well and can make good references. Try to include family friends who are well-respected in the community, such as lawyers or doctors. It’s best to select only one family friend as a reference with your application, as their close relationship with you may make them biased.
A mentor’s role in guiding you through your career makes them an excellent personal reference. Mentors are usually well-respected people with seniority in your industry, so their opinion carries weight. A good mentor assesses your strengths and weaknesses and helps you work to be a better person. They understand your best skills and qualities and can share them with a property manager.
It’s beneficial to guide your referral on what information to include in their letter to present you in the best light possible. Consider these key elements:
Sometimes, people don’t have the time to write a letter of referral for you, especially on short notice. As an alternative, collect the preferred contact information from each of your rental references and pass it along to the prospective property manager. If they choose to reach out, your referral will be able to respond at their convenience. If that doesn’t work, consider writing the letter yourself. Your referral can read it over and sign it without having to do any of the work.
What your personal references need to submit depends on the rental application. It’s best to include a short referral of up to one page in length. References can write individualized letters or use a rental reference letter template as a guide. Ensure your reference includes an introduction, supportive evidence of your qualities, and updated contact information.
Some property managers prefer calling personal references and speaking to them directly. Depending on who they contact, the property manager will ask relevant questions. They may ask previous property managers about missed payments and how the lease ended. For previous or current employers, the property manager may ask about your salary, job title, and missed workdays. Your prospective property manager may ask friends and family about the condition of your previous residence and if they would choose you as a tenant.
Having a quality personal reference is a valuable part of the rental process, and it’s even more so if you have bad or low credit. Landlords usually run a credit check to see how you’ve handled your money in the past, and how it might affect their rent collection. References can help vouch for your spending habits or clear up any additional questions your landlord might have in terms of your financial responsibility. Make sure you have strong personal references if renting with bad credit; they could make all the difference!
Need more guidance on how personal references work for rental applications? Check out the following commonly asked questions.
Can a family member be a personal reference for an apartment?While some property owners may accept a family member as a personal reference, this is not the best option. Family members can be biased and, therefore, are often less credible to potential property owners. Consider selecting a more reputable personal reference.
How many personal references should I provide?Property managers typically prefer applicants to provide at least two personal references. However, it’s always a good idea to offer more, as this can help strengthen your application.
How should you ask someone to be your personal reference?It’s a good idea to feel someone out before asking them to be a personal reference. For example, you can ask what they might say about how responsible you are if you list them as a reference. If they give a compelling answer that shows they know you well, you may ask them to be your personal reference.
When should I provide my personal references?You should provide your personal references with your rental application. Attaching personal references to the application helps the property manager keep all your details together. It makes it easier for them to assess everything they need to make a decision about the property.
Will all rental applications require personal references?Most rental applications require two personal references. Carefully reading the rental application form and supplying all the necessary information shows the property owner you’re serious about your application.
Who should I use as a reference if I do not have any previous rental history?If you’ve never rented before, don’t stress. You can still find excellent personal references. In this case, we recommend choosing mentors, coaches, family friends, and past/current employers.
A personal reference can be an asset when applying for an apartment. It gives the property owner or manager a glimpse into who you are, which can help them make an informed decision. Remember to choose apartment references wisely and provide accurate contact information. Inaccurate information could lead to delays or even rejection of the application.
When selecting a reference, it’s recommended to select someone who knows you well and can speak positively about your qualities. Consider a previous property manager or employer. Be sure to obtain their permission before using them as a reference and provide them with information about the apartment and the application process. Also, inform the reference that the property manager may reach out to them and provide them with the property manager’s contact information. By selecting the right reference and providing accurate information, you can increase your chances of getting the apartment of your choice.
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