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Free landlord reference letter template (Word)

A rental reference letter from a landlord to a prospective landlord, confirming the tenancy dates and rent, whether rent was paid on time, how the property was left and whether the deposit was returned in full, with optional comments.

No sign-up. Your answers stay in your browser. Who it is for: Landlords asked for a reference by a current or former tenant, and tenants who want to make it easy for their landlord to give one.

Updated · Word (.docx) · Free to use and adapt

Need more than one? Download all 87 templates as one .zip file.

What is in the landlord reference letter

  • Recipient and tenant
  • Property, tenancy dates and rent, for current or former tenants
  • Payment history
  • Condition at move-out and deposit returned
  • Optional comments
  • Would rent again
  • Landlord contact details
First page of the free landlord reference letter template for Word

Read the full template

This is the complete wording. [Labels] are filled in from your answers, and highlighted text only appears when it applies; hover over it to see when.

[Letter date]

To: [Recipient name]

Re: Rental reference for [Tenant name]

I am writing at the request of [Tenant name], who has rentedrented [Property address] from me from [Tenancy start date] to [Tenancy end date]. The monthly rent iswas [Monthly rent].

Rent was paid in full and on time throughout the tenancy.[Payment history notes]

The property was returned in good condition and the security deposit was returned in full.[Move out notes]

[Comments]

I would happily rent to [Tenant name] again.

If you have any questions, you can reach me at [Landlord phone] or [Landlord email].

Sincerely,

[Landlord name]

The questions you answer

Clausery turns the template into a short questionnaire. Optional parts only appear when they apply.

QuestionTypeAsked when
Letter dateDateAlways
Recipient nameShort textAlways
Tenant nameShort textAlways
Is current tenantYes / noAlways
Property addressLong textAlways
Tenancy start dateDateAlways
Tenancy end dateDateIf “Is current tenant” is no
Monthly rentMoneyAlways
Paid on timeYes / noAlways
Payment history notesLong textIf “Paid on time” is no
Deposit returned in fullYes / noIf “Is current tenant” is no
Move out notesLong textIf “Is current tenant” is no and “Deposit returned in full” is no
Has commentsYes / noAlways
CommentsLong textIf “Has comments” is yes
Would rent againYes / noAlways
Landlord phonePhoneAlways
Landlord emailEmailAlways
Landlord nameShort textAlways

How to use it

  1. Open it

    Click Fill it in now. The template opens in Clausery with its questionnaire ready.

  2. Answer the questions

    Work through the sections. Drafts save as you type, on your device.

  3. Download the document

    Get a finished Word file with your formatting intact, or print it to PDF.

Prefer to start from your own wording? Download the Word file, edit it, keep the {tags}, and upload it to Clausery. See the template syntax.

Questions

What should a landlord reference letter say?

The tenancy dates, the rent, whether it was paid on time, how the property was kept and left, and whether you would rent to the person again. Stick to facts you can stand behind.

Do I have to give a tenant a reference?

Usually not, but if you do, it must be accurate. A short, factual letter is safer than a glowing one you cannot support.

Can I mention problems in a reference?

You can state facts, such as late payments, without speculation. If you would rather not comment, confirm only the dates and rent.

Is it really free?

Yes. The download is free, and filling it in with the Clausery app is free too, with unlimited documents. Library templates never count towards a plan limit, and no account or card is needed.

Is my information uploaded anywhere?

No. Clausery runs entirely in your browser. Your answers and the finished document are created and stored on your own device.

Is this legal advice?

No. These are general samples. Laws differ between countries and states, so have the wording reviewed for your situation before you rely on it.

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This template is a general sample and not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction; have it reviewed before use.