How to Get References From Previous Landlords

When it comes to renting a new place, one thing stands between you and the apartment of your dreams: references. Landlords want to ensure that you’re the tenant equivalent of a golden retriever — friendly, trustworthy, and unlikely to chew the carpet. But what if the relationship with your previous landlords was more lukewarm than golden? Or worse, what if you’re not even sure they remember you?

Don’t worry! With these tips you’ll be able to secure those coveted references. With a bit of creativity and charm, you’ll be collecting glowing endorsements faster than you can say “lease agreement.”

So, here are six ways you can get glowing references from previous landlords.

1. Play the nostalgia card

Think your previous landlord’s memory of you might be a bit hazy? Time to dust off the scrapbook! Reach out with a friendly email or note reminding them of the good times. Mention specifics if you can and lay on the charm! A little personal touch can jog their memory and leave them more inclined to write you a glowing reference.

Pro tip: If you moved out years ago, don’t just show up unannounced. That’s a recipe for awkwardness. A well-timed email works wonders and doesn’t feel like an ambush.

2. Offer to write a draft

Sometimes landlords don’t write glowing references because they simply don’t have time — or they’re not sure what to say. Help them out by offering to write a draft reference for them. Phrase it like you’re doing them a favor (“I know you’re busy, so I could jot something down for you to review”), and make sure the tone is professional but genuine. Highlight your best qualities as a tenant, like paying rent on time, maintaining the property, and being respectful of neighbors.

Sure, it’s a bit like writing your own fan mail, but it’s all about making it easy for them to say yes. Just remember to keep it truthful — this isn’t creative writing class.

3. Praise them first

Everyone loves a compliment, and landlords are no exception. Before you ask for a reference, take a moment to reflect on what you genuinely appreciated about your time renting from them. Maybe they were quick to fix that leaky faucet or gave you a break on rent during a tough month. Mention it when you reach out!

Flattery, when done sincerely, can go a long way in softening someone up to return the favor. Just don’t lay it on so thick that it sounds fake — this isn’t a Valentine’s Day card.

4. Call in a neighbor as a co-signer

What if your landlord is hard to reach, or maybe your relationship wasn’t exactly stellar? Enter: your neighbor. If you were the kind of tenant who helped carry groceries, shoveled snow off shared walkways, or kept the party noise down to a dull roar, a neighbor’s endorsement can pack just as much punch as a landlord’s.

When your potential landlord asks for references, explain that your previous neighbor is happy to vouch for your character and reliability. While not a replacement for an official landlord reference, a neighbor’s praise can be the cherry on top of your tenant cake.

5. Highlight your security deposit history

Let’s talk about that holy grail of renting: the full return of your security deposit. If you left your previous place in pristine condition and got every penny back, you’ve already got a glowing “reference” — even if it’s an unspoken one.

Ask your previous landlord to confirm in writing that your security deposit was returned in full due to your care in maintaining the property. This subtle move shifts the focus from a traditional letter of recommendation to a concrete example of your reliability. Bonus: it’s hard to argue with cold, hard cash.

6. Be a persistent but polite follow-upper

Sometimes, getting a reference is less about the ask and more about the follow-up. Landlords are busy, and your email might have slipped through the cracks. After a reasonable amount of time (say, a week or so), send them a friendly reminder.

Keep the tone light and breezy. Nobody likes to feel nagged, but a gentle nudge often does the trick. Think of yourself as a polite tenant and not an overzealous telemarketer.

Securing references from previous landlords doesn’t have to feel like pulling teeth—or pulling weeds from a neglected yard. With a little creativity, sincerity, and humor, you can turn even a lukewarm landlord relationship into a solid endorsement. Remember, good references are not just about what your landlords say but also about how you present yourself during the process.

So, whether you’re reminding a landlord of your sparkling track record, drafting the kind of letter Shakespeare would envy, or calling in reinforcements from your former neighbor, you’re well on your way to making your rental resume shine.