{"id":137167,"date":"2024-12-18T05:42:30","date_gmt":"2024-12-18T13:42:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=137167"},"modified":"2026-03-19T06:13:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T13:13:44","slug":"get-references-from-previous-landlords","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/renting\/get-references-from-previous-landlords\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get References From Previous Landlords"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to renting a new place<\/a>, one thing stands between you and the apartment of your dreams: references. Landlords want to ensure that you\u2019re the tenant equivalent of a golden retriever \u2014 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\u2019re not even sure they remember you?<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t worry! With these tips you\u2019ll be able to secure those coveted references. With a bit of creativity and charm, you\u2019ll be collecting glowing endorsements faster than you can say “lease agreement.”<\/p>\n

So, here are six ways you can get glowing references from previous landlords.<\/p>\n

1. Play the nostalgia card<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Think your previous landlord\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Pro tip: If you moved out years ago, don\u2019t just show up unannounced. That\u2019s a recipe for awkwardness. A well-timed email works wonders and doesn\u2019t feel like an ambush.<\/p>\n

2. Offer to write a draft<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Sometimes landlords don\u2019t write glowing references because they simply don\u2019t have time \u2014 or they\u2019re not sure what to say. Help them out by offering to write a draft reference for them. Phrase it like you\u2019re doing them a favor (\u201cI know you\u2019re busy, so I could jot something down for you to review\u201d), 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.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Sure, it\u2019s a bit like writing your own fan mail, but it\u2019s all about making it easy for them to say yes. Just remember to keep it truthful \u2014 this isn\u2019t creative writing class.<\/p>\n

3. Praise them first<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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!<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Flattery, when done sincerely, can go a long way in softening someone up to return the favor. Just don\u2019t lay it on so thick that it sounds fake \u2014 this isn\u2019t a Valentine\u2019s Day card.<\/p>\n

4. Call in a neighbor as a co-signer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

What if your landlord is hard to reach, or maybe your relationship wasn\u2019t 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\u2019s endorsement can pack just as much punch as a landlord\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\"Two<\/p>\n

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\u2019s praise can be the cherry on top of your tenant cake.<\/p>\n

5. Highlight your security deposit history<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s talk about that holy grail of renting: the full return of your security deposit<\/a>. If you left your previous place in pristine condition and got every penny back, you\u2019ve already got a glowing \u201creference\u201d \u2014 even if it\u2019s an unspoken one.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

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\u2019s hard to argue with cold, hard cash.<\/p>\n

6. Be a persistent but polite follow-upper<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Securing references from previous landlords doesn\u2019t have to feel like pulling teeth\u2014or 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.<\/p>\n

So, whether you\u2019re 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\u2019re well on your way to making your rental resume shine.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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\u2019re the tenant equivalent of a golden retriever \u2014 friendly, trustworthy, and unlikely to chew the carpet. But what if the relationship with your previous landlords was more lukewarm than…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3055,"featured_media":137168,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3671],"tags":[38975],"class_list":["post-137167","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-renting","tag-rental-application","gallery-content-unit"],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Get References from Previous Landlords<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Looking to get references from your previous landlords? 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