Writing A Supporting Letter For Housing can seem like a big deal, but it’s really just a way to help someone you know get approved for a place to live. These letters are often requested by landlords or property managers to get a better sense of an applicant. They are written by people who can vouch for the applicant’s character, reliability, or ability to pay rent. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to write a helpful and effective supporting letter.
Why Supporting Letters Matter
Supporting letters can be very important for an applicant’s chances of getting approved for housing. Landlords want to minimize risk, and these letters can help them do that.
- They provide a personal perspective.
- They can address specific concerns.
- They offer additional information.
Your letter can make a significant difference! **This is why writing a thoughtful and detailed letter is so important.** For example, imagine a friend who has had some financial difficulties in the past but has turned things around. You can write a letter explaining the situation, highlighting their improved financial responsibility, and providing reassurance to the landlord. A letter can showcase the applicant’s positive qualities.
- Tenant history.
- Payment history.
- Character reference.
It’s also important to remember that supporting letters should always be honest and based on your personal knowledge of the applicant.
Example: Letter of Support for a Friend
Subject: Letter of Support for [Applicant’s Name] – Housing Application
Dear [Landlord’s Name or To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing this letter to enthusiastically support [Applicant’s Name]’s application for housing at your property. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years as a [Your Relationship – e.g., friend, colleague, neighbor].
[Applicant’s Name] is a responsible and trustworthy individual. I have always found them to be reliable and considerate. In my experience, they are always punctual, respectful of others, and take pride in their commitments. I am confident that they would be an excellent tenant.
I am happy to provide any further information you may need. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example: Letter of Support for a Family Member
Subject: Supporting Letter for [Applicant’s Name] – Housing Application
Dear [Landlord’s Name or To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing to support my [Relationship – e.g., daughter, brother] [Applicant’s Name]’s application for housing. I have known them their entire life and can attest to their character.
[Applicant’s Name] is a [Positive Adjective – e.g., responsible, caring, diligent] person. They are always respectful of others and take good care of their belongings. They are [Mention specific positive traits – e.g., punctual, organized, a good communicator]. I am also aware that they [Mention any relevant information, e.g., have a stable job, are currently attending school].
I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] would be a great tenant. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. My phone number is [Your Phone Number] and my email address is [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example: Letter of Support from a Previous Landlord
Subject: Reference for [Applicant’s Name] – Housing Application
Dear [Landlord’s Name or To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing to provide a reference for [Applicant’s Name], who is applying for housing. [Applicant’s Name] was a tenant at my property located at [Previous Address] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
During their tenancy, [Applicant’s Name] was a responsible and reliable tenant. They consistently paid rent on time, maintained the property in good condition, and were respectful of their neighbors. I had no issues with their behavior or their adherence to the terms of the lease agreement.
I would be happy to recommend [Applicant’s Name] as a tenant and believe they will be a great addition to your property. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. My phone number is [Your Phone Number] and my email address is [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Previous Property Name]
Example: Letter of Support Addressing Financial Concerns
Subject: Letter of Support for [Applicant’s Name] – Housing Application
Dear [Landlord’s Name or To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing to support [Applicant’s Name]’s application for housing. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years, and I am familiar with their financial situation.
I understand that [Applicant’s Name] may have had some past financial challenges. However, they have since [Explain the positive changes – e.g., secured stable employment, created a budget, are working with a financial advisor]. I have personally witnessed their commitment to improving their financial responsibility, and I am confident in their ability to meet their rental obligations.
I believe [Applicant’s Name] is now in a much better financial position and would be a reliable tenant. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example: Letter of Support Highlighting Employment
Subject: Letter of Support for [Applicant’s Name] – Housing Application
Dear [Landlord’s Name or To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing to support [Applicant’s Name]’s application for housing. I am [Your Job Title] at [Your Company], and I have worked with [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years.
[Applicant’s Name] is a valued employee at [Your Company]. They have been employed in a [Job Title] position since [Start Date] and are currently earning [Salary/Wage]. Their employment is stable, and they are known for their reliability and dedication. [Applicant’s Name]’s employment demonstrates their financial stability and their ability to meet their financial obligations.
I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] would be a responsible tenant. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. My phone number is [Your Phone Number] and my email address is [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Company Name]
Example: Letter of Support for Someone with a Pet
Subject: Letter of Support for [Applicant’s Name] – Housing Application – Pet Reference
Dear [Landlord’s Name or To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing in support of [Applicant’s Name]’s application for housing. I have known them for [Number] years, and I am aware that they have a [Type of Pet – e.g., dog, cat] named [Pet’s Name].
[Applicant’s Name] is a responsible pet owner. They [Specific positive behaviors – e.g., regularly walk their dog, always clean up after their pet, keep their pet well-groomed]. [Pet’s Name] is [Pet’s temperament – e.g., friendly, well-behaved, not destructive]. I have never witnessed any behavior that would be a cause for concern for the property or the neighbors. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years and I know they are responsible with their belongings and I can vouch for the care they give [Pet’s Name].
I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] and their pet would be considerate tenants. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. My phone number is [Your Phone Number] and my email address is [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example: Letter of Support for a Student
Subject: Letter of Support for [Applicant’s Name] – Housing Application
Dear [Landlord’s Name or To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing to support [Applicant’s Name]’s application for housing. I am a [Your Role – e.g., professor, advisor, counselor] at [Name of School] and I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years.
[Applicant’s Name] is a [Positive Adjective – e.g., dedicated, hardworking, responsible] student. They are enrolled in [Program Name] and are in good academic standing. I have observed that [Applicant’s Name] is a [Positive Adjective – e.g., respectful, organized, disciplined] individual, and their dedication to their studies indicates a strong sense of responsibility. I understand that [Applicant’s Name] may be working to support themselves and may be a [Mention employment status].
I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] will be a considerate tenant and a positive addition to your community. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. My phone number is [Your Phone Number] and my email address is [Your Email Address].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Name of School]
Writing a supporting letter for housing is a simple act that can have a big impact. By providing honest and helpful information, you can significantly help a friend or family member secure a place to live. Remember to be specific, offer concrete examples, and always be truthful. By following these guidelines and using the examples above, you can write a supporting letter that makes a real difference!