My potential landlord is looking for a letter of reference?

Living in Ontario
1

What kind of letter of reference is accepted? Do you have any examples?

2

Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your question and situation with us.

In terms of documents your landlord may ask you for:

They may ask you for:

  • Basic information about where you live and work.
  • A letter from your employer that states your annual income.
  • A bank statement that demonstrates you have enough money to pay the rent for a few months, that you haven’t recently had a cheque come back as ‘non-sufficient funds’ (NSF) or that provides information for a credit check.
  • A guarantor or co-signor (someone who agrees to pay your rent in case you cannot or in case you leave the city or country).
  • References (the names and contact information of people who know you and can confirm that you would be a good tenant – for example, former landlords or friends).

If you have had previous landlords, you can ask them for a letter of reference that would state your tenant history and their contact information for follow up. An employment reference letter would include your employment status and/or income.

We hope this information is helpful!

Please follow up with us if you have any further questions.

Sincerely,

Your Settlement.Org Team

3

Have never been asked for a reference letter in 7 years of renting :thinking:

In the previous place I stayed, however, my landlord asked for contacts from my last place or at least coworkers, as he had a negative experience before renting to me. So, it could be a good idea to ask someone who knows you to give their contact to your potential landlord to talk everything out.