Leasing: Why you should write a letter to the landlord.
Writing a letter to your potential landlord is a crucial step in your leasing process, especially if you have a less-than-ideal credit report. This letter serves as your personal introduction and provides a unique opportunity to share your story and control the narrative surrounding your financial history.
First and foremost, a letter allows you to present yourself as a responsible and trustworthy tenant. While credit scores can often be the first factor landlords consider, they do not define you as a person. Use the letter to highlight your positive qualities—your employment stability, previous rental history, and any references that can vouch for your reliability. This insight creates a more complete picture of who you are beyond the numbers.
Furthermore, this letter provides a platform to address your credit report directly. Be honest about your situation, explaining any circumstances that contributed to your credit challenges. If you’ve taken steps to improve your financial standing, such as budgeting or settling debts, be sure to include that information. This shows landlords that you are proactive and committed to overcoming previous obstacles.
In addition, express your enthusiasm for the property you are interested in leasing. Share why you are drawn to the home and the community. This personal touch can help you stand out against other potential applicants who may not take the time to personalize their approach.
Finally, aim for a tone that reflects professionalism and respect. A well-crafted letter demonstrates your seriousness about the lease and your appreciation for the landlord’s consideration.
Profile:
Names: Sarah (35), Mike (36), Emily (3), and Noah (newborn)
Location: Looking to rent in a suburban area near Toronto, Ontario.
Lifestyle: Active family who enjoys outdoor activities, community events, and family-oriented amenities.
Background:
Sarah works as a marketing manager for a tech company, while Mike is currently unemployed but has a background as an IT specialist and is seeking gainful employment in that field. Sarah has a good credit score. Mike’s credit score is poor.
They have been renting an apartment in the city for the past five years but feel it’s time to move to a larger space with a backyard for their children.
They have been renting an apartment in the city for the past five years but now feel it’s time to move to a larger space with a backyard.
Dear Landlord,
We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to express our interest in renting your home located at 123 Any Street, Any Town. We are the Thompson family: Sarah, Mike, and our two children, Emily and Noah. Our family has out grown our current home and we require more space as Noah is a newborn.
Sarah works as a marketing manager with an annual income of $115,000. Mike is an IT specialist who is presently seeking employment after recently transitioning from his previous role. Although Mike's current income is limited, he has valuable skills and experience in the IT field, and he is actively interviewing for positions and has several opportunities to explore.
Our full Equifax Credit Reports are included for your review. Sarah’s score is 762 while Mike's is currently a little lower than ideal at 618. This score reflects some past challenges that Mike encountered due to unforeseen circumstances. Mike’s father passed recently and the funeral unfortunately had to be expensed on Mike’s credit card. The debt is nearly clear, and you will see there have not been any missed payments. Mike is confident over the next few months his credit score will be in the 700’s again. With Sarah’s steady tenure at her job for the past eight years and Mike's ongoing job search, we are confident in our ability to meet the rental payments promptly. Our combined household income is typically around $250,000 annually.
Additionally, we have a solid rental history and take pride in maintaining any space we reside in. We understand the importance of being reliable tenants, and we assure you that we are committed to paying rent on time and treating your property with care.
We appreciate your consideration and would be happy to provide any additional information or references you may need. Thank you for considering our application, and we hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
The Thompson Family
This letter achieves several things. It answers the biggest questions any landlord may have.
It explains ‘why’ they are moving
What they do for work
How much they earn
It’s transparent about Mike’s job search
It explains Mike’s credit score
It provides the landlord with confidence
It paints a concise picture of the Thompson family and I recommend including a family picture to create an added level of trust
It controls the narrative
In summary, a personal letter to your landlord is not just a formality; it's a valuable tool in establishing a connection and alleviating concerns regarding your credit history. Take this opportunity to introduce yourself authentically and positively, as it may make all the difference in receiving that lease approval.