Do you really need a cover letter to rent a house? It might not be technically required, but writing a rental cover letter can be an excellent way to set yourself apart in a highly competitive market.
Consider this: they likely receive many applications when a landlord or property management team accepts new tenants. Millions of people apply to rent a house every year, which means that you could be up against dozens (if not more) of other applicants. But with a rental cover letter, you can make a positive first impression and potentially get a step ahead of other renters.
This guide will cover how to write a cover letter for a rental application and even provide you with a rent letter example to help you get started.
Why Write a Rental Cover Letter
Usually, cover letters are reserved for job applications. You might include a cover letter with your resume to summarize your strengths, past professional experiences, and your best qualities. A cover letter aims to show why you deserve the job and what makes you unique in a pool of applicants.
Essentially, cover letters for rental applications serve the same purpose. However, instead of applying for a job, you’re applying for your future dream home.
Rental application cover letters are not required, but they can be an effective “extra step” that demonstrates that you’re serious about renting the property in question. Also, writing a letter to a landlord to rent the property can highlight exactly why you would be an ideal tenant.
Criteria Landlords Look For
When landlords and property management teams review home rental applications, they are looking for a few key criteria:
- Credit history
- Income
- Employment/employment history
- Rental history
- References
- Background check
These criteria help landlords decide whom to pick to rent the property because they paint a picture of who a tenant is, whether they’re likely to pay rent on time and if they’ll be a considerate tenant and neighbor. With a rental cover letter, you can go one step further and share this information in your own words.
What to Include in a Rental Cover Letter
So, what goes in a rental application cover letter? There are no hard and fast rules, but here are some good guidelines.
Summarize Your Employment History
A landlord is far more likely to rent to someone with steady employment – they need the tenant to be able to pay rent every month.
So, sharing more information about your current employment and past positions can give you a boost. For example, highlighting that you’ve been in your current position for many years shows that you tend to be reliable and responsible.
Share Your Hobbies
It might be surprising to see this one on our list, but your hobbies can turn your application from a piece of paper into a story about an actual person – which is a big plus. It’s always a good thing when the landlord can feel like they’re getting to know you.
Talk about how you’ll plan to spend your off time in the community; for example, maybe you’ll be taking your family to swim at the private neighborhood pool.
Discuss Your Thoughts on What Makes a Good Neighbor
Your potential new neighbors are hoping you’ll be a friendly, conscientious neighbor, but so is your landlord. Landlords don’t want to deal with conflict caused by a troublesome tenant. Instead, they’re aiming for a smooth, drama-free situation.
You can briefly cover what you think it means to be a good neighbor and how you’ll bring those qualities to your new home.
Explain Why You Want To Live in This House
A tenant who truly cares about the property and community is bound to be a good tenant, especially compared to one who may be indifferent about the home.
Try to share specific examples of why this house and neighborhood is your ideal home. For example, you might discuss the local preschool where your child will be enrolled, a nearby park you envision spending time at, or any personal reasons.
Sample Letter to Rent a House
Here’s a handy cover letter template for a rental application to make the writing process as easy as possible.
—
(Your name)
(Address)
(City, State ZIP Code)
(Date)
(Landlord or property manager name)
(Address)
(City, State ZIP Code)
Re: (Your name) Rental Application Cover Letter for (Address or property name)
Dear (Landlord name),
My name is (Your name), and I’m writing to you to express my interest in the home at (address or property name). I would love to live in this place because (reasons you want to rent the property).
I currently am a tenant at (current address) but am ready to move because (reason for moving).
My hope in writing this letter was that it would help you get to know me a little better and show you why I’m an ideal tenant for this rental home.
- (Highlight of employment history)
- (Highlight of rental history)
- (Something about your hobbies or interests)
- (Note about how you’ll be a good neighbor/tenant)
- (Quote from a reference)
I’m committed to being a respectful, reliable tenant and a good neighbor, who will pay my rent on time, care for the property and communicate with you whenever needed.
Please feel free to contact my references or me personally with any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
(Signature)
(Printed name)
(Email address)
(Phone number)
—
Look into Build-to-Rent Homes by Wan Bridge
Before you write a letter to rent a house, you need to find your dream property first. With build-to-rent communities designed to fit the tenant’s needs, Wan Bridge has created new homesfor rent in Dallas, Austin, and Houston.
Contact our team today for more information about our communities and how to apply to become a resident.
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