In 2020, there were 43 million renters. With a high demand for apartments and houses and limited supply, it is difficult to secure the exact place you want to rent. In a highly competitive rental market, how do you stand out from other renters and snag the perfect place? Write a rental cover letter.
Yes, you read that right! We suggest including a rental cover letter with your rental application to help your application shine compared to other potential tenants. We’ll explain why you should write a rental cover letter and we’ll even include a sample letter that you can use.
Why write a rental cover letter
Typically, you’d include a cover letter with a job application to summarize your past experiences, highlight your best qualities and advocate for why you deserve the job. Well, the same is true for the housing market. Including a rental cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and leave a lasting impression with the landlord, especially in cities or neighborhoods where there are fewer rental vacancies.
While it’s not required to include a rental cover letter with your rental application, it’s an extra step you can take to show the landlord that you’re serious about wanting to rent from them and provide additional context about who you are and why you’d be a stellar tenant.
Criteria landlords look for
When landlords are sifting through rental applications, there are a few things they look for to help them decide who they should pick. Landlords look at:
- Credit history
- Employment history
- Rental history
- Income
- References
- Background check
Remember — landlords want to rent apartments or houses to someone who will pay the rent on time, keep the property in tip-top condition and be a polite neighbor. All of these things usually go into the rental application itself, but a rental cover letter is an extra opportunity for you to showcase that you’ll be an ideal tenant.
It’s especially important when renting because you’ll likely have your own yard to maintain and be living next to other renters or homeowners that you’ll want to impress.
Things to include in your rental cover letter
So, what exactly should you include in your rental cover letter? Here are a few things to consider including and how they may help you out in your hunt for the perfect place to rent.
Highlight your employment history
Because landlords want to rent to people who have a steady income and will pay the rent on time each month, providing more information about your employment history can help you out. For example, you could share how many years you’ve worked at the same place which will show that you’re a reliable, steadily-employed person.
Share your hobbies
To show a bit of your personality and humanize your application, you could include your hobbies and share what you like to do on the weekends and in your free time in your rental cover letter. This is appealing to landlords who rent houses and apartments because they’ll care about how you’ll interact with the other people in the neighborhood.
Discuss your philosophy on what makes a good neighbor
Everyone wants to live next to good neighbors. In your sample letter, you could include a story about how you’ve connected with neighbors in the past to showcase that you’re the ideal neighbor.
Explain why you want to live in this home and neighborhood
If this is the perfect home for you, share that in the rental cover letter. Share specific examples of why you chose this apartment or house and neighborhood. Those details will show that you truly care.
All of this is optional, but sharing these details will highlight who you are and help personalize your application. It’s also important to remember that under the Fair Housing Act, landlords cannot discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability. You do not need to include any of this information in your rental cover letter.
Sample letter to rent a house or apartment
This sample letter is an easy-to-use template that you can use when drafting your own rental cover letter. Simply fill in the blanks and customize as needed.
Download a PDF of the cover letter template
Download a Word Doc of the cover letter template
(Your name)
(Address)
(City, State ZIP Code)
(Date)
(Landlord or property manager name)
(Address)
(City, State ZIP Code)
Re: (Your name) Renter Cover Letter for (Address or property name)
Dear (Landlord name),
My name is (Your name) and I’m writing to you because I’m very interested in renting the home that’s available at (Address or property name). I was particularly interested in this place because (Reasons you want to rent there).
I currently am a renter at (Current address) but am eager to move because (Reason for wanting to move).
I’m sure you receive several rental applications each day, so I wanted to take some time to help you get to know me a little better and show you why I’m the best applicant for this vacancy.
- (Highlight of employment history)
- (Rental history highlight)
- (Something about your hobbies, passions or interests)
- (Note about how you’re a good neighbor and tenant)
- (Quote from a reference about your character)
Based on these facts listed above, I think you’ll find that I’m a reliable, good neighbor and tenant who will pay my rent on time, keep the apartment in mint condition and communicate easily with you about any and all needs.
Please feel free to reach out to my references or to me personally with any questions or concerns you may have. I’m eager to rent from you and look forward to your decision.
Thanks for your consideration,
(Signature)
(Printed name)
(Email address)
(Phone number)
Stand out from the competition
Finding and securing a place to rent is difficult, so you want all the tips and tricks you can get. By writing a rental cover letter, you’ll be one step ahead of other potential renters and will be one step closer to moving into your new home.
Sage Singleton is a freelance writer with a passion for literature and words. She enjoys writing articles that will inspire, educate and influence readers. She loves that words have the power to create change and make a positive impact in the world. Some of her work has been featured on LendingTree, Venture Beat, Architectural Digest, Porch.com and Homes.com. In her free time, she loves traveling, reading and learning French.
