Leasing managers worry about three things: damage, noise and complaints. A short letter from your previous landlord or property manager answers all three in one paragraph.
Who to ask
In order of strength: your previous property manager or landlord, then your veterinarian, then a trainer or dog walker. One landlord letter is usually enough; add a vet letter if your dog is a commonly restricted breed.
Template (send this to make it easy for them)
To whom it may concern,
[Tenant name] rented [address / unit] from [month year] to [month year] with their dog, [dog’s name], a [breed / mix]. During that time we received no noise or behavior complaints, and the home was returned with no pet-related damage. [Dog’s name] was always leashed in common areas and [tenant name] cleaned up after them consistently.
I would rent to [tenant name] and [dog’s name] again without hesitation.
[Name, title, company, phone, email, date]
Tips
- Ask for it before you move out, while the relationship is fresh.
- A letter on company letterhead or from a company email address is strongest.
- Keep it to one paragraph — managers skim.
- Add the reference’s phone number to the References section of your Pet Resume so the new office can verify it.