Character reference letter template
A personal reference letter for a job, apartment or school: how you know the person, how long, and two examples of their character.
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Written and signed by the referee
This is a general template, not legal advice. The person giving the reference writes and signs it, even if the applicant drafts it here. Describe only what you saw yourself, and leave out age, health, family status and anything else a landlord or employer may not ask about.
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Character Reference
Casey Nguyen
210 Oak Lane
Austin, TX 78745
(555) 010-0000, casey.nguyen@example.com
October 12, 2026
Riley Chen
Property Manager, Lakeside Apartments
4000 Lakeshore Blvd
Austin, TX 78741
Dear Riley Chen:
I am writing to recommend Jordan Lee for your rental property. I have known Jordan for six years as a neighbor on the same street and, for the past three years, a fellow volunteer at the Saturday food pantry. I am glad to speak to the kind of person I have found Jordan to be.
Two examples stand out. When a storm took down a fence between our yards in 2024, Jordan had a contractor's quote the next morning, paid half without being asked and had the work done within the week. At the pantry Jordan runs the sign-in table, has not missed a Saturday in three years, and is the person the coordinator calls when someone needs a calm word.
I recommend Jordan as a tenant without hesitation. Jordan is careful with money and considerate of neighbors, and I would rent to Jordan myself. If you have any questions, please contact me at the phone number or email above.
Sincerely,
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Casey Nguyen
How to use it
You are the sender, so your name and contact details go at the top. Pick the purpose: job, apartment rental, school or volunteer position. Type the person's name, how long you have known them and your relationship as a phrase that follows as, for example a neighbor on the same street. Then two examples, one per line: what happened, what they did, how it ended. The letter opens with how you know them, turns the examples into one paragraph, and closes with a recommendation sentence written for the purpose and an offer to talk.
Print it or save the PDF and sign it. Many landlords and employers will call, so the phone number in your sender block should reach you.
Things to watch
Specific beats glowing. A fence repaired within a week says more than reliable and trustworthy. Write about character, not qualifications; if you worked with the person and want to speak to their work, use the letter of recommendation template on this site instead. Decline rather than write a lukewarm letter.
Calculators that go with this
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this for a court or an immigration case?
No. Letters for sentencing, custody or an immigration application follow formats set by the court or agency, often with a sworn statement and specific facts the attorney will ask for. Get the format from the attorney handling the case.
Who should write a character reference?
Someone who has known the person for a while outside a hiring relationship: a neighbor, a coach, a volunteer coordinator, a longtime friend, a former coworker speaking as a person rather than a manager. Family members are usually not accepted.
How long should it be?
One page: three or four short paragraphs. Readers want the relationship, two concrete examples and a clear recommendation, and they want to be able to call you.
Is what I type saved anywhere?
No. Everything stays in your browser and nothing is sent to our server. If you refresh the page it is gone, so print, save a PDF or download the DOCX when you are done.