This sample reference letter is designed to help condo association boards assess prospective residents. Remember to tailor it to the specific individual and situation. This template provides a framework, but you should replace the bracketed information with specifics.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Condo Association Name] [Condo Association Address]
Subject: Letter of Reference for [Applicant's Name]
Dear [Board Member Name or Title],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant's Name] as a prospective resident of [Condo Association Name]. I have known [Applicant's Name] for [Number] years, during which time we [Describe your relationship: e.g., have been neighbors, worked together, been friends, etc.].
During this time, I have consistently found [Applicant's Name] to be [List positive qualities: e.g., responsible, respectful, considerate of others, quiet, financially stable]. [Provide specific examples to support these qualities. For example: "They consistently maintained their property in excellent condition," or "They were always prompt with paying their dues in our previous HOA," or "They were actively involved in community events and were always a positive influence on our neighborhood."].
[Applicant's Name] is [Describe their lifestyle: e.g., a professional working in [profession], a retiree, a student]. They [Describe habits relevant to condo living: e.g., "are quiet and respectful of others' space," "enjoy gardening and would be a positive addition to the community garden," or "frequently travel and are rarely home"]. I am confident that they will be a valuable and responsible member of your community.
I have no hesitation in recommending [Applicant's Name] for residency at [Condo Association Name]. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Condo Association Reference Letters:
What information should I include in a reference letter?
The most important aspects to cover are your relationship with the applicant, the length of time you've known them, specific examples demonstrating their positive qualities relevant to condo living (respect for rules, financial responsibility, consideration of neighbors), and an overall assessment of their suitability for the community. Avoid vague statements; instead, provide concrete examples.
What if I have some negative experiences with the applicant?
It's crucial to be honest but avoid overly critical or subjective judgments. If you've had any negative experiences, consider omitting the reference altogether. You are not legally obligated to provide a reference. If you must comment on any negative aspect, do it in a constructive and factual manner, focusing on specific instances without resorting to personal opinions or accusations.
How long should the letter be?
A concise and well-written letter of one page is generally sufficient. Focus on providing relevant information and strong examples to support your recommendation.
What if I don't know the applicant well enough?
If you don't feel you can provide a meaningful and informed recommendation, decline to write the letter. A weak or hesitant reference can potentially hurt the applicant's chances.
Should I mention the applicant’s pets?
If you are aware of the applicant's pets and the condo association's pet policy, it's appropriate to briefly mention the pets and their temperament if they are relevant to the assessment. For example, you could mention that "Their dog is well-behaved and well-trained."
This comprehensive approach ensures a strong and reliable reference letter that benefits both the applicant and the condo association. Remember to always be truthful and provide specific examples to support your claims.
