Finding the perfect rental property is only half the journey. For many tenants, the next challenge is proving to landlords that they’re reliable, responsible, and trustworthy. This is where a referee for renting becomes essential.
At Dwanderful, we understand how confusing rental requirements can be—especially for first-time renters, professionals relocating, or tenants without a long rental history. That’s why we aim to simplify the renting process and help renters present themselves with confidence.
This guide explains what a referee for renting is, why it matters, who can act as one, and how to use references to secure your ideal home.
What Is a Referee for Renting?
A referee for renting (also called a rental reference) is a person who provides a character or credibility reference for a tenant applying to rent a property. Their role is to confirm that you are dependable, financially responsible, and capable of meeting the obligations of a lease.
Landlords and property managers use referees to reduce risk. When someone reputable vouches for you, it builds trust—often making the difference between approval and rejection.
Why Do Landlords Ask for a Referee?
Renting a property is a significant financial commitment for a landlord. A referee helps them answer key questions such as:
- Will this tenant pay rent on time?
- Will they take care of the property?
- Are they easy to communicate with?
- Do they follow lease terms and respect neighbors?
At Dwanderful, we see referees as trust bridges—they connect responsible tenants with landlords seeking peace of mind.
What Is the Role of a Referee?
A referee’s role is simple but powerful. They may be contacted by a landlord or letting agent to:
- Confirm your identity and background
- Verify your reliability and behavior
- Comment on your financial or professional stability
- Share insight into your character
In many cases, the referee will answer a short questionnaire or provide a written or verbal reference.
Who Can Be a Referee for Renting?
The best referee depends on your personal situation. Common options include:
1. Previous Landlord or Property Manager
This is the most preferred referee, as they can directly comment on your rental history, rent payments, and property care.
2. Employer or Manager
If you’re new to renting, an employer can vouch for your income stability, professionalism, and responsibility.
3. Professional Colleague
A supervisor or long-term colleague can serve as a character referee, especially if they’ve known you for several years.
4. University Lecturer or Advisor
Students or recent graduates often use academic referees who can speak to discipline and reliability.
5. Character Referee (Last Resort)
This could be a mentor or community leader—but landlords usually prefer professional or rental-related references.
Tip from Dwanderful: Always choose someone who knows you well and can respond promptly. Delays can cost you the property.
What Information Does a Referee Usually Provide?
When contacted, a referee may be asked about:
- How long they’ve known you
- In what capacity (landlord, employer, supervisor)
- Your reliability and punctuality
- Your financial responsibility
- Whether they would recommend you as a tenant
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s honesty and reassurance.
Examples of Referees for Renting
To make this clearer, here are a few real-world examples:
- Example 1: Sarah, a marketing professional, uses her previous landlord who confirms she paid rent on time for three years and left the property in excellent condition.
- Example 2: James, a first-time renter, provides his employer as a referee to verify steady income and responsible conduct.
- Example 3: A student relocating for work uses a university professor as a character referee alongside proof of employment.
At Dwanderful, we help renters identify the strongest possible referee for their situation.
What If You Don’t Have a Referee?
Not having a referee doesn’t mean you can’t rent—but you may need alternatives, such as:
- A guarantor
- Proof of higher income or savings
- Upfront rent payments (where legally allowed)
- Strong documentation and tenant profile
Dwanderful supports renters by helping them present a complete, credible rental profile, even without traditional references.
How to Ask Someone to Be Your Referee
When asking someone to be your referee:
- Ask politely and in advance
- Explain the property and rental timeline
- Confirm their contact details
- Let them know they may be contacted
Professional courtesy matters—and it reflects well on you as a tenant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Listing someone without permission
- Providing outdated contact details
- Choosing someone who doesn’t know you well
- Using friends when professional referees are available
These mistakes can slow down or derail your application.
How Dwanderful Helps Renters Stand Out
At Dwanderful, we go beyond listings. We help renters:
- Understand rental requirements clearly
- Prepare strong applications
- Identify suitable referees and alternatives
- Present themselves as low-risk, high-quality tenants
Our goal is simple: make renting smoother, faster, and more transparent—for both tenants and landlords.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what a referee for renting is—and how landlords use references to assess trust and reliability—can make a real difference when applying for a home. Whether you’re a first-time renter or moving into a new market, preparing the right referee details helps you stand out and avoid unnecessary delays in the approval process. It’s one of the many small but important steps that build confidence on your path to securing housing.
At Dwanderful, real estate isn’t just about renting—it’s about long-term opportunity. Dwanderful is led by Dwan, a seasoned real estate investor and podcast host who focuses on helping everyday people understand property, investing, and wealth-building strategies, especially around foreclosures, short sales, and assisting distressed homeowners.
If you’re new to real estate terms or want clarity before taking your next step, Dwan offers a free book called Real Estate Lingo that breaks down industry language in a simple, easy-to-understand way. For those ready to go deeper, the paid book Five Pillars of Real Estate Investing outlines proven frameworks for building sustainable income through property.
You can also explore additional tools, trainings, and offers through Dwanderful’s Resources page. And if you’re curious how real estate could realistically help you generate six figures—whether you’re buying your first property or your next one—you can TAKE THE FREE REAL ESTATE INVESTING QUIZ. It takes less than a minute and helps you see what path might fit you best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a referee for renting?
A referee for renting is someone who can vouch for your reliability as a tenant, usually a previous landlord, employer, or property manager.
Why do landlords ask for a referee?
Landlords use referees to reduce risk by confirming your payment history, behavior, and overall suitability as a tenant.
Who can act as a referee for renting?
Common referees include former landlords, employers, letting agents, or professional contacts who know your reliability.
Can a friend or family member be a rental referee?
Most landlords prefer professional or housing-related referees, but some may accept personal references if explained clearly.
What happens if I don’t have a referee?
If you don’t have a referee, alternatives like guarantors or renter support services such as Dwanderful can strengthen your application.
