How do I get a reference from my landlord?

Ask while you're on good terms, ideally before you move out. Keep it short and specific: the address, the dates you lived there, the rent, whether you paid on time, gave notice and left the place in good shape, and whether they'd rent to you again.

Give them an easy way to confirm it — a phone number or email a new landlord can use. A reference that can be checked is worth more than a glowing one that can't.

Keep it to the tenancy. Fair housing law protects details like family status, religion, national origin and disability; they don't belong in a reference. The Packed Rabbit sends your landlord a one-minute form that comes straight back to you, so you decide who sees it.

Source: HUD, Fair Housing Act; general rental practice · Checked October 2026