Co-op and condo applications in NYC can be tedious and seemingly never ending. Usually the last items outstanding are the personal and professional reference letters. For some boards, these are the most important things in the whole package so it’s important to take them seriously.

What Should Be Included In Your Condo and Co-op Reference Letters? 

The best personal reference letters are favorable and unremarkable. If there were a database of every reference letter from every approved purchase in NYC history, a lot of applicants would be “respectful,” “responsible” and “great neighbors.” Nobody has ever been denied because they’re too respectful, too responsible or too great a neighbor.

Professional reference letters tend to be a little more cookie cutter because they’re, well, professional. Common themes include that you’re a good team player, reliable and positively contribute to the company’s culture.

All reference letters should be formatted correctly and, ideally, on letterhead. Most of your friends probably don’t have their own letterhead so Yoreevo put together a few templates you can use. You can find them here, here and here.

Each template has space for the reference’s contact information. That's important! Boards often want to reach out directly so make sure you include it.

A great reference will tell the board when they first met the applicant, how often they see each other and how much they value the relationship.

Details are helpful but should be unambiguously safe. Your college roommate can mention how wonderful it was to live with you and how you always kept your room spotless. However, they should leave out that you were always ready to party.

A good reference letter will take up about a full page, including the header and signature.

What Should NOT Be Included In Your Condo and Co-op Reference Letters?

A simple rule for your reference letters is if someone could be concerned or offended about something, leave it out. It doesn’t matter how likely that may be.

One agent once told us that her buyer’s application was flawless and yet, to everyone’s surprise, they were rejected. The agent went back and tried to figure out what the problem could have been. The only thing she could point to was one reference letter that said the applicant loved cooking a particularly pungent type of cuisine.

It might seem silly and trivial to you but if a board member would be that person’s next-door neighbor and they hate that cuisine, that’s all it takes.

Instruments and other potentially disruptive items should be left out. Most buyers won’t be practicing at 11pm but the board may not want to take that risk.

Your condo and co-op reference letter should avoid all negatives. If your boss writes, “I wasn’t sold on Bob at first but eventually I came around. He’s now a critical member of the team,” they mean well but the board may wonder why they were unsure at first.

And this may go without saying but there should not be any spelling or grammatical errors in your letters! Make sure to have a few people proofread your letters before they're submitted. Usually a new set of eyes is all it takes to spot that last mistake.

Who Should You Ask To Write Your Condo and Co-op Reference Letters?

Which of your friends and colleagues know how to write a business letter - one with the address, date, formal greeting, etc? You should probably pick them!

If your friend or colleague already owns an apartment, especially a co-op, that is a huge plus. Given they've gone through the application process, they'll have a good sense for what should be in the letter. They also know what is expected as a co-op shareholder and can vouch for you as a potential future shareholder yourself.

The longer you’ve known someone, the better. Aim for references who have known you for at least a few years and mention that in the letter. Longer relationships give the board a sense of stability and continuity in your life. Hometown and college friends, even if they don’t live in NYC, are great choices. While current co-workers are best, former co-workers are also fine. Someone you worked with for three years at your last job is better than your current officemate of three months.

Do not ask family members for reference letters. Boards won't accept them.

If you’re buying as a couple and you have mutual acquaintances, personal reference letters for the both of you is usually okay but that should be confirmed prior to submitting the application.

What Is A Landlord Reference Letter?

When it comes to your landlord, you probably know their name, how to pay them and not much else. It’s hard to imagine them writing a gushing reference letter about you so what exactly should they write?

Compared to personal and professional reference letters, a landlord reference letter is going to be extremely boring. It will simply state the facts of your tenancy and implicitly vouch for you as a potential neighbor.

If your application requires specific pieces of information, make sure your landlord knows but otherwise, they should be familiar with the standard letter and able to turn it around quickly.

Co-op Reference Letter Examples

We’ve laid out a lot of dos and don’ts in this post. If you’re buying and not sure about a reference letter, feel free to contact us and we'll let you know if we see anything concerning.

Here are a few sample reference letters to get a sense of what all-star reference letters look like.

Personal Reference Letter Sample

Robert Johnson
154 West 14th Street Floor 2
New York, NY 10011

July 25, 2024

Main Street Owners Corp
123 Main Street
New York, NY 12345

Dear Main Street Owners Corp Board Members,

I am writing to support my friend, John Smith, in his application to purchase Unit 1A in your cooperative.

John and I met during freshman orientation at ABC University back in 2000. After surviving the myriad of icebreakers, we quickly became inseparable and our friendship took off.

We roomed together sophomore year so I can personally attest that John kept the dorm immaculate and was incredibly respectful of those living around him. Our dorm was next to the building's main entrance and the front door would slam shut hundreds of times a day but not when John came home. He was the only one to close it softly behind him.

I purchased a co-op apartment three years ago and last year joined my building’s board. I can unequivocally state that John will be an incredibly respectful member of your community and cannot recommend him highly enough.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

 

Robert Johnson
917-555-1234
rob.johnson@xyz.com

 

Professional Reference Letter Sample

123 Corporation
1 First Avenue
New York, NY 10003

July 25, 2024

Main Street Owners Corp
123 Main Street
New York, NY 12345

Dear Main Street Owners Corp Board Members,

I cannot think of a better future neighbor in your building than my colleague, John Smith.

I have been working with John for over three years at 123 Corporation. Technically, I am John's boss but we work as partners. He requires no oversight and always completes tasks accurately, completely and on time.

John is a critical member of 123 Corporation and we are incredibly grateful for his contributions every day. The firm could not function without him.

I am happy to make myself available for any follow-ups. You can reach me at the number and email below.

Best,

 

Matt Smith
917-555-9876
matt.smith@123.com

 

Landlord Reference Letter Sample

Fantastic Rentals Inc.
123 Main Street
New York, NY 12345

July 25, 2024

Re: John Smith
456 Pine Street #1
New York, NY 12345

To Whom This May Concern,

This letter is to confirm that John Smith is currently a tenant in good standing with Fantastic Rentals Inc.

He has always paid his rent of $2,500 on time each month and been a tenant since January 2016.

If you need any additional information, please feel free to reach out.

Sincerely,

 

Joe Landlord
Fantastic Rentals Inc.
212-555-1234