What this letter is for
Landlords and letting agents want to know that you have a job and can pay the rent. An employment verification letter is your employer confirming that in writing: who you work for, your job title, when you started and whether you still work there. It works in any country, and it is often quicker for your employer than filling in a form a landlord made up.
Your pay is your choice. The pay section prints only if you tick Include my pay. If you leave it out, offer recent pay slips instead, so the landlord can still see your income.
How to use it
- 1
Fill in your part
Add your full name as it appears on your application, and who the letter is for. Decide whether to include your pay. - 2
Send it to your employer
Print it or save it as a PDF and send it to HR or your manager. Blank lines are for them to complete by hand. - 3
Ask them to put it on letterhead and sign it
A letter on company paper with a named signer, a job title and a contact email is much easier for a landlord to accept. - 4
Give it to the landlord
Upload the signed letter where the landlord asked for it. It says it is valid for 30 days from its date.
What it should never include
The letter is about the job, nothing else. Ask your employer to leave out:
- ID numbers, tax numbers or social security numbers;
- immigration or visa details;
- health, medical or the reason for any leave;
- anything about your family, age, religion or other personal characteristics.
If you can't get a letter
Started recently? An offer letter or contract plus your first pay slip usually does the same job. Self-employed? A letter from your accountant or recent bank statements (with account numbers covered) are common alternatives. Paying part of your rent with a voucher or subsidy? Your award letter counts as income for your share (in New York City, see renting with a Section 8 or CityFHEPS voucher).
Landlords often compare your income with the rent. Check where you stand with the tenant income ratio calculator.