# What to write for a reference - need answer quick(ly) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 19, 2012, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-write-for-a-reference-need-answer-quick-ly/644526 "2012-12-19T14:56:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2012, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-write-for-a-reference-need-answer-quick-ly/644526/1 "2012-12-19T14:56:05Z")
A friend needs two references for an apartment she’s renting. What should I write that a landlord wants to hear? StG ---
**Author:** ![Dendarii\_Dame](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bbce88/32.png) [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2012, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-write-for-a-reference-need-answer-quick-ly/644526/2 "2012-12-19T15:06:07Z")
She’s neat, quiet, and well-behaved. Also, that she’s got a steady job, if she does. ---
**Author:** ![MLS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2012, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-write-for-a-reference-need-answer-quick-ly/644526/3 "2012-12-19T15:10:56Z")
And that she pays her bills on time. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2012, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-write-for-a-reference-need-answer-quick-ly/644526/4 "2012-12-19T15:11:48Z")
She’s moving to Florida for a new job. The hiring company is paying her rent, but the landlord still wants references. StG ---
**Author:** ![Mgalindo13](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ea5d25/32.png) [@Mgalindo13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mgalindo13)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2012, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-write-for-a-reference-need-answer-quick-ly/644526/5 "2012-12-19T16:38:10Z")
> [@StGermain](#): > > A friend needs two references for an apartment she’s renting. What should I write that a landlord wants to hear? > > StG Whenever I’m asked for a reference I’ll ask the person to write it and I’ll review for accuracy. I will make corrections if they stretch the truth farther than I’m comfortable with or if the phrasing is not what I would use. They know what they want it to say and probably know what the receiver is seeking. It takes the burden off of you. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2012, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-write-for-a-reference-need-answer-quick-ly/644526/6 "2012-12-19T17:36:23Z")
When I write a reference for someone for a job, I try to include some specifics as opposed to generalities. For instance, “whenever I visit her home it is spotless” as opposed to “she is a neat and clean person.” ---
**Author:** ![ioioio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ioioio/32/316_2.png) [@ioioio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ioioio)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2012, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-write-for-a-reference-need-answer-quick-ly/644526/7 "2012-12-19T22:43:05Z")
Generally you start with something like “I’ve known \ for x years”. Then, as appropriate, say things like “\ has been employed by \ for y years and has lived at her current residence for z years”. Close with something like “She is a stable honest person”. No need to natter on about details or opinions that aren’t relevant.