We need to find a place to rent since we surrendered the house in the 7. We found a place we LOVE, now we just have to convince the landlord to ignore the bk... no small feet.
I wrote a cover letter to add to the rental app. What do you think? Identifying details have been omitted.
Dear Prospective Landlord,
My husband and I are very interested in your rental property at 123 Main St in Anywhere, USA. While I suspect that after you read our credit history, it would be tempting to immediately toss our rental application into the "circular file," I ask that you please allow me to explain our situation more fully before you make your final decision.
In an effort to offset some of the negatives you will see on the credit report, we are offering to provide a bank check equivalent to 3 month’s rent as a security deposit and first month’s rent for a total of $3,300. We will provide a certified bank check for the indicated amount at the time of lease signing. Although we understand the condo is not scheduled to be ready until May 15th, we are offering to pay one full month’s rent as a gesture of good faith. If you prefer money orders or bank certified checks as rent checks each month, we are happy to comply. Additionally, we are willing to pay more than your asking price for a total monthly rent of $1,100 per month. Finally, if you feel it is necessary for your comfort level, we can arrange for a relative with excellent credit history to co-sign a lease with us. We will provide copies of recent pay-stubs to demonstrate proof of income if desired. Our combined annual gross income is more than $90,000. If you desire any additional information, we will happily comply.
We recently filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and agreed to surrender our home in the process. We declared Chapter 7 as a result of unexpected and extended unemployment and underemployment, which began in the fall of 2005. While we made all efforts to avoid Chapter 7, it became clear that we needed to file for bankruptcy. It was a difficult decision, but we needed to do what was necessary to provide the best future for our family that we could and become stable contributing members to the economy again. It's been a humbling and humiliating experience and one that we intend never to repeat. One change we have become adamant about is establishing a healthy emergency fund. To that end, we have a budget including the rent amount described above which will enable us to save 20% of our monthly income in a liquid savings account. You will notice that prior to 2006, both of our credit histories were quite good and solid. Recent events are not a true reflection of our overall financial habits and responsibilities.
We have both secured stable, well paying, professional positions. I've been with ABC Organization since September 2006 and my husband was hired at XYZ Organization in October 2007. Both of our positions are professional, steady, and secure. In fact, I was recently promoted to a managerial position in Specific Department after only one and a half years with the organization.
Please let us know if there are any other efforts we can make to assure you that despite what you see on paper, the people who want to live in the home are responsible, reliable, and serious about this commitment.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and consider us as tenants. We anxiously await your decision.
Sincerely Yours,
The XXXX Family, K, L and M.
I wrote a cover letter to add to the rental app. What do you think? Identifying details have been omitted.
Dear Prospective Landlord,
My husband and I are very interested in your rental property at 123 Main St in Anywhere, USA. While I suspect that after you read our credit history, it would be tempting to immediately toss our rental application into the "circular file," I ask that you please allow me to explain our situation more fully before you make your final decision.
In an effort to offset some of the negatives you will see on the credit report, we are offering to provide a bank check equivalent to 3 month’s rent as a security deposit and first month’s rent for a total of $3,300. We will provide a certified bank check for the indicated amount at the time of lease signing. Although we understand the condo is not scheduled to be ready until May 15th, we are offering to pay one full month’s rent as a gesture of good faith. If you prefer money orders or bank certified checks as rent checks each month, we are happy to comply. Additionally, we are willing to pay more than your asking price for a total monthly rent of $1,100 per month. Finally, if you feel it is necessary for your comfort level, we can arrange for a relative with excellent credit history to co-sign a lease with us. We will provide copies of recent pay-stubs to demonstrate proof of income if desired. Our combined annual gross income is more than $90,000. If you desire any additional information, we will happily comply.
We recently filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and agreed to surrender our home in the process. We declared Chapter 7 as a result of unexpected and extended unemployment and underemployment, which began in the fall of 2005. While we made all efforts to avoid Chapter 7, it became clear that we needed to file for bankruptcy. It was a difficult decision, but we needed to do what was necessary to provide the best future for our family that we could and become stable contributing members to the economy again. It's been a humbling and humiliating experience and one that we intend never to repeat. One change we have become adamant about is establishing a healthy emergency fund. To that end, we have a budget including the rent amount described above which will enable us to save 20% of our monthly income in a liquid savings account. You will notice that prior to 2006, both of our credit histories were quite good and solid. Recent events are not a true reflection of our overall financial habits and responsibilities.
We have both secured stable, well paying, professional positions. I've been with ABC Organization since September 2006 and my husband was hired at XYZ Organization in October 2007. Both of our positions are professional, steady, and secure. In fact, I was recently promoted to a managerial position in Specific Department after only one and a half years with the organization.
Please let us know if there are any other efforts we can make to assure you that despite what you see on paper, the people who want to live in the home are responsible, reliable, and serious about this commitment.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and consider us as tenants. We anxiously await your decision.
Sincerely Yours,
The XXXX Family, K, L and M.
341: 05/15/08 
Discharge: 07/15/08 
Excellent business letter and professional tone, I think.
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