What Are the Do's and Don'ts of Co-Op Reference Letters?
Looking for some examples? Download our customizable templates HERE to get started.
DO TREAT IT AS A PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENT.
Formatting and tone are important in a reference letter, so if any part of it reads less-than-professional, it’s best to ask your colleague or friend to amend it. A safe general standard to follow is: if you wouldn’t send it to your boss, you shouldn’t send it to a co-op board. Take the time to format it and ask your source to write it on letterhead, especially if they’re a colleague.
DON’T USE FAMILY MEMBERS AS REFERENCES.
In most cases, including a family member as a reference doesn’t pass the test; the potential for bias and conflicting interests are just too strong. For this reason, most co-op boards won’t accept reference letters from family members.
DO SELECT OTHER CO-OP MEMBERS AND APARTMENT OWNERS.
Whenever possible, choose a reference who owns an apartment themselves, particularly if they also live in a co-op building. Their experience with the application process and living in a co-op will have taught them what should be said in the letter, and they can speak to how you will handle the duties expected of a co-op shareholder.
DON’T CHOOSE NEW ACQUAINTANCES OVER LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS.
While current coworkers and business associates are the strongest references, choosing people who have known you for at least a few years gives the Board a better picture of your life and speaks to your personal stability—exactly the information they’re after. If you’ve worked with your current professional community for less than a year, it’s appropriate to instead contact your former boss or colleagues who have known you longer.
DO REMEMBER IT’S A REFERENCE AND NOT A RAVE.
The best letters of reference are positive without being particularly memorable. Whether from a professional or personal source, the main themes to highlight are your reliability, respectfulness, and positive influence on your community.
DON’T GET TOO PERSONAL.
Love to cook? Play an instrument? Host family and friends for holidays? While all these attributes are personally positive, each could be used as a reason to reject your application (cooking can be smelly, instruments and visiting family can be noisy). An anecdotal example of respectful or reliable behavior is ideal, but don’t allow references to give the Board specific hobbies or personal effects to include in their judgement.
Related Articles
What Are the Differences Between a Co-Op and a Condo?
Key Takeaways CO-OP Stricter subletting rules disincentivize the use of the property for investment purposes Higher monthly maintenance fees since the buildings outstanding mortgage and property taxes are included Subject to a flip tax The board ...What Are the Steps to Closing On a NYC Apartment After an Offer is Accepted?
1. REVIEW CONTRACT & DUE DILIGENCE MATERIALS After your offer is accepted, your attorney will review the contract sent by the seller’s attorney. Next, they will evaluate any due diligence materials for the building and unit including Board meeting ...What is the New York State Mansion Tax?
WHAT IS THE MANSION TAX? The New York State Mansion Tax is a transfer tax for residential property purchases in excess of $1 million. Applicable to any property that may be used in whole or in part as a personal residence, this includes condos, ...What is a NYS Disclosure Form for Buyer and Seller?
There are two types of Agency disclosure forms in New York, one addressing the agent’s fiduciary relationship to the Landlord and Tenant in a rental transaction, and another for their relationship to a Buyer and Seller in sales transactions. Each ...What Are the Steps to Buying Your First Home?
1. DEFINE YOUR CRITERIA Everyone values different aspects of a home, so it’s important to be clear on what your specific must-have characteristics and amenities are. Is location of the utmost importance, or would you move farther for a space you ...