Co-op Letters of Recommendation
I’m applying to move into a co-op and I’m trying to get together the letters of recommendation. Is there anything specific that these letters should say? I’m telling people to talk about how they know me and that kind of thing. My former landlord is writing a letter too, so I think I have that…
I’m applying to move into a co-op and I’m trying to get together the letters of recommendation. Is there anything specific that these letters should say? I’m telling people to talk about how they know me and that kind of thing. My former landlord is writing a letter too, so I think I have that kind of financial stability going, but is there anything a coop looks for specifically? Thanks.
If you are renting, they don’t care if you are an asset – just that you won’t be a troublemaker. Really, they don’t want you to be involved – they’d rather you not be. It’s a totally different letter you want than for a buyer of a coop. They want you to pay your rent, not make complaints to the board or staff about anything, and not cause noise or any other problems emanating from your apartment that they’d have to deal with. Have your writers stress quiet, considerate, financially responsible. Even in a small building, they don’t want you to be involved – though if its a small, self-managed, brownstone-type building, they will like it if it is clear that you don’t mind doing your share of the mundane chores -like putting out the garbage, sweeping hallways, sweeping sidewalks of leaves, etc. You need to tailor the letters to the type of building and its circumstances.
I’ve been on a co-op board and also written letters for folks. I try to point out, when possible, that a person is mature, financially responsible, friendly, and will will be an asset to the building.
Appreciate the first two comments. As for condo vs. coop, I’m renting and I really don’t mind the application process, I’m just trying to get around using a broker. I think we can agree they’re more of a nuisance for rentals then the coop board could be.
I am not in love with coops
It is too restrictive.
It is like living away at school.
Just because it is a coop doesn’t guarantee you a better quality of life. .
Their politics annoy me to no end.
This is why it’s best to go condo–there’s lots of pre-war condos out there. Screw board approval.
I used to be on a co-op board. Agree with the above. On a small co-op, the board are looking for people who will be involved as usually they need everyone to contribute. Basically I expected to see a personal history (why is this person writing a letter) and their personal rec with some personal anecdotes. One funny letter was someone who wasn’t familar with co-ops recommending his friend as a great addition to our “co-operative society” We got a chuckle over that.
It is important for your recommendations to say that you are easy to get along with and not a trouble maker. Coops will appreciate that.