A character reference is a letter from someone who knows a person well and can vouch for their honesty, reliability and personality. Answer a few questions and the builder writes it for you, for a job, a tenancy or court, from the real examples you give. Free, with nothing to sign up for.
An employment reference comes from an employer and confirms job titles, dates and often performance. A character reference describes the kind of person someone is: honesty, reliability, kindness, work ethic. Anyone who knows them well can write one: a teacher, a volunteer leader, a former colleague writing personally, a landlord or a neighbour.
Employers often accept a character reference when someone has little work history, such as school leavers, graduates, people returning to work or career changers. Most organisations don't accept references from close relatives.
What to include
Your name, your job or role, and how to contact you.
How you know the person and for how long.
Their qualities, each shown with a real example.
Why they suit the job, the tenancy or the situation.
A clear recommendation, an offer to be contacted, your signature and the date.
Character references for court
A character reference for court is usually read before sentencing. There is no official template, but solicitors agree on the rules. Show that you know about the offence, because a reference carries far more weight if the writer knows what the person has admitted or been found guilty of. Never dispute the verdict, criticise anyone else or suggest a sentence. Focus on the person's character, what you have seen them do since, and their responsibilities.
Address it "Dear Sir or Madam" unless the solicitor tells you otherwise, keep it to one page, sign and date it, and send it to the person's solicitor rather than the court. Never write anything you know to be untrue: misleading a court is a serious matter.
Character reference examples
Character reference for a job
From an employer who has seen the person's work first-hand.
21 October 2026
Dear Sir or Madam,
Character reference for James Carter
My name is Margaret Holloway, Manager, Hilltop Garden Centre. I have known James Carter for 6 years, as one of my full-time staff.
I am writing to recommend James for the role of Team Leader at Northgate Energy.
In that time I have found James to be reliable, honest and good with people.
He opens the centre three mornings a week and is trusted with the keys and the day's takings. When we take on new staff, he is the person I ask to train them.
I recommend James without hesitation. I am happy to be contacted on 07700 900123 if anything in this letter needs confirming.
Yours faithfully,
Margaret Holloway Manager, Hilltop Garden Centre
Character reference for a tenancy
From a former landlord.
21 October 2026
Dear Sir or Madam,
Character reference for James Carter
My name is David Price, Landlord. I have known James Carter for 3 years, as my tenant from 2022 to 2025.
I understand that James is applying to rent a flat through Castle Lettings, and I am happy to give a character reference.
In that time I have found James to be responsible and respectful.
James paid his rent on time every month, reported repairs promptly and left the flat in excellent condition.
I am confident James would be a reliable and considerate tenant. I am happy to be contacted on 07700 900123 if anything in this letter needs confirming.
Yours faithfully,
David Price Landlord
Character reference for court
For someone who has pleaded guilty, read before sentencing.
21 October 2026
Dear Sir or Madam,
Character reference for James Carter
My name is Margaret Holloway, Manager, Hilltop Garden Centre. I have known James Carter for 6 years, as one of my full-time staff.
I know that James Carter has pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, and I am writing this letter knowing that it will be read by the court.
In that time I have found James to be reliable, honest and good with people.
He opens the centre three mornings a week and is trusted with the keys and the day's takings. When we take on new staff, he is the person I ask to train them.
James told me about this himself, before his court date was set, and arranged insurance for his car the same week.
In my experience, this offence is out of character, and I hope the court will take this letter into account. I am happy to be contacted on 07700 900123 if anything in this letter needs confirming.
Yours faithfully,
Margaret Holloway Manager, Hilltop Garden Centre
Questions people ask
Who can write a character reference?
Someone who knows the person well, ideally for at least two years, and whose role gives their opinion weight: a teacher, employer, volunteer leader, landlord or community figure. Most organisations don't accept close relatives.
How long should a character reference be?
One page. A few short paragraphs with specific examples are worth more than a long list of compliments.
Who do I address a character reference for court to?
"Dear Sir or Madam" is the safe choice, unless the person's solicitor asks for something else. Send it to the solicitor, not the court.
Can a character reference say the person is innocent?
No. A reference for court is usually read before sentencing, after guilt is decided. It should show you know about the offence and focus on the person's character, never argue with the verdict.
More letters for work
Resignation letter: Notice to leave, with your last working day worked out.
Retirement letter: Formal notice that you're retiring, with your last day worked out.
Job offer letters: Accept, decline or ask for more, with your resign-by date.
Reference letters: Ask someone to be your referee, or write a reference.