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DUI Explanation Letter for Rental Application / Tenant Screening Template
Professionally explain a past DUI on a rental application or tenant screening report while emphasizing responsibility, stability, and low risk as a tenant.
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DUI Explanation Letter for Rental Application / Tenant Screening Template
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DUI Explanation Letter for Rental Application / Tenant Screening Template
[Your Full Name]
[Your Current Street Address]
[City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Landlord / Property Management Company Name]
Attn: [Landlord’s Name / Leasing Office / Property Manager’s Name]
[Property or Office Street Address]
[City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code]
1. Introduction and Rental Application Reference
Re: DUI Explanation Letter – Rental Application for [Property Address or Name of Community]
Dear [Landlord’s Name] / Dear [Property Manager’s Name] / To Whom It May Concern,
My name is [Your Full Name], and I recently submitted a rental application for [Property Address or Name of Community]. I understand that my background check may show a prior DUI [charge/conviction], and I am writing to provide a brief explanation, accept responsibility, and reassure you about my reliability as a tenant.
2. Brief Description of the DUI Incident
On [Date of DUI Incident] in [City, State/Province], I was arrested for driving under the influence. At that time, I made the serious mistake of driving after consuming alcohol/[alcohol and other substances]. I recognize that this decision was dangerous and could have harmed myself or others.
The case resulted in [Outcome, e.g., “a DUI conviction on [Date],” “a plea to [offense],” “completion of a diversion program,” “probation until [Date]”], and I completed the legal process associated with it.
3. Acceptance of Responsibility and Steps Taken
I take full responsibility for my actions and do not blame anyone else for what happened. Since the incident, I have taken concrete steps to ensure that it does not happen again, including:
Completion of [DUI education classes / alcohol awareness program / counseling or treatment] on [Date].
Compliance with all court, probation, and DMV requirements, including [fines, community service, license restrictions, or ignition interlock, if applicable].
Adoption of personal rules such as [“never driving after consuming any alcohol,” “using taxis or rideshare services,” “planning transportation in advance when social events involve alcohol”].
This experience has been a wake-up call for me and has led to lasting changes in my behavior and decision-making.
4. Rental History, Stability, and Ability to Pay
Aside from this DUI incident, I have worked to maintain stability in my housing and finances. My current situation includes:
Employment: I am employed as [Job Title] at [Employer Name] in [City], and I have worked there since [Month/Year]. My approximate monthly income is [Amount].
Rental history: Over the past [number] years, I have lived at [Previous Address(es)] and have [paid rent on time / had no evictions / maintained good relationships with landlords and neighbors].
References: [Optional: “I can provide positive references from previous landlords and my employer, if needed.”]
My priority as a tenant is to pay rent in full and on time, keep the property in good condition, and follow all community rules and lease terms.
5. Reassurance Regarding Conduct as a Tenant and Neighbor
The DUI incident was related to a single period of poor judgment and does not reflect how I behave in my home or as part of a community. As a tenant and neighbor, I:
Respect quiet hours and property rules.
Keep my living space clean and in good order.
Avoid behavior that would disturb neighbors or cause problems on the property.
I understand that you must consider safety and reliability when choosing tenants. My goal with this letter is to show that, despite my past mistake, I am a responsible and stable renter.
6. Closing and Appreciation
I appreciate the opportunity to provide context about this part of my background. I understand that a DUI is a serious matter, and I have worked hard to learn from it and move forward in a responsible way.
Thank you for taking the time to review my application and this explanation. I hope you will consider my overall history, current stability, and commitment to being a respectful, reliable tenant at [Property Address or Name of Community].
Respectfully,
[Your Signature, if printed]
[Your Full Name]
[Date]
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DUI Explanation Letter for Rental Application / Tenant Screening Template
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For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
Click below for detailed info on the template.
For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
DUI EXPLANATION LETTER FOR RENTAL APPLICATION / TENANT SCREENING TEMPLATE FAQ
What is a DUI explanation letter for a rental application or tenant screening?
A DUI explanation letter for a rental application or tenant screening is a written statement that addresses a past DUI arrest or conviction when it appears on a background check. It briefly explains what happened, shows that you understand the seriousness of the incident, and highlights the steps you have taken since then to be responsible and stable in your daily life, including as a tenant.
Why might a landlord or property manager ask about my DUI?
Landlords and property managers may ask about a DUI when they run background checks to evaluate risk, responsibility, and overall reliability. While a DUI is not directly related to paying rent or caring for a property, it can raise questions about judgment and stability. A clear DUI explanation letter helps them understand the context and see you as a whole person, not just a record entry.
How do I explain a DUI to a landlord in writing?
To explain a DUI to a landlord in writing, briefly state when and where it happened, acknowledge that driving under the influence is serious, and clearly accept responsibility. Then describe the legal outcome, the steps you have taken since the incident (such as classes, counseling, or behavior changes), and how you have maintained stability in housing, work, and finances. Keep the tone honest, concise, and focused on why you are a reliable, low-risk tenant.
What should I include in a DUI explanation letter for tenant screening?
A helpful DUI explanation letter for tenant screening usually includes: the date and location of the DUI, the basic outcome of the case, a short acceptance of responsibility, any steps you have taken to change (education, treatment, safe driving rules), and a summary of your rental history, employment, and ability to pay rent on time. You can also mention positive references and reassure the landlord that the DUI does not affect your behavior as a neighbor or tenant.
Will a DUI automatically disqualify me from renting an apartment or house?
A DUI does not automatically disqualify every renter. Many landlords look at the age and circumstances of the incident, whether it is part of a pattern, your current income and credit, your rental history, and how you explain the DUI. A sincere, well-structured explanation letter can show that you have learned from the experience and that you are a responsible tenant who pays rent and respects property rules.
Can AI Lawyer help me write my DUI explanation letter for a rental application?
Yes. AI Lawyer can help you organize your information and draft a clear DUI explanation letter by suggesting wording, structure, and flow. You provide the real facts about your DUI, your rental and work history, and the steps you have taken since the incident, and AI Lawyer helps turn them into a polished letter you can share with landlords or property managers. For specific questions about your legal rights or local housing rules, you should consult a licensed attorney or housing advisor.
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