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]