Legal Advice on Handling Disputes with Your Landlord
Disagreements between tenants and landlords arise for many reasons, ranging from rent increases to maintenance issues. Handling disputes with landlord is important for a healthy tenant-landlord relationship. In this blog, we will have a look at the keys to dispute resolution. Also, to prevent the escalation of landlord conflicts.
Steps to Amicably Handle Disputes
‘‘Disputes have been defined as expressed differences between two or more individuals and inter- dependent groups over real or perceived incompatible goals or resources.’’
Ayotunde Olawande ONI
There must be reasons why disputes arise; otherwise, there would be no issue. Sometimes, a resolution may be accomplished by simply opening one’s lines of communication, understanding, and compromising. Here are some steps you can take to resolve landlord conflicts before they spiral out of control:
- Open Communication
- Review Your Lease Agreement
- Keep Records
- Go for Mediation
- Contact a Tenant Advocacy Group
Now let’s discuss each point
Open Communication
- To Handle disputes with your landlord, first, communicate clearly and respectfully.
- Call your landlord and discuss the problem calmly.
- Explain to them how you feel and allow an opportunity to share what they think.
- Avoid words and tones of blame.
- Work together to find a mutually agreeable solution.
Review Your Lease Agreement
- Your rental contract is the foundation of your relationship with the landlord.
- If there’s a conflict, refer to the conditions of the lease.
- It might outline:
- who handles maintenance,
- how much warning to give before raising the rent,
- if pets are allowed.
- Knowing your rights and duties under the law plays a big part in resolving a conflict.
Keep Records
- Documentation is always key in any situation.
- Document all correspondence with your landlord through:
- emails
- text messages
- the progress of any disrepair request
- Such evidence may help if you must take your landlord to court..
- The more elaborate the record, the easier it will be for you to prove your case..
Go for Mediation
- If direct communication does not work, consider mediation.
- Mediation is a dispute resolution process where a neutral third-party assists both.
- Mediation can be an effective way of resolving landlord conflicts outside of court.
Contact a Tenant Advocacy Group
- If mediation fails or the landlord won’t cooperate, a tenant advocacy group is needed.
- Tenant advocacy groups exist to resolve tenant-landlord disputes.
- They provide legal advice and support.
- They can advise you of your rights.
- They can also help you with tough conflict solution processes.
Common Causes of Landlord-Tenant Disputes
According to a 2019 survey, more than half of residential landlords in the UK have experienced disputes with their tenants. Common issues include arrears, cleanliness, pets, subletting, and breakages. Handling disputes with landlord very often means understanding the root cause of the problem. Some common issues that face tenants include the following:
- Rent Increases
- Security Deposits
- Violations of Lease Terms
The main cause is ‘maintenance and repairs’.Unfixed maintenance can easily be another cause of conflicts. A leaky roof or broken home can be very annoying to live with.It may lead to disputes if your landlord is slow to fix the problem.
Dispute Resolution-Legal Remedies
While most issues can be resolved amicably, the law may need to intervene in some cases. The following are some legal steps you possibly may take in conflict:
Small Claims Court
If the landlord dispute involves money, such as a security deposit not returned, you can file a claim in court. The procedure allows recovery of your losses without necessarily hiring an attorney. Small claims courts address disputes under a particular limit. They are very ideal for handling tenant-landlord issues.
Submission of Complaint with Housing Authorities
The person sometimes has to file a formal complaint with local housing authorities.This is useful in conflicts between the landlord and unsafe, unfixable living conditions. Housing authorities can investigate and act upon faults.
Legal Advice
Legal advice is your last option if all dispute resolution processes have been followed. The conflict has reached a higher level where one needs to go to court. The presence of a lawyer dealing with tenant’s rights will be able to facilitate. They will develop a better understanding of options available in court if need be.
Conclusion
Handling disputes with landlord may appear difficult. However, most of the conflicts can be resolved if done in the right manner. Open communication, thorough understanding and knowledge are effective conflict solution.Applications of mutual respect and proactivity go a long way to make sure both parties are satisfied. Also,ultimately preventing future disputes.
If you are facing such disputes contact My Disrepair Claims to file a complaint.