Rental disputes are legal quarrels between a landlord and a renter. While being a landlord can be rewarding in and of itself, the relationship between a tenant and a landlord can become problematic in various ways. A landlord-tenant conflict is generally addressed informally between the two parties. However, there are situations when a third person should listen to both parties and offer a solution.
Below we’ll discuss what causes rental issues, how to avoid them, and where to seek assistance.
• Property damage
It is the landlord’s job to perform the required repairs to a property to keep it in good condition. If they do not cover this duty, renters may withhold rent, resulting in a disagreement. Alternatively, the renter may seek reimbursement for having it repaired by themselves, which may result in a court lawsuit.
On the other hand, tenants must take care of the property while living there. When renters wish to hammer nails into the walls for picture frames, paintings, and other purposes, this might be a problem. From the landlord’s perspective, this might be deemed property damage. Therefore it’s critical to negotiate adjustments like nailing walls and adding shelves to avoid a conflict.
• Late rent payments
Tenants withhold rent for a variety of reasons. As previously stated, this might involve a landlord failing to make necessary repairs to the property. This rationale applies to any tasks that a landlord fails to fulfill. Late rent payments frequently result in the landlord deducting funds from the tenant’s security deposit. Again, a dispute ensues if the renter feels the price is unjustified.
• Lease violation
It occurs when a renter ultimately vacates before the end of their agreed-upon lease period or stops making rent payments; this is true for both business and residential leasing agreements.
Also Read: A Guide To Renting Your Properties Effectively & Quickly
How to avoid rental disputes with your landlord
The most optimal method to handle landlord-tenant conflicts is to avoid them entirely. There may be times when an argument is unavoidable, but these are usually best resolved outside court.
Renters, for example, should thoroughly read their lease agreement and be aware of their rights and obligations as tenants. If an issue emerges, it is preferable to speak with the other side as soon as possible and to be honest. It is also a good idea to save physical copies of any notes and correspondence on the situation.
How to Resolve a Landlord-Tenant Conflict Without Going to Court
Of course, not all disagreements can be handled simply by speaking with your landlord. Avoiding going to court is typically the best and least expensive alternative. One alternative is to hire a third-party mediator to assist in establishing a non-binding agreement between the two parties that can help ease cooperation.
Key Takeaway
It is essential to know about what could cause a potential Rental dispute and to prevent it from ever happening in the first place. If the dispute cannot be resolved and the court is involved, its consequences are not beneficial to either party and only lead to wasted time and money.
Also Read: 6 Things You Need To Know Before You Become A Landlord
