Landlord Tenant Disputes – Tips On How To Resolve Them

Being a landlord, at one time, you are very likely to face a dispute with your tenant. While you both have rights, it is better to try and resolve the dispute before lengthy and unnecessary outside or court involvement. It’s also a good idea to outline what steps you will take to resolve any disputes in your rental agreement.

Here are tips on how to prevent or reduce disputes that you may face as a property manager:

1. Make the lease very clear
Most misunderstandings begin from how each party interprets the lease. As a landlord, you must be as specific as possible while listing rules and responsibilities in the lease. Then, it’s up to the tenants to adhere to the rules. A well written, clearly defined lease will ensure that all possible contingencies will be addressed, and a solution made clear.

2. Understand the law
As a landlord, you must make yourself very familiar with the housing laws. Landlord – tenant laws are constantly evolving, and it is important that you stay up to date with the changes. This will help you avoid problems and make you a more informed landlord.

3. Communicate with the tenant
Many issues can be solved with a face to face discussion with the tenant. This is more effective than an email or a phone call. Working out the problem with an honest discussion is always the cheapest and easiest solution in the long run.

4. Document everything
Keep a file of all the interactions with the tenant. A paper trail is your best defense. Photographs with a time stamp will be very valuable when trying to sort out disputes. Keeping a copy of all the notices sent, emails and other relevant documents will make your case stronger should the need for third party intervention arise.

5. Hire a professional mediator
If you have tried to reason with the tenant, but still face an impasse on the issue, it is better to get some professional help to resolve the issue. Property-dispute mediators are trained to deal with landlord-tenant conflicts and have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the housing laws. Unreasonable tenants often abide by a mediator, especially if he/she is mutually agreed upon. Remember that mediators have no power to impose a decision.

6. Submit to arbitration
Arbitration is binding. In an arbitration hearing, the arbitrator hears both sides of the dispute and makes a decision based on the facts received. If you have any doubt in the legitimacy of your claim, this would not be advisable. Instead, accept the problem and try to negotiate a mutually beneficial solution.

Our qualified professionals are proven and prepared to help you successfully manage your rental business. So, if you need a company to manage your rental property, contact us. We offer property management services in North Vancouver, West Vancouver and property management services in Vancouver.