Tips for Handling Tenant/Landlord Disputes

Whilst disputes with tenants don’t occur frequently, there is always a risk that a matter will arise from time to time. Such arguments can be tiring for both parties and risk the good relationship with your tenants and, therefore, the security that they might extend their tenancy.

However, if you know how to handle disagreements and are well-prepared from the start, disputes can often be settled amicably and without confusion.

Here are some tips for ensuring you and your tenants get back on the same page.

Prevent Disputes from Arising

The best way to handle disputes is to ensure they don’t arise in the first place. Whilst you can’t control all eventualities, you can put measures in place so that both parties are satisfied from the start.

Some of the things that help to prevent disputes are:

Keep on top of changes in housing laws. Complying with amendments makes you a better landlord!
Perform inspections at regular intervals and use these opportunities to check in with tenants. Giving them the chance to voice and concerns to catch problems before they become a dispute.

Stay Calm and Positive

It’s easy for disputes to stress out both parties, but it’s important not to slip up and let the frustration show. Issues with the property are rarely ever a personal matter.

You can get lucky or unlucky with independent contractors. So, whenever you find a professional, you trust to do a good job, ensure you keep their contact details. You can also ask real estate professionals or other landlords for recommendations.

Stick to business, and remember that your tenants are simply trying to clear up a concern that might make them uncomfortable or diminish their experience in the property. Try to resolve problems in a friendly and empathetic manner.

Even if your tenant might not stay calm, make sure to maintain your composure.

Meet up to Speak in Person

As an extension of our previous point, consider meeting your tenants at the property to discuss the next steps. It’s easy to misread the tone in an email or miss out on essential details. By coming for a visit, you can talk to the tenants face-to-face and show you’re dedicated to finding a solution. You can also look at any issues in the property that they brought to your attention and document changes. If they’re uncomfortable having you around, a local coffee shop is a good place for a neutral and relaxed meet-up to talk it out.

Keep Records

Keeping records is perhaps the most important thing when resolving disputes quickly and calmly. On the one hand, this means a comprehensive tenancy agreement detailing how each nature issue will be resolved.

On the other hand, it means putting any misgivings you have into writing early so that if a third-party mediator or the court gets involved, you have written proof on your side.

The perhaps most important record for several disputes is the inventory. A good inventory report shows the condition of the house and furnishings when the tenancy started and can provide proof if a tenant damaged items during the tenancy. This protects you from claims that something was in poor condition from the start and helps resolve deposit disputes swiftly.

If you’re unsure about how to create a detailed inventory report, use free inventory report software like Report2Go to guide you through the process. Our app allows you to take pictures and note observations in an organized template.

Be prepared to handle tenant/landlord disputes effectively with our free inventory service. Check out our site today to learn more.

Gary, 14 October 2022

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