The relationship between a property owner and their tenant is important. Not only does a good landlord-tenant relationship ensure an amicable partnership for the long run, but it can also help secure your investment and save you from potentially significant economic hardships. However, disputes can arise and it’s important to know what to do to avoid further adversity. Discover how to resolve landlord-tenant disputes with our expert tips and secure a strong relationship with your tenants for the future.
Proactive Communication
Of course, the absence of conflict is the most ideal scenario, and there are proactive steps you can take as a landlord to mitigate or avoid conflicts with your tenants. Here are some of the ways you can avoid conflict altogether through open and clear communication:
Emphasize the Importance of Communication
Clear communication from the outset is crucial for good landlord-tenant relationships to establish trust and avoid conflict. Let your tenants know you’ll always be open when it comes to communication.
Set Expectations and Policies in Writing
Ensure your tenants and yourself both understand the terms outlined in the lease agreement. Encourage your tenants to ask questions and seek clarification should they find any clause ambiguous.
Check-in and Address Concerns Regularly
Schedule regular check-ins with your tenants to ensure their needs are being met and that no outstanding repairs are needed. This might also include establishing a process for reporting and addressing maintenance issues.
These preventative measures should help ensure a prosperous relationship between you and your tenants. Another preventative measure involves choosing the right tenant for your property, which if done well, can ensure an amicable relationship for years to come. However, conflicts can always arise, and you’ll need to be prepared and know how to resolve landlord-tenant disputes promptly and properly.
Conflict Resolution Techniques
Resolving a landlord-tenant dispute can be challenging, and it’s often in the best interest of both parties to find an amicable solution without resorting to legal action. Here are some key steps to take to resolve landlord-tenant disputes:
Open the Lines of Communication
Initiate a conversation with your tenant to understand their concerns or grievances. Communicate your positions and try to find some common ground.
Review the Lease Agreement
Take a good look at the lease agreement, highlight any specific clauses related to the dispute, and use this information to guide further discussions.
Notify Tenants in Writing
If the dispute is related to an issue such as non-payment, or property damage, provide written notice outlining the problem and the necessary steps for resolution. Keep a copy of anything written for your records.
Document Everything
Try to keep a detailed record of all communications with your tenant, including emails and text messages. Document dates and any actions taken to address the issue.
Seek Mediation
You may suggest mediation as a potential way to resolve the issue amicably. A neutral third party can assist both parties in finding a mutually acceptable resolution.
Should these steps fail to resolve the dispute, it’s crucial to consider the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) in Alberta as your initial course of action before preparing for court proceedings. The RTDRS provides a legal and authoritative alternative to court, designed to streamline the resolution process for tenancy disputes with professionalism and compliance with the law. This approach aims to facilitate a fair outcome without the need for traditional court proceedings, making it the recommended first step for landlords in Alberta, with the Court of Queen’s Bench as the last resort. Preparing for an RTDRS hearing involves gathering relevant evidence and empathetically considering the tenant’s perspective.
For more information on how to utilize the RTDRS, including filing a claim, visit the official Alberta government website at https://www.alberta.ca/residential-tenancy-dispute-resolution-service. This resource ensures landlords are well-equipped to navigate the dispute resolution process effectively.
GIL can provide further assistance when it comes to resources on how to resolve landlord-tenant disputes. Contact us today or request a free property management consultation and discover how we can help you maintain strong and prosperous relationships!
