Find common ground in disputes and resolve any issue
The majority of landlord-tenant disputes are resolved through direct communication between both parties, without the need for external intervention. However, simply discussing the issue may not always be effective or advisable, and some situations may escalate, requiring more formal steps.
While it might seem tempting to take the matter to court, this approach is often costly and can strain the relationship further, potentially leading to additional tenant disputes in the future. Both landlords and tenants are likely to face considerable fees, and the process can be time-consuming. Therefore, if you're a landlord facing difficulties, it’s important to explore alternative methods of tenant dispute resolution before opting for litigation.
At AST Assistance, our landlord assistant specialists have successfully helped hundreds of landlords and tenants reach amicable solutions. By providing informed legal guidance, we help both parties navigate landlord-tenant disputes, offering practical advice on the appropriate steps to take in order to achieve a fair and efficient resolution.
When dealing with a tenant dispute, landlords should consider all available options and take proactive steps to address the situation. This could involve seeking professional advice from legal experts such as AST Assistance. Contact us on 01706 619 954, send an email to info@ast-assistance.com or complete our online form to request a call back. We are here to help guide you through the process of how to handle landlord tenant disputes efficiently and effectively.
Our approach to landlord-tenant disputes
In sensitive situations, there needs to be a fair intermediary who can mediate landlords and tenants through any disputes they are involved in. Our team delivers a service that solves the dispute and guides landlords on the best possible actions to take. We will work tirelessly to resolve any dispute without needing to undergo court proceedings.
In fact, three out of four cases we tackle are resolved before the courts are involved. This has led to us rapidly building a reputation for giving landlords expert advice to put them in the best possible chance for resolving the dispute with a favourable outcome in mind.
Should your dispute reach the court, we will endeavour on your behalf, providing you with the advice and guidance you need to successfully resolve the dispute.
How we can help with landlord-tenant disputes
With our extensive knowledge of residential property law, we have successfully assisted numerous landlords in resolving a wide range of property disputes. Whether you are dealing with a dispute over rent arrears, service charges or the termination of a tenancy, our experienced team is here to provide you with the legal support you need to handle the situation efficiently and with as little stress as possible.
Our expertise covers a variety of common landlord-tenant disputes, including:
- Disputes over service charges
- Rent arrears and related financial disagreements
- Tenancy terminations, including forfeiture and possession
- Compliance with landlord legal obligations
- Issues surrounding property upkeep and property maintenance responsibilities
- Conflicts arising from tenancy agreements and lease terms
- Your legal rights as a landlord
This list is not exhaustive. If you are facing any property disputes with your tenant, we have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the situation objectively.
FAQs
When is a landlord not able to gain access to the property?
During a tenancy, it is unlawful for a landlord to access the property without the tenant’s explicit consent, as outlined in the tenancy agreement. However, landlords are permitted to access the property for reasonable purposes, such as conducting repairs, but must provide at least 24 hours’ notice beforehand.
How to handle landlord-tenant disputes?
If you're a landlord and you want to know how to settle landlord-tenant disputes without litigation, first attempt the following steps:
- Initiate discussion with the tenant – start by making contact with the tenant to attempt resolving the issue directly. Many landlord-tenant disputes can be resolved through open communication.
- Make reasonable efforts to communicate – if the tenant is unresponsive, you should still attempt to engage them. Keeping a record of your efforts to communicate is beneficial and can support your case if further dispute resolution steps are needed.
- Seek mediation – if attempts to communicate are unsuccessful, consider using a dispute resolution service. A mediator can provide legal guidance and help both parties reach an agreement without escalating the matter to the point of a court hearing. This process often helps landlords and tenants reach a fair outcome.
How to deal with an aggressive tenant?
If you are dealing with a tenant who is behaving aggressively, remain calm and avoid confrontation. Avoid being alone with them if you're concerned for your safety, make a record of all incidents and if necessary, seek legal advice on how to manage the situation. If the issue cannot be resolved through communication or mediation, legal action may be required to resolve the dispute.
How long does a tenant have to raise a dispute?
Tenants can typically raise a dispute at any point during the tenancy or shortly after its conclusion, depending on the nature of the disagreement. Most renters dispute resolution processes will consider disputes within a reasonable timeframe after the issue arises, although specific time limits may be outlined in the tenancy agreement.
How long does a landlord have to raise a dispute?
Landlords should take prompt action when disputes with tenants arise. While there is no fixed time limit for raising a landlord-tenant dispute in the UK, it’s generally advisable to address issues as soon as possible to avoid complications.
If direct discussions fail to resolve disputes, landlords can seek assistance from a tenancy dispute service. This step allows landlords to access professional mediation or legal support, which can help both parties reach an agreement. Waiting too long to raise a dispute could result in missed opportunities for negotiation or resolution, especially if the dispute concerns unpaid rent or property damage.
Get in touch
If you're experiencing issues with tenant-landlord disputes and want to give yourself the best chance of resolving them successfully, get in touch with the expert team at AST Assistance today. Call us on 01706 619 954, email info@ast-assistance.com, or fill in our online form to request a call back.
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