As the tenant of a lease, you may encounter a disagreement with your landlord. Unfortunately, due to the inherently complex nature of leases, you may be unsure how to proceed. The following blog explores some of the most common reasons a landlord-tenant dispute may arise and what you can do to remedy the issue. However, you’ll also learn when you should let a Montgomery County, PA tenant lease transactions attorney help you take further legal action.
What are common causes of a landlord-tenant dispute?
Due to the complex nature of leasing a residential or commercial property from another person, there are bound to be issues that arise.
One of the most common areas for a disagreement to arise comes with the maintenance of the property. Unfortunately, some tenants may find that their landlord does not adhere to their obligations despite listing them in the lease agreement. In some instances, a landlord may not fix a broken or worn fixture like doors or windows to the best of their ability, making it frustrating for the tenant. However, the real issue arises when the landlord fails to meet local and state housing codes, which is a violation of the implied warranty of habitability laws.
Another unfortunate issue that tenants may experience is discrimination at the hands of their landlords. Some landlords may outright refuse to rent to someone based on protected characteristics. If you believe your application for a rental location has been denied based on your race, religion, gender, or disability, you are likely experiencing discrimination.
What can I do to remedy the issue?
If you are a tenant looking to resolve an issue with your landlord, there are a few options you can explore. The first is to try to work out the dispute between the two of you through negotiation and calm conversations. This can help you avoid additional frustration and escalation.
Another option is to enlist the assistance of a mediator. This is a third-party entity that will facilitate conversation between you and your landlord to help you come to an agreement. A mediator cannot make decisions for you, but they provide a space for both parties to feel safe and heard.
What should I do if we cannot come to an agreement?
If you and your landlord cannot come to an agreement about your dispute, it may be time to take legal action. As your housing could be at risk, it’s essential to enlist the assistance of an experienced attorney to help you navigate the complexities and differences that can arise in a tenant-landlord relationship.
At Friedman Schuman, our dedicated team understands how intimidating disputes with your landlord can be since they control your housing situation. As such, it’s essential to enlist the assistance of an experienced attorney to help you navigate these challenging times. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.
