The Top 4 Reasons For Landlord-Tenant Disputes
The Top 4 Reasons For Landlord-Tenant Disputes
After locating the right property which suits their requirements, very few tenants take into consideration the tenant-landlord relationship which is the main cause of many landlord-tenant disputes. The initial transaction between the tenant and the landlord paves way for several harmonious tenant landlord relationships or a tumultuous one. Many tenants fall into the category of tumultuous relationships. Some issues can even proceed to lawsuits.
It is necessary to learn about the most common reasons for the tenant landlord problems so that you can avoid them. Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, some of the most common causes of the landlord tenant disputes include the following:
1. Security Deposit Disputes
The security deposit is among the most common causes of the disputes. In most cases, the tenant will debit the security deposit for the damages caused on their property. The tenants on the other hand will argue the property was already damaged before they moved in. To avoid the problem which can lead to lawsuits, it is necessary for the landlord to provide tenants with check in sheet which should cover all details about the property. The tenants should then fill the check in sheet with all details in regard to the condition of the property before they return to the landlords within seven days. The process is necessary because it will provide the baseline for the tenant and the landlord to know the condition of the property at the start of the contract.
Sometimes the landlord will provide the check in sheets with other documents and the tenants end up failing to return them. The loss of records can be the main reason why you will argue with the landlord about the condition of the property. It is necessary to take photos prior to the leasing so that the condition of the property can be well known prior to the occupation. The landlord should provide notice of any deductions from the security deposit. They should as well return the rest of the security deposit to the tenants within the next 21 days. Tenants are supposed to provide their new addresses to the former landlords so that they can send the remaining security deposit amount.
2. Late Rent
The rental agreements always indicate the due date for the rent payment. Sometimes tenants end up staying and fail to pay on time. Others will wish to negotiate a new payment plan each time they face financial flow challenges. It becomes very challenging for landlords because it may indicate a tenant who is not willing to pay but he is trying to push time before he can vacant without paying. On the other hand, it may be a good tenant who has faced a challenge in receiving salary on time in a given month. If a landlord decides to agree on a custom payment plan, they should put things in writing so that they can evict the tenant if he fails to honor the agreement. You can contact a lawyer who will help you prepare an eviction notice if you have an issue concerning the preparation of an eviction note.
3. Belongings Left Behind
Some tenants move out of rented property while leaving belongings behind. The landlords are left guessing in what they can do with the left property. They are not sure whether the tenants have left them as garbage or they will return to collect
them. Landlords should inform the tenants about what will happen to the belongings left in the property. If the tenant leaves his property without notice, the landlord can take photos and serve a notice to the tenant about possible disposal of the property within 30 days. The landlord can charge the tenant for the moving
costs of the property before they are disposed.
4. Problems With The Property
The property can develop different complications. For example, the windows can break, pipes start leaking, and water heaters can fail among other issues. When the emergency issues happen, the landlords should respond fast to avoid major inconveniences to the tenants. At the outset of the lease, the landlord should provide details of person who will collect rent and those who will respond to emergency maintenance. If serious damages occur to the property, the tenant can discuss with the landlord on how to hire city inspectors and contractors who can fix the problem. They should agree about the costs among other issues to allow smooth flow of the maintenance.