MEDIATION FOR LANDLORD - TENANT DISPUTES
EFFECTIVE – LOW COST – FAST RESOLUTION
There are over forty-five million renters in the United States. With this number of renters (tenants) there are going to be disputes between tenants and landlords.
Conflicts between landlord tenants may include the following:
Tenant
- Disputes about rent payments, security deposits
- Threat of eviction
- Repairs going unaddressed
- Breach of lease agreement terms
Landlord
- Rent payment missed or late
- Communication problems
- Disruptive behavior
- Pet issues
- Damage
It is always best to communicate and try to solve issues between landlord and tenant yourselves. If you have an issue and you negotiate a solution, we suggest creating a document confirming your agreement and have both landlord and tenant sign it.
There are times when communication brakes down and a solution cannot be reached between the landlord and tenant. This often leads to a party filing a petition in St. Lous City or County housing court for resolution. While this is an option, a party may want to consider the implications of going to court. First it takes time, it can be months for your case to be heard while your issue continues. An adverse decision for a tenant, such as a default or consent judgment, can lead to eviction and can damage credit history and affect rental applications. On the other hand, a judgment in favor of a landlord does not resolve habitually late payments or general communication challenges.
Mediation Is a Better Solution To Solve Landlord - Tenant Conflicts
Mediations are private, confidential meetings between parties involved in a dispute, with an unbiased mediator who assists them working through differences to find an effective solution that all parties accept.
- Mediation can help tenants in avoiding eviction, develop a reasonable move out plan or develop an agreement to have other problems resolved.
- Mediation can find effective solutions with landlords experiencing problems with their tenants. Mediation will save A landlord’s time, money, and headache instead of going through the hassle of court.
Should you not reach an agreement through mediation, you can use the courts. The judge’s decision will not be influenced by what took place in mediation, as everything discussed in mediation is protected by the rules of confidentiality.
If you are considering filing or have filed a housing case or have been named as a plaintiff in A St. Louis area court, we encourage you to contact Metropolitan Mediation Services LLC to discuss your options. All consultations are free and confidential. If parties agree to mediation, you will find fees are very reasonable
Below is a link to a publication from Legal Services Of Eastern Missouri: You and Your Landlord – A St. Louis Area Guide To Tenant Responsibilities And Rights. It is a great resource for a landlord or tenant.
http://www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com/CircuitClerk/LandlordTenantHandbook.pdf
Asbestos is a dangerous mineral that was extensively used in house construction up until several decades ago and unfortunately is still present in some rental properties in the St. Louis area. We have provided an: Asbestos and Homeowners Guide in the link below which is about what landlords and tenants need to know about asbestos and the removal process. Suggested reading if you are living in or own an older home or apartment.
www.lanierlawfirm.com/mesothelioma/asbestos-exposure/homeowners/
Indoor air pollutants can cause health problems ranging from allergies to asthma, and many pollutants are hard to detect. Fortunately, you can take several steps to eliminate sources of indoor air pollution or reduce their effects. We have provided a link to Indoor Air Quality. This information can be useful for both landlord and tenant, especially with a move in.
Indoor Air Quality | Common Pollutants & Tips for Safer Spaces (consumernotice.org)
