Millions of Americans live in rented premises. Despite the mutually beneficial relationship between landlords and their tenants, disagreements arise for all kinds of reasons.
It is not uncommon for landlord-tenant disagreements to result in legal tussles. If they do, it is important to understand the legal implications of such disputes as well as your limits.
Here are common causes of landlord-tenant disputes.
Late or Non-payment of rent
Late or delayed rent is one of the major causes of landlord-tenant disputes. Pretty much every rental contract comes with provisions on the rent amount, when it should be paid, how it should be paid and what happens if the tenant does not follow through with their rent payment. When this happens, the landlord may have sufficient grounds for eviction. And this can potentially result in a dispute, especially if the two parties cannot agree on a payment plan.
Issues with the security deposit
Disputes relating to security deposits are quite common. Most often, the landlord may decide to debit the security deposit for damages incurred while the tenant was occupying the property, and the tenant can vigorously protest this. To avoid these disputes, landlords should provide the tenant with a checklist of the condition of the property at the onset of the tenancy.
Property maintenance
Heaters fail, wall paint fades too. Due to wear and tear, damages are bound to happen. When they do, it is important to understand the damages that are the responsibility of the landlord and those that are the responsibility of the tenant. Damages occasioned by wear and tear should be addressed by the landlord whereas those that are the result of the tenant’s misuse of the property should be taken care of by the tenant.
Disputes involving landlords and tenants are inevitable. If you are caught up in a tenancy dispute, it is important that you understand your responsibilities and legal options.
