While most landlord-tenant arrangements work well, without any major issues on either end, sometimes problems can occur.
Understanding the likely causes of problems allows both parties to act to reduce the chance it happens to them. Here are two to consider:
1. People are unclear about their expectations
You probably shouldn’t tell everyone what you’re thinking all the time. Yet, when it comes to a contract, it is best to make your thoughts clear to the other party before you commit.
Maybe you’re a prospective tenant with a strong wish to grow vegetables in a backyard garden, for example. Bringing it up before you sign the lease is best. If you find your landlord is opposed to you digging in the yard, you may be better off looking for somewhere else. It is better to discover that now than to take the place without mentioning it to the landlord and then have to remove your boxes because the landlord does not like them.
2. Landlords make unfair exceptions to the rules
When you took the property, the landlord made it perfectly clear that they do not allow pets. Sometime later, you notice that one resident has bought a cute puppy for their child. You know the landlord knows about it because the child took the puppy to show them. When you investigate, you discover that the child is the landlord’s godchild. You’d be right in feeling that does not make it OK when your contract prevents you from having one.
A successful lease requires the commitment of both parties. If you fear the other side is failing to meet its obligations, consider legal help to examine your options.
