Legal Guides

Resolving Disputes

Resolving Tenancy Disputes

Disputes can often arise when living in share accommodation. Different personalities and expectations can end up clashing and cause all sorts of issues. So it is important you understand your rights and responsibilities.

The following are some simple steps to take when there is a dispute in your share accommodation or with your landlord.

Discuss The Issues

Whenever issues arise, it is important to have an open discussion without making accusations. This can be face to face, across email, over the phone or through a text. You can solve most problems this way and come to a mutual informal understanding between all parties. When you have a resolution, it can help to put it in writing.

Negotiate Solutions

When an informal discussion does not solve the problem, you may need a more in depth discussion to negotiate the solution. This gives all parties the opportunity to better understand each other’s concerns and come up with a solution.

When everyone understands how the problem impacts someone, they will be more willing to problem solve and agree to a solution.

Seek Legal Advice

Where is becomes impossible to find solutions to a problem, you may need to seek legal advice. It can be as simple as reading the relevant guidelines for your state or country so you have a better understanding of everyone’s rights and responsibilities in share accommodation.

More serious or complex situations may involve getting legal advice specific to your situation. You can either contact a free legal community centre or seek advice from a lawyer.

Set Up Mediation

When you cannot reach a resolution after seeking legal advice, set up a mediation session between all parties. This can help remove the emotion from the situation.

Legal Action As A Last Resort

Take legal action as a last resort. All states and countries have a legal system that can hear tenancy disputes and make decisions about tenancy agreements. This is a formal process but you can usually represent yourself at a hearing. If all else fails, it is a quick, practical way to resolve disputes.

Read the information relevant to your state or country if considering taking legal action.