How to Hire a Mediator to Resolve Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Landlords and tenants often settle disputes by mediation, using a neutral third party to help disputing parties settle their differences.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mediator
• Notebook Papers
• Pens
• Pens

1. Locate a mediation service by consulting the yellow pages of your phone directory or by contacting community housing authorities in your area.

2. Explain your problem to the mediation service and inquire about fees for a mediation session.

3. Request a mediation session with the other party.

4. Agree to a date, time and place for a mediation session, as coordinated and set up by the mediation service.

5. Explain your side of the story and listen to the viewpoint of the opposing party during the mediation session.

6. Reach an agreement with the other party under the direction of the mediator.

7. Sign a written agreement (drawn up under the direction of the mediator) with the opposing party.

8. Inform the mediator if the agreement has been upheld by both parties, when the mediator contacts you at a later date to follow up on the results of the mediation session.

Tips & Warnings

• In most cases, mediation is less expensive than a lawsuit. Some community housing or apartment associations provide low-cost or free mediation services.
• If an agreement cannot be reached during a mediation session, you may have to pursue legal action.

[renterhelp]

on 9/8/2009 Tenants can get Mediation Help by filing a landlord/ apartment complaint through the Rental Protection Agency website. There is a processing fee of $35, but that is the only required cost for RPA Mediation. Tenants can file a complaint by going to the following site: http://www.rentalprotectionagency.com/complaint_center.php