How to Dispute a Lease Agreement

Disputing a lease agreement

As a party to a lease agreement, you may reach a juncture at which you need to dispute a term or provision of that contract. Although the laws in each state vary slightly about lease agreements and how to dispute these types of contracts, the general provisions regarding these matters largely are the same across the United States. Following the proper, prescribed procedure is the key to prevailing in a challenge to a lease agreement.

Things You'll Need

• Lease agreement
• Written letter of dispute

Instructions

1. Prepare a written letter or communication setting forth your position in regard to disputed matters pertaining to or arising from the lease agreement.

2. Identify the provision or provisions of the lease agreement with which you have an issue or concern.

3. List the reasons why you dispute these particular provisions in the lease agreement. Do not just make a general statement. For example, itemize specific reasons for the dispute.

4. Set forth the specific remedy that you desire in regard to disputed provisions in the lease agreement. Whether you desire financial compensation, alteration of the lease agreement or a termination of the lease altogether, be certain you are clear in regard to your desires or demands.

5. Establish a deadline in the letter or communication for the other party to respond or take action.

6. Add a clause in the communication that if the requested action--or a statement of the other party's position--is not received by the established deadline, you will have no option but to pursue further legal action, including a lawsuit.

7. Deliver the written communication regarding the dispute both to the owner of the property and any property manager or management company that you deal with on a more regular basis. Do not forgo sending this communication to both of these parties.

8. Send the communication to the appropriate parties either via certified United States Mail, return receipt requested, or by hand delivery.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider engaging the services of a lawyer to assist you in regard to a lease dispute. Although the state and local bar associations cannot make specific recommendations of attorneys, these organizations do maintain directories of attorneys who work in different areas of the law. Contact information for these groups is available through the American Bar Association at:

• American Bar Association

• 321 North Clark Street

• Chicago, IL 60654-7598

• 312-988-5000

• abanet.org

References

• "American Landlord Law: Everything U Need to Know About Landlord-Tenant Laws"; Trevor Rhodes; 2008
• "Landlord and Tenant Law in a Nutshell"; David S. Hill; 2004
• Cornell Law School: Landlord and Tenant Law Overview

Resources

• Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
• American Bar Association: Directory of State and Local Bar Associations
• Oregon State Bar: Landlord and Tenant Law