What makes a perfect tenant? Someone whose rent payment is always on time, maintains their leased space, is respectful of the other tenants around them and never complains.
While that may sound ideal, it may not be entirely realistic. And when problems do arise, there are plenty of ways to resolve them.
Common causes of disputes
Before you can resolve a conflict, you need to understand its root cause. Some frequent sources of tension between commercial property owners and their tenants include:
- Lease agreement misunderstandings: Lease agreements are the foundation of the owner-tenant relationship. They are also often the source of contention. Unclear terms, such as lease start and end dates, the renewal process or prohibited uses, can lead to disputes.
- Maintenance and repairs: The question of who is responsible for building maintenance and repairs to the leased space often triggers disputes. Property owners may argue that the tenant’s operations lead to wear and tear on the property. Tenants may expect owners to cover repairs that affect the building’s structure.
- Rent and other costs: Late payments are a common source of conflict. But there are often disputes over ancillary charges, such as property taxes and maintenance fees.
- Early termination: Owners may suffer a substantial financial loss when tenants end their lease early. This affects several other areas of operation while the owner looks for a new tenant.
- Breach of contract: Violating lease terms, such as unauthorized renovations, can result in friction between the owner and tenant.
The first step in resolving disputes is often a simple conversation. Both parties should convey their concerns and the desired outcome professionally. Often, open communication can easily fix any misunderstandings.
If a conversation doesn’t lead to a resolution, the next course of action is to review the lease agreement to see if there are any clauses regarding dispute resolution procedures. For example, third-party mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method designed to help both sides understand each other’s viewpoints and reach a mutually beneficial solution.
Sometimes, the only course of action in a landlord-tenant dispute is litigation. A legal representative can review the situation and how it’s affected by local and state regulations. They will work on your behalf and safeguard your interests.
