Set up a meeting to discuss the problem

Talking face-to-face is often easier than exchanging emails, letters or text messages. It can also reduce the chances of things being taken out of context or being misunderstood.

When you’re setting up a meeting, make sure the time and place suit both of you and that neither of you feel rushed.

Prepare what you want to say and how you’re going to say it. Make sure you know about the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant so you know what each other should be doing. At the meeting, keep calm and don’t get personal with your comments.

Communication is the key

When it comes to discussing a problem with each other, these tips may help.

• Express your views clearly and listen to what the other person has to say.
• Try to understand the other person’s point of view and make sure you understand their concerns
• Have an idea of what you want to achieve, and be prepared to compromise if you need to.
• Make sure you’re realistic in what you want to get out of the conversation.

If you reach an agreement

It’s a good idea to write down what you’ve agreed, and then sign and date it. This avoids future confusion about what you agreed. You might also arrange to meet up again to check how things are going.

If you reach an agreement that you would like formalised by way of a mediators order (which is legal and binding), you can apply for FastTrack Resolution.

FastTrack Resolution explains this process.

If you don’t reach an agreement

Sometimes you won’t be able to agree on how to sort out the problem. But by talking about it you’ll at least understand what the other person’s concerns are and where they’re coming from.

You can issue a 14-day Notice to remedy, which gives the other person 14 days to fix the problem. If it still isn’t fixed, you can then apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to have the matter sorted out. Tenancy Services can help you organise mediation or a court hearing.

Download a 14-day notice to remedy below.

You can also call Tenancy Services for advice on what you can do next.

Settling disputes by self-resolution guide

This short guide summarises key information on self-resolution. It includes tips and tools to help landlords and tenants talk about and resolve tenancy problems between themselves.

Download the 'Settling disputes by self-resolution' guide below.