An agreement on the terms and conditions of a lease usually takes place before any landlord hands over keys to a tenant. However, this does not solve all problems. Many different types of issues can arise throughout the duration of lease. Some of these disputes include lease violations, evicting an unlawful occupant, or failure to maintain the leased property. Let’s explore a few of the common landlord-tenant disputes below.
Lease Violations
Some lease violations hold higher penalties than others. For instance, if a tenant breaks the rules by housing a pet in their apartment, the consequences won’t be the same as those bestowed upon someone who illegally rent out their room on Airbnb.
No matter the circumstances, it is important to recognize that lease violations are never taken lightly and usually come with a fine of some sort. This is where a dispute can arise. If a tenant feels they did not break any terms and conditions, they may try to get an attorney involved. Disputes can also escalate if a tenant feels they’re being wrongly accused of another tenant’s actions. This could also initiate an investigation to be opened up by local law authority.
Evicting an Unlawful Occupant
Much like violating the terms of a lease, if a tenant breaks the law regarding their rental property the landlord reserves the right to evict. In some situations, tenants will try to dispute the eviction. When this is the case, it’s important for both landlord and tenant to secure legal representation.
Neglected Upkeep
A messy college dorm room is one thing, but a below average job of upkeep around an apartment is another. Tenants that leave a dirty kitchen, bathroom or common space, could welcome in different types of bugs or critters. This opens a health hazard for the management team moving forward. While it might take awhile for this factor to escalate to the point of a formal dispute, it’s just as punishable of a wrongdoing. In most cases you will have to give tenants a few warnings for poor upkeep. However, if the same tenants continue to leave their rental property unmaintained, then you might have enough means to evict.
Does Eviction Require a Court Hearing?
Not always. There is no need for a court hearing if the eviction is conducted in a timely manner and neither party involved has any issues. Eviction court hearings are usually the result of the tenant disputing the eviction. For instance, if a tenant forgets to pay their rent, receives an eviction notice, and doesn’t vacate the property, then a court hearing could be issued by local authorities.
Once in court, the judge will be able to decide the final verdict. If it’s in favor of the landlord, the tenant could be forced to pay any remaining rent, move out in an allotted time frame, and reimburse any legal fees that the court orders.
Who Do I Contact for a Landlord-Tenant Dispute?
At the Law Offices of Dan Chern, P.C., our team would be happy to assist with any tenant dispute you might face. Our legal professionals have years of experience helping landlords conjure housing disputes. Contact us today for more information on how we could assist you in your situation.