HomeSituationsPersonal & familyLandlord and tenant
TN/SIT/06
Edition 2027 · effective 1 January 2027
Personal & family · Landlord and tenant
Repairs, rent, deposits or a notice. Both sides want the home to work, on different terms.
Many housing disputes can be settled quickly by an independent conversation or evaluation before they become formal claims, especially where the relationship could continue.
§ 01What it looks like
Recognise it early. The earliest moment is the cheapest.
What you notice first
Small, and easy to explain away.
- Messages have become formal and short
- Rent is being withheld or deductions threatened
- Repairs are disputed
- A notice has been served
What waiting can cost
Usually more than the original issue.
- A home
- Income and the property’s condition
- Time and cost of tribunals
§ 02The Neutral route
Usually: Mediation.
Mediation is quick, private and can produce practical solutions a tribunal cannot, such as a repair schedule.
Mediation
The parties decide. The mediator never imposes.
Also used · AdvisoryNeutral Evaluation
You decide. The evaluator advises.
§ 03The steps
What a good process looks like.
- Check local tenancy rules and deadlinesBefore anything else01
- Propose mediation in writingThe moment independence enters02
- Agree on facts: photos, inspection, datesWhere the work is done03
- Write down a practical planSo it holds04
§ 04Prepare and avoid
What to bring. What to leave out.
(Bring)
01
Tenancy agreement
02
Inventory, photos and correspondence
03
Rent records
04
What a good outcome looks like for you
(Avoid)
✕
Ignoring legal notice periods
✕
Self-help eviction or withholding without advice
§ 05Your version
Every situation is different. Describe yours.
§ 06Related