What Is a Leasehold Mediation Service?
Leasehold Mediation Service
Leasehold mediation is a process that allows landlords and tenants to work out their disagreements through the help of an impartial third party. Typically, the mediator helps the parties resolve a wide variety of disputes without having to go through a formal hearing.
A leasehold mediation service can be beneficial to both sides in a dispute, as it can help the parties reach agreements that are mutually satisfactory and avoid expensive litigation. Mediation can also be a good way for the parties to learn more about each other, which is sometimes essential for future lease negotiations.
There are many ways to approach a leasehold mediation, and the best way to start is by having a discussion with both parties to see how they would like the dispute resolved. Once both parties are clear on what they want, the next step is to set up a date and time for the mediation.
What Is a Leasehold Mediation Service?
Ideally, the mediation should be scheduled to take place in a private, neutral location so that both parties can be comfortable. This may be an attorney’s office or a local community center.
The mediator should be a trained and experienced person, accredited by a professional body and have extensive knowledge of residential property law and landlord and tenant issues. He or she should be able to use empathy, flexibility and considerable listening skills to get the best outcome for the parties.
If the mediation is a complex or high-profile case, the mediator may also bring in an outside professional representative to assist with the proceedings. These people can be lawyers, barristers, surveyors, accountants or other professionals who have specific expertise in the areas of the issue that the mediator is working on.
Some courts and state agencies offer free or low-cost landlord tenant mediation services. Ask the city or county where you live about any such programs.
Mediation is a great alternative to eviction proceedings, as it can be quicker and less costly for landlords. It can also give existing tenants some relief and stabilize tenancies that have become problematic due to the pandemic.
For a tenant, mediation gives them the chance to try and negotiate the amount of back rent that is due or the amount of money they would like to leave the property with. It can also help them to settle the matter out of court, so that they won’t have an eviction on their record.
A landlord can also be benefited by mediation, as it can help them to resolve a situation with an arrears-paying tenant quickly and reduce the costs of eviction proceedings. This can help them to ensure the rented property continues to pay its mortgage and other debts.
Before starting the mediation process, the mediator should meet with both parties and their legal representatives. This meeting will determine what the issues are and if the mediator is the right person to mediate the dispute.