Tip of the Month - October 2010
Helpful Suggestions for Negotiating with Tenants
Source: Every Landlord’s Legal Guide-10 Edition
Marcia Stewart & Attorney Ralph Warner
Attorney Janet Portman
Solicit the Tenant’s point of
view. Once the Tenant starts talking, listen closely and do not
interrupt, even if some of the points are not true or some of the
opinions are inflammatory.
When the Tenant has “wound down”, acknowledge that you have
heard the key points, even if you disagree with them. Sometimes it is a
good idea to repeat the Tenant’s concerns so the Tenant realizes
you know what they are.
Avoid personal attacks. This only raises the level of hostility
and makes settlement more difficult. Equally important, do not
react impulsively to the emotional outbursts of the Tenant.
Be courteous, but do not be weak. If you have a good case, let the
Tenant know you have resources and evidence to fight and win if you are
unable to reach a reasonable settlement.
Put yourself in the Tenant’s “shoes”. Your job
is to let the Tenant have at least a partial sense of victory on one or
more of the issues in dispute. The best settlements are often those in
which both sides feel they have at least a partial sense of victory on
one or more of the issues in dispute.