There are steps that you can take to resolve any landlord/tenant problems before an eviction notice is imminent.  Markdown Mom has found 5 cardinal rules for any type of dispute:

    1.    Leave a "paper trail."  Documentation is key should any conflict not be resolved in-person, on a   one-to-one basis.  Further, putting it in writing implies to the other party that you are serious in pursuing resolution.  This documentation can take several forms from notes taken during a telephone conversation with the date, time indicated on the note, a summary of what occurred after a meeting as you understand it, to a certified letter complaint sent to the other party stating concerns and possible remedies.

      2.      The End Game.  Know what type of resolution you want before meeting with authorities or other party.  What would be the best possible outcome for you, what do you want to see happen?  This can mean many things such as moving out date, date when repairs must be made, return of security deposit–be specific in your demands. 

    3.    Contact Resources Available To Resolve Problems.  Many municipalities have Landlord/Tenant or Housing Advocates. They are valuable legal resources on landlord/tenant legal issues and are an initial source of the legal implications governing complaints in these matters. It’s important that you identify these resources and make an appointment to go over your present situation and possible legal remedies with them.  Be sure to come in with any documents from your "paper trail" for their review.    This saves a lot of time.   They can even act on your behalf to resolve any issue.  If the other party seems reluctant to mediate the issue you may have to go to another level and  bring this complaint/issue to the attention of  legislative or state officials. 

    4.  Take steps to minimize financial loss.  For instance, if you run into a problem at the beginning and you have placed a security deposit, but have not moved in yet, try to "stop payment" on any security deposit check you issued.  Follow this up with a certified letter stating why you have taken this action.  If it involves issuing a check for damages that you disagree on, don’t issue the check until matter is resolved.  Again, follow it up with a letter stating why you are not paying.

    5.   Do Your Homework.  If you suspect that the action(s) taken against you by the landlord are unfair or involve wrongdoing, go online and make a cursory investigation of the statutes or regulations of your state regarding the problem.  If you find a statute or regulation  that is right-on/addresses this specific issue, don’t hesitate to state that in your correspondence and contact the proper legal authorities to pursue the matter for you.  This could also result in your filing a claim with your local conciliation court or small claims court, which usually involves a monetary ceiling for recovery of damages and you can usually represent yourself, pro se, without an attorney if you choose to do so at this lower court.  

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