The coronavirus pandemic has caused a lot of uncertainty and disruption in the housing sector. As a result, many tenants and landlords are facing challenges with rental agreements and disputes. Here’s what you need to know about coronavirus rental agreements and disputes.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that the coronavirus pandemic does not void rental agreements. Tenants are still responsible for paying rent, and landlords are still responsible for providing habitable living conditions. However, both tenants and landlords may be able to negotiate temporary changes to their rental agreement due to the impact of the pandemic.
If a tenant is unable to pay rent due to coronavirus related financial hardship, they should communicate with their landlord as soon as possible. Many landlords are willing to work with tenants to come up with a payment plan or agree to a temporary reduction in rent. It’s important for the tenant to keep all communication in writing and keep a record of any agreements made.
On the other hand, if a landlord is unable to provide habitable living conditions due to the impact of the pandemic, they should also communicate with their tenants. For example, if a landlord is unable to perform necessary maintenance due to supply chain disruptions, they should let their tenants know and work to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
If a dispute arises between a tenant and landlord during the pandemic, both parties should try to resolve the issue through communication and negotiation. Many disputes can be resolved with mediation, which is a process where a neutral third party helps facilitate a resolution. If mediation doesn’t work, the dispute may need to be resolved in court.
Overall, the coronavirus pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty and challenges in the rental market. However, with communication and negotiation, many issues can be resolved between tenants and landlords. It’s important for both parties to keep a record of all communication and any agreements made, and to seek legal advice if needed.