Mediation Services
Before landlords can issue possession claims, there is now a requirement on landlords to make reasonable attempts to resolve issues with their tenants, which can include writing to the tenant, offering assistance with claiming benefits or a repayment plan, and using a mediation service to agree a resolution.
To help members with mediation in these instances, the NRLA has endorsed two mediation schemes, operated by organisations with which NRLA has longstanding relationships:
Both schemes use their expertise and knowledge about the challenges landlords face in the PRS, offering fair and impartial mediation services. They will facilitate discussions about rent arrears and agreeing realistic repayment plans. This ensures all parties and circumstances are considered and should be considered prior to issuing possession proceedings.
Please note that these mediation services are not part of the Landlord Redress Scheme pilot. The Landlord Redress Scheme pilot, which is free, is now closed for new applicants. For further information about the pilot, please refer to the Landlord Redress page here.
Why do landlords need mediation?
FAIR AND INDEPENDENT
Impartial mediation specialists will help reach a fair solution for all parties
SAVE TIME
Take the stress out of managing and dealing with escalating issues
SAVE MONEY
Avoid formal legal action which is not only expensive but time intensive too
DRIVE BETTER OUTCOMES
For you and your tenants, helping avoid deadlocks, and setting you apart from the competition
PART OF THE PROTOCAL
Landlords must make reasonable attempts to resolve issues before issuing a possession claim
CONFIDENTIAL
Mediation specialists will listen to both parties, and each can speak to them confidentially
A brief overview of TDS and PRS
| TDS | PRS | |
|---|---|---|
| Fully trained mediators | Yes | Yes |
| Accredited mediators | No | Yes |
| Video conference calls available | Yes | Yes |
| Telephone appointments available | Yes | Yes |
| Free to use service | Yes | No |
| Fully impartial service | Yes | Yes |
| Additional success fee if vacant possession is achieved | No | Yes |
Tenancy Redress Service
In association with the NRLA, the Tenancy Redress Service is a FREE conciliation/mediation service owned and operated by The Dispute Service Limited. The service aims to facilitate a satisfactory resolution between landlords tenants to help sustain tenancies and avoid the need for formal legal action.
Our skilled staff deal with over 20,000 similar disputes in the deposits sector so we are used to resolving disputes between landlords and tenants, often over the phone.
We can deal with the following subject areas:
- Property standards
- Repairs
- Entry rights
- Rent arrears
- Threatened evictions
- Breach of tenancy terms
- Noise/anti-social behaviour (except serious anti-social activity)
We are impartial and it's our job to find a mutually acceptable solution to the problem.
Property Redress Scheme
PRS Mediation is brought to you by the Property Redress Scheme, a government authorised consumer redress scheme for the property industry.
If you have an issue with your tenant you can instruct us to help you resolve the matter and help save you time, hassle, legal costs and potentially further lost rent.
Our fully accredited mediator will speak to you and your tenant bringing both common sense and expertise to find solutions that work. We aim to successfully resolve disputes within an average of 10 working days.
Dealing with rent arrears and regaining possession is our bread and butter but we also have expertise in the following:
- Repairs and breach of tenancy
- Rent to rent
- Landlord and agent
- Guarantors
- HMOs with multiple tenants
- Licences and short term lets
