Landlord & Tenant Mediation Service – British Landlords Association

Disputes between landlords and tenants can escalate quickly. What may begin as a minor disagreement can develop into rent arrears, complaints to the local authority, or formal legal proceedings.

At the British Landlords Association, we offer a structured, professional mediation service designed to resolve disputes efficiently, cost-effectively, and without unnecessary confrontation.

Our mediation service is available exclusively to BLA members and is priced at £250 inclusive.

What Our Mediation Service Includes

For a fixed fee of £250, we provide:

• A structured review of the landlord’s position

• A structured review of the tenant’s position

• One formal telephone mediation meeting involving both parties

• A brief written outcome summary setting out:

  • Each party’s position

  • Whether the matter has been resolved

  • Any agreed next steps

This service includes one mediation session and one joint telephone meeting.

The service does not include the drafting of legal documents, notices, settlement agreements, tenancy agreements, or court forms.

Why Mediation Matters for Landlords

As landlords operating in England and Wales, you are working within an increasingly regulated environment. Disputes relating to rent arrears, property condition, repairs, conduct, access, or tenancy terms can escalate quickly.

Mediation provides:

• A neutral and structured environment

• A cost-effective alternative to litigation

• Faster resolution than court proceedings

• Reduced stress and reputational risk

• Preservation of professional landlord-tenant relationships

Court proceedings are often expensive, slow, and adversarial. Mediation allows both parties to be heard and can frequently resolve issues before formal enforcement action becomes necessary.

Types of Disputes Suitable for Mediation

Our mediation service is suitable for many common residential tenancy disputes, including:

• Rent arrears disputes

• Disagreements over repairs and maintenance

• Access issues

• Behavioural complaints

• End-of-tenancy disputes

• Deposit-related disagreements prior to formal scheme adjudication

• Misunderstandings regarding tenancy terms

Mediation is particularly effective where communication has broken down but both parties are still open to resolution.

How the BLA Mediation Process Works

Initial Review

We request a summary from both landlord and tenant outlining their position, supported by relevant documents if necessary.

We review the matter to understand:

• The legal framework

• The contractual position

• The factual dispute

• The realistic options available

This review ensures the mediation meeting is structured and productive.

Telephone Mediation Meeting

We arrange a scheduled telephone mediation session with both parties present.

The session is moderated by the British Landlords Association. Each party is given an opportunity to:

• Present their position

• Clarify misunderstandings

• Respond to concerns raised

• Explore possible solutions

The mediation is structured, controlled, and professional. It is not an informal conversation. It is conducted with clear boundaries and time management.

Written Outcome Summary

Following the mediation meeting, we provide a brief written statement which records:

• The landlord’s position

• The tenant’s position

• Whether agreement was reached

• Any agreed action points

This document is not a legally binding settlement agreement. It is a summary of the mediation outcome only.

What This Service Does Not Include

To ensure clarity and transparency, the mediation service does not include:

• Drafting of legal notices such as Section 8 or Section 21

• Drafting of settlement agreements

• Drafting of payment plans

• Drafting of tenancy agreements or addendums

• Representation in court

• Ongoing case management beyond the single mediation session

If further legal action is required following mediation, landlords may use our separate legal support services.

The Benefits of Early Intervention

Many disputes escalate unnecessarily due to poor communication. Early intervention through mediation can:

• Prevent possession proceedings

• Prevent council involvement

• Reduce arrears escalation

• Avoid deposit adjudication disputes

• Preserve professional credibility

For professional landlords, mediation demonstrates reasonableness. This can be beneficial if a matter later proceeds to court, as judges often consider whether parties have attempted to resolve disputes before litigating.

Professional, Neutral and Structured

The British Landlords Association acts as a neutral facilitator. We do not take sides. Our role is to:

• Maintain order

• Ensure both parties are heard

• Keep discussions focused

• Encourage practical solutions

• Reduce emotional escalation

The process is structured and professional at all times.

Transparent Fixed Fee

The mediation fee is £250 inclusive.

There are no hidden charges.
There are no hourly billing surprises.
There are no additional administrative fees for the single mediation session.

This provides certainty and affordability for landlords seeking resolution.

Is Mediation Right for Your Situation?

Mediation is most effective where:

• Communication has broken down

• There is a genuine dispute rather than clear legal breach

• Both parties are willing to engage

• The landlord wishes to avoid immediate litigation

If your matter requires urgent possession proceedings or involves serious breaches such as criminal conduct, mediation may not be appropriate. In such cases, our legal advisory services may be more suitable.

How to Request Mediation

Members who wish to use the British Landlords Association mediation service can contact us directly via the members’ portal or our support team.

We will provide:

• A mediation request form

• Guidance on submitting documentation

• Available mediation dates

Once both parties agree to participate and the fee is paid, we will schedule the mediation session.

Resolve Disputes Professionally and Protect Your Position

Disputes are part of property management. How they are handled defines professionalism.

The British Landlords Association mediation service provides landlords with a structured, fair, and cost-effective pathway to resolution.

If you are a member facing a dispute with a tenant, contact us today to arrange mediation and take control of the situation before it escalates.