Renting a property can sometimes lead to disputes between landlords and tenants - from non-payment of rent to disagreements about maintenance, municipal charges, noise, and even overcrowding.

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Andrew Schaefer, MD of property management company Trafalgar, says the best way to avoid conflict is to be proactive and prepared. “We find that the most frequent disputes between landlords and tenants typically revolve around non-payment of rent, issues with municipal charges, noise complaints, property maintenance, and overcrowding,” he explains. “But with the right approach, they can be avoided altogether or swiftly resolved.”

For Schaefer, the key is a well-structured, detailed lease agreement that outlines the responsibilities of both parties while anticipating common problems.