Reaching resolutions through mediation

The housing mediation service operated by Housing Rights offers landlords and tenants who find themselves in dispute a way to reach agreements that are satisfactory to both parties, without having to go to court.

Funded by the Department for Communities, the service has helped reach 145 positive outcomes in housing disputes since it launched in November 2019.

The service is free and available to landlords, letting agents and tenants in the private rented sector, and can help resolve a range of issues.

Laura Coulter, Housing Rights Housing Mediation Manager said: “The service has really come into it’s own over the last few years, and we have been able to help many private tenants and landlords by opening up the communication and helping them come to realistic solutions.”

When both parties agree to take part, an independent mediator with specialist housing knowledge will help them talk through their issues to come to a solution. Agreements have helped to prevent evictions and sustain tenancies.

Having used the service, Peter O’Callaghan, Belfast and South Region Manager with Smartmove said:

“The service has been excellent in acting as an independent 3rd party in solving a number of our landlord/tenant disputes. They have been able to create peace of mind for tenants who would have often otherwise been reluctant to engage with staff directly. I have no doubt that tenancies have been saved through the use of the mediation service.”

To enquire, call 028 902 45640, email mediation@housingrights.org.uk, or apply online at www.housingrights.org.uk
Housing rights are developing housing specific mediation training courses for professionals in the housing sector including landlords and letting agents that will skill participants in mediation techniques.
To enquire, email training@housingrights.org.uk.