Practice Pointers: Hire a Landlord/Tenant Attorney With Experience on Both Sides

Last week, I settled a highly contentious landlord/tenant dispute.  Neither side like each other, and both seemed glad to have the matter over.  I represented the landlord, and was able to negotiate a move-out of the tenants in exchange for a release of liability and a “cash for keys” settlement.  In all, I’m pleased with the result: my clients got what they wanted at considerably less cost that a full trial would have required.

During the final inspection, the tenant thanked me for my help, and told me that she felt I moved the case along better than my clients’ prior attorney (who the tenant believed had been unreasonable).  I appreciated the tenant’s kind words.  In my opinion, the outcome of this successful case came, in large part, from my experience in representing both landlords and tenants: something I urge people to consider when selecting a landlord/tenant lawyer.

Why hire someone who represents both landlords and tenants?  A attorney with experience representing both types of these clients understands where each side is coming from.  In this case I settled, I knew what options the tenant had in pursuing their claims, and the time/expense this would require for my client, the landlord.  This helped me to propose and agree to a favorable settlement for my clients.  In my experience, I have seen attorneys make poor decisions from not understanding both parties in the case; mistakes that can be costly in the long run.

I often get asked: can you really represent both landlords and tenants?  The answer is: of course.  I’ve had clients of both type with strong claims/defenses who needed legal help.  I don’t believe in the stereotype of the “bad landlord” and the “innocent tenant”; I’ve seen parties of each type who were in need of assistance.

Looking for a landlord/tenant attorney with such experience? Contact me for a consultation.