Disputes between a landlord and tenant often develop to the point where the only solution seems to be recourse to legislation.
But in many cases the problem can be resolved at a much earlier stage – so long as the parties involved can simply sit down and discuss the issues through mediation.
Barnet Homes is unique in being able to offer a mediation service to other landlords and tenants.
Our lead mediator, John Gargan, has more than 30 years experience in housing management. He is a qualified commercial mediator, a member of the RICS Register of Accredited Mediators and is bound by its
Code of Conduct.
For more information, please
email our mediation service or call 020 8359 4811
Mediation – our approach
Both parties must agree to mediation. It depends on a mutual willingness to explore a solution and can't be imposed on the other party.
If it is not successful, it does not inhibit or limit in any way rights to more formal routes to dispute resolution.
Usually the mediator will interview both parties separately, then bring the parties together to summarise the issues in dispute and any agreed areas.
The mediator will then tease out the issues in dispute, exploring potential solutions and encouraging the parties to reach an agreement.
Where a solution is found a confidential agreement is drawn up and signed by both parties.
This can often be more productive than the confrontational situation of a court or tribunal hearing where the solution is imposed, not necessarily agreed. It is usually more economic than litigation but does not result in a precedent.
A mediator does not give opinions, make judgements or try to impose solutions and is required to uphold the principles of honesty, independence, impartiality and openness.