Drexel Menu
Off-Campus Housing Header
Student Organizations Commuter Services Community Service Leadership Off-Campus Housing Transfer Students Resources and Forms
Resolving a Dispute

       Throughout your time as a renter you may find that there are occasionally times when you and your landlord do not agree on certain issues.  Often, minor disputes can be resolved easily.  The following are a few tips to help with minor disputes:

       There are other times, however when disputes can not be solved easily.  In that event, DrexelOCH can attempt to help.  We can offer a space for you and your landlord to talk about your differences.  One of our staff members will be with you and your landlord to help facilitate the discussion.  If an agreement is reached, DrexelOCH can help you and your landlord put it in writing.

       DrexelOCH is also available to facilitate discussions between roommates.  If you are interested in contacting DrexelOCH for discussion facilitations, please email offcampushousing@drexel.edu

       Please visit the ground rules for more details.

Any information given on this website is not a substitute for legal advice. If you have a legal question, please seek out legal counsel as soon as possible. Additionally, any information given is presented as a service. Drexel University Off Campus Housing does not endorse any website, realtor, apartment, or home. Drexel OCH encourages renters to be cautious and aware, and to make informed decisions when searching for housing.

Civility is very important. If you lose your cool, your landlord/roommate may lose theirs. Stay calm, don't swear. Shouting matches are very rarely productive. Remember what Ambrose Bierce has said, " Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret."
Multiple discussions held over multiple media over multiple occasions can be difficult to keep track of. Keep a log of key points about each time you contact your landlord about an issue. Reference your log prior to your next meeting so that you can be sure you are 'up to speed'.
As always, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT. Documentation is key. Supporting documentation is always stronger than just your word.
Paraphrasing is a very simple, yet not often used tool that aids us in understanding what someone else has said. Plenty of disagreements go on for longer than they need to due to misunderstanding. So, when a person that you are disagreeing with tells you a fair amount of information, put it in your own words and say it back to them asking if you have it correctly. Paraphrasing also fosters a feeling that even if you disagree with what is being said, you are listening and processing the information.

Copyright © 2008 • Drexel University Office of Campus Activities • 215 Creese Student Center • 215.895.1328 • askoca@drexel.edu