For several years, settlement conferences and mediations have been integrated into the Rent Board's excess rent complaint and decrease petition processes. Mediations have proved highly successful in resolving disputes without the need for a formal hearing. However, until now, the parties had to file a petition or complaint with the Board before mediation was offered. Recently, a number of tenants and landlords have asked Rent Control staff to informally assist them in resolving a variety of disagreements. Having seen the proven effectiveness of mediation, the Board has decided to expand its program and provide additional opportunities for landlords and tenants to resolve their differences.
Mediation is conducted by a trained staff member and can take various forms.
Sometimes the mediator telephones the landlord and tenant and relays information between them until issues are resolved. At other times, the mediator may hold a meeting with the tenant and landlord. Since discussions in a mediation are informal, landlords and tenants may find themselves discussing a wide range of issues. Rent Control mediators have seen participants develop creative solutions to problems and resolve long-standing misunderstandings. Mediation may be requested by either party and participation is voluntary.