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LANDLORD-TENANT DISPUTES AND THE POLICE

NCJ Number
29479
Date Published
1974
Length
0 pages
Annotation
POLICE TRAINING FILM WHICH COVERS BOTH THE PRACTICAL AND THE LEGAL ISSUES INVOLVED IN THE TYPICAL LANDLORD-TENANT CONFLICT.
Abstract
THE HANDLING OF SEVERAL COMMON DISPUTES IS DEPICTED, INCLUDING SITUATIONS INVOLVING SEVERAL TYPES OF UNLAWFUL CONDUCT ON THE PART OF THE LANDLORD (SUCH AS TENANT LOCKOUT AND THE SEIZURE OF TENANT'S PROPERTY FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT). THE LAWFUL PROCEDURE FOR TENANT EVICTION THROUGH AN 'UNLAWFUL DETAINER' ACTION IS OUTLINED, AND THE DIFFERENCES IN EVICTION LAW FOR TENANTS WITH WRITTEN LEASES AND THOSE ON MONTH-TO-MONTH TENANCY IS EXPLAINED. ALSO DEFINED ARE THE LANDLORD'S OBLIGATIONS TO HIS TENANTS. EMPHASIZED IS THE FACT THAT THE TENANT SHOULD INFORM THE LANDLORD, IN WRITING, OF ANY AND ALL DEFECTS. SEVERAL ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS THE TENANT CAN TAKE IF THE LANDLORD FAILS OR REFUSES TO CORRECT PROBLEMS ARE DETAILED AND INCLUDE REPORTING HOUSING CODE VIOLATIONS TO THE PROPER AUTHORITIES AND WITHOLDING THE RENT UNTIL THE REPAIRS ARE MADE. THE FILM EMPHASIZES THAT THE OFFICER'S OBJECTIVE, WHEN CONFRONTED WITH A TYPICAL LANDLORD-TENANT DISPUTE, IS NOT TO MAKE OR ENCOURAGE AN ARREST, BUT TO TRY TO ACHIEVE A LASTING SOLUTION TO THE CONFLICT BY EXPLAINING TO THE PARTIES WHAT CONDUCT IS NOT LAWFUL AND BY SUGGESTING ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT ARE LAWFUL. (SNI ABSTRACT)