LANDLORD-TENANT MEDIATION PROGRAM



16 October 2020•*COVID-19 Information**

Landlord-Tenant Mediation Program

***APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2020***

Program Purpose:  During “mediation,” a neutral third person called a “mediator” helps people discuss and try to resolve disputes.  The purpose of mediation during the eviction moratorium is to help landlord and tenants find solutions to the problems between them.  Problems of non-payment of rent can be solved with the Rental Housing Stabilization Program (RHSP).  Other landlord-tenant disputes can be solved by compromise and agreement.

Through December 20, 2020, Vermont landlords and tenants can use free mediation services to work through and solve disagreements. This program is available virtually through an online platform such as Zoom. Participants will have access to a free professional mediator.  The mediator will conduct the mediation online. A list of participating mediators, along with a short bio, can be found in the application.

 Program Process: A Program Application is filled out and signed by the Landlord and Tenant. The completed application is submitted to referrals@vtlandlord.com.

 Notes:

  • The application must be filled out and signed by both parties (landlord and tenant).
  • Parties must indicate an ability to participate in the mediation on an online platform (most likely Zoom).
PROGRAM APPLICATION

MEDIATOR BIOGRAPHIES

Incomplete Application:

1.         An application signed by only one party is considered incomplete and will not be assigned a mediator.

2.         You will be contacted by Vermont Legal Aid or Vermont Landlord Association for help to complete the application.

 

Complete Application:

  1. A mediator is assigned based on the preferences indicated in the application. 
  2. The Program will send an email to introduce the mediator to both parties or their attorneys (if applicable).  The email will provide instructions and forms.  Please note that many forms provided to you by the Program are for use between the parties and mediator and are not to be returned to the Program.  Forms attached to the email will include:
    1. Mediation Statement Form
    2. Mediation Attendees Form (i.e. who is going to participate in mediation)
    3. Information sheet about various eviction moratoria, basic landlord-tenant law (access statute, warranty of habitability, and reasonable accommodation/modification requests), as well as an outline of all programs that can help the parties (Rental Housing Stabilization Program/Back Rent, Money to Move, Utility Programs).
    4. Online Mediation Guide and Steps for Participants

 Mediation:

  1. Once the mediator is assigned and introduced, you will work with the mediator to set the schedule. You will set deadlines for required documentation and other items needed for your mediation.  You will need to sign a Mediation Agreement. 
  2. The Parties mediate their issues and/or dispute.
    1. You and the mediator can structure the mediation in a way that suits you.
    2. If issues are resolved, you will create and sign a Settlement Agreement.
  3.  After the mediation is done
    1. The mediator returns the Mediation Report to the Program along with an invoice for services.  The Program pays the mediator.
    2. The Program will send you (the landlord and tenants) a mediation evaluation form to fill out.  The evaluation helps provide an assessment of the usefulness of the program and the mediators.

 Program Application

Mediator Bios