Negotiation & Mediation: What They Are and How They Can Help

What is negotiation?

Negotiation is a back-and-forth conversation between a tenant and a landlord to try to solve a housing problem early. Most eviction cases start because communication breaks down.

Negotiation gives both sides a chance to explain what is going on, share documents, and try to reach an agreement before an eviction is filed.

Negotiation is:

• Voluntary
• A chance to talk directly
• A way to avoid court
• Often faster and less stressful
• Private and done at your own pace

Negotiation is not legal advice, and it does not force anyone into an agreement. Agreements are usually only enforceable if both sides sign a written document.

What is mediation?

Mediation is when a trained, neutral mediator joins the conversation only if needed. Franklin County has limited mediation staff, so mediation is reserved for situations where negotiation has been tried first.

Mediation helps by:

• Making sure each person has a chance to be heard
• Helping the parties understand their options
• Reducing the emotional stress of eviction
• Giving structure to difficult conversations

A mediator does not take sides and cannot give legal advice. They help both sides work toward a solution that feels fair.

How these tools help tenants

• Preventing an eviction filing entirely when issues are caught early
• Giving tenants time to communicate with the landlord
• Helping tenants understand what they are agreeing to
• Avoiding signing something “just to agree” when it may not be realistic
• Providing a trauma-informed space that is easier to navigate than court

This process helps tenants advocate for themselves, ask questions, and work toward a plan that makes sense for their situation.

How these tools help landlords

• Reducing the need to file an eviction (and avoiding filing fees)
• Saving time by preventing court hearings
• Decreasing turnover costs and vacancy time
• Reducing property damage by lowering conflict with frustrated tenants
• Creating early communication before rent becomes significantly late
• Providing a structured space to talk through issues

These tools let landlords reach agreements faster and with less stress.

Why early communication matters

• Most evictions are for non-payment of rent, not intentional wrongdoing.
• Many issues could be solved early if landlords and tenants talked sooner.
• Eviction is traumatic—especially for families, children, and vulnerable renters.

By opening a conversation early, both sides have a chance to avoid court, avoid trauma, preserve housing stability, and reach workable solutions.

When to use negotiation or mediation

You can use these tools when:

• Rent is late
• There is confusion about the lease
• There is a disagreement about repairs or fees
• Important documents need to be shared
• Communication is breaking down
• You want to try resolving things before going to court

Our text-based tool allows parties to negotiate directly with each other to reach a solution. Then, if progress stalls, a mediator can join the conversation.