You’ve found your dream apartment, you can afford the rent and you secure the perfect deal for you. Your new home is set to be paradise, or so you think. There’s just one problem, your apartment is owned by a dragon. Rude, condescending and over-controlling. One request or complaint spirals into another, one misunderstanding multiplies into accusations about how you are treating their property. No matter of pleading or trying to appease can work with some people, but there are some steps you can take to help you deal with a difficult landlord.

1.Pay your rent on time

80% of disputes between Landlords and Tenants revolve around unpaid rent. Its simple. If you pay on a monthly basis. Pay your rent on time, in full. If for any reason you are absolutely incapable of doing so, don’t hide from your landlord, inform them in advance. A surprised landlord is a landlord who is less likely to be sympathetic.

2. Maintain a respectful relationship

It’s understandable; some landlords really do think that they are lords. They can be snooty, condescending and downright rude for absolutely no reason. Not being the boss of your own home can be incredibly frustrating, however the few visits and requests that your landlord may make may feel like an invasion of privacy and an inquisition, do your best to remain calm in the face of provocation. The time they are there will pale in comparison to the unregulated time you don’t have a snooping lord over your shoulder.

3.Keep written records of all conversations with landlord

Clear communication is a critical component of any successful relationship, regardless of its type. Misunderstandings and deceit are commonplace; remove any doubt about what you and your landlord expect of each other by keeping written records of communications by methods such as text or email. That way you can always refer back to these messages should there be a difference in perspective.

4. Research local laws

If moving to a new country to rent, such as for work or study, the laws regarding tenants rights will most likely differ from where you are from and the rules you are used to. Take the educate yourself as to the local laws so that you are well informed on what you are entitled to and what a landlord can reasonably and legally expect from you.

5. Read before you sign your contract.

It goes without saying, but read what you sign. There is no worse deal than a deal with clauses that come back and bite you unexpectedly. A contract should not be a surprise, it should be a story you know like the back of your hand, if you are unsure as to what certain parts of your contract mean, ask the person you are dealing with, or seek independent advice from perhaps another estate agency.