Conflict is inevitable in any relationship, business or personal. When conflict arises between landlords and tenants, however, the stakes are particularly high. For the renter, their home is on the line and, though they may be fully-capable of moving to a new apartment if need be, it’s still enormously inconvenient to do so on short notice. How disputes between landlords and tenants are best handled depends on the nature of the dispute.

Disputes often arise over small issues, such as a leaky faucet going unfixed and other small repairs around the house being left unaddressed. If your landlord is dragging their feet, offer to do the repair yourself—if you’re qualified—for the cost of materials and some money written off of rent. Don’t do it and then expect them to pay you without them having first agreed to such an arrangement, however. If they refuse even this and leave issues unaddressed, it may be worth your while to check with your state government. Most state governments have a special office that handles such disputes and who will inform the landlord that they are required to fulfill the terms of their lease and make repairs. Doing this, of course, is likely to make your relationship with the landlord tense. Make sure whatever happens to be the issue is worth the conflict it might cause.

If there are truly serious problems with a landlord, such as heating equipment being unsafe, broken windows, bad wiring or plumbing, etc., and the landlord refuses to address these issues, it makes sense for a tenant to get a lawyer. There are lawyers in most cities who have some specialization in landlord/tenant cases and who can help get the issues addressed. If the landlord is unlikely to address issues that pose a threat to your safety, move. A lawyer can help get your rent refunded in some cases and, in extreme cases, may be able to invoke other remedies for what you’ve endured, though it may take time.

If a dispute arises over money, which it often does, refer to the lease. The lease details your financial obligations and landlords do not have the right to violate their own leases without cause. They, just like you, are obligated to the lease terms. Do not pay rent that’s suddenly inflated beyond the lease terms and do not pay extra fees that pop up without warning or notice.

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It is no secret that being a landlord is a tough job. You assume that everyone is out to get you, even if they aren’t. You spend most of your time picking up after slobs and screaming at people who won’t pay rent on time. However, sometimes, landlords can judge you as a renter based on the actions of previous renters. If you have found yourself with a less than functional relationship with your landlord, here are a few things you can do to make things easier.

First off, submit all communication with your landlord in writing. Don’t pick up the phone and call because there won’t be a record of the conversation. Depending on the laws in your state or province, you may be able to record the conversations you have over the phone with your landlord. This can be fantastic evidence if you are being threatened.

Do your best to try to stay calm. Conversations that end up as screaming matches will only make things worse. If the relationship with your landlord has degraded to the point where you can’t even speak to each other, it is time to move out now, even if that means swallowing your security deposit.

Make your landlord sign a piece of paper that states that you paid rent each month. Only pay rent via a check. If you are asked to pay in cash, flatly refuse. When you pay with a check, there is hard evidence that you paid rent so that no claims can be made that you didn’t. In most states, you are legally entitled to pay rent with a check only.

One final tip, don’t just move out without any notice. Just because your landlord has been treating you poorly doesn’t mean you need to sink to his or her level. If you are planning on getting out as soon as possible, let your landlord know.