Landlord and tenant disputes usually happen in situations dealing with untimely rent payment, lease agreements and/or property damage.  Under the Residential Landlord Tenant Act, a tenant has rights which are created to protect the tenant from unreasonable actions or demands from the landlord.  For example, one such protection involves ensuring that the place of residence is up to housing code, while another protection involves prevention of unethical discrimination in renting practice. Consulting or having a real estate lawyer representing you in a court during a trial or arbitration case is crucial to ensure that you are not unfairly penalized and that everything from tenant rights, contracts, and deposits are accounted for.