You are on the right track in wanting to settle your dispute tactfully. It is in your best interest to maintain a good relationship with your landlord—after all, you need a place to live. Likewise, it is in the landlord's best interest to maintain a good relationship with you (and any other tenants)—he or she needs your rental income. Many times, a landlord/tenant dispute is the result of a simple misunderstanding, and can be handled easily by checking the terms of your lease or rental agreement (if you are a tenant-at-will, you may not have a written agreement).Generally, the most common causes of a landlord/tenant dispute are over:Privacy rights (landlord's right to enter your unit vs. your right to be left alone)Money (usually concerning rent payments or return of a security deposit)Repairs to the property (or lack thereof)In all types of disputes, it is important for you to know your rights. Both you and your landlord have certain rights and obligations under federal law. In addition, there are state and local laws that apply to tenants and landlords. These laws can vary greatly depending upon where you live, so it is important to check the laws in your area. It is in everyone's best interest to avoid arguing, harassing, or going to court when settling a dispute.Chances are good that your dispute can be resolved if you:Know your rightsTalk to your landlordDon't exaggerate your point, and stick to the issue at handDon't assign blame, and focus on negotiating a solutionCreate a paper trail—request repairs or report problems in writing and keep a copyFollow up any conversations about the problem with a letter outlining your understanding (and keep a copy)Put any agreements you reach in writingIf you cannot reach an agreement with your landlord, mediation may be the next appropriate step. The mediation process involves a neutral third party trained in conflict resolution to help people involved in a dispute reach an agreement they can live with. Mediation services are often available through publicly funded programs. As a last resort, consider pursuing your claim in small claims court.