Mediation

Services

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a voluntary process in which a trained facilitator, the mediator, helps people with a disagreement negotiate an outcome that benefits both sides. The mediator is not a decision-maker or an advocate for either side. They are a neutral third party, who guides the conversation, negotiates the outcome, and drafts the agreement. 

 When issues between a tenant and landlord occur, a mediator can help both sides better understand differing perspectives, interests, and values. Shelterwell’s mediators utilize listening, empathy, and respect to help each party gain understanding and achieve resolution. 

When Does Mediation Occur?

Shelterwell provides two avenues for mediation in Oklahoma County -- before and after an eviction is filed. Trained mediators attend eviction court in Oklahoma County to negotiate agreements between tenants and landlords. Eviction cases go to mediation at the discretion of the presiding judge.   

 Shelterwell also offers pre-filing mediation, helping landlords and tenants negotiate disagreements and avoid eviction court altogether. Pre-filing mediation aims to find satisfactory solutions while creating a framework for future communications. Shelterwell pre-filling mediation sessions for properties outside of Oklahoma County can be conducted only virtually. Pre-filing mediation sessions for properties within Oklahoma County can be conducted either on-site or virtually.

 Pre-filing mediation can be requested by either the tenant or the landlord, but both parties must agree to participate. Please complete this form to request pre-filing mediation.

Who Can Participate in Mediation?

Mediation sessions occurring at court are assigned at the discretion of the presiding judge. Pre-filing mediation can be initiated by either the landlord/property manager, tenant, or housing stability service providers.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Landlord Questions

  • Successful mediation relies on cooperation and communication. You will work with a court-approved mediator who guides the conversation and negotiates the agreement. The mediator is not a judge, attorney, or decision-maker, nor are they advocating for the tenant. The mediator will first speak to you and your tenant separately, listening to everyone’s concerns, and then work with you together to reach an acceptable agreement. If you and your tenant reach an agreement, the mediator will write a detailed description of the decision and agreed-upon next steps for you and your tenant to sign and follow.

  • Pre-filing mediation can save landlords time and money. Shelterwell provides mediation services at no cost to landlords or tenants. Landlords can avoid court costs, filing fees, attorney fees, and the costs of finding a new tenant.

    Pre-filing mediation may be held in person (Oklahoma County only) virtually, through Zoom, and generally takes less time than filing and attending an eviction hearing.  

  • We ask that landlords approach mediation with an open mind and willingness to compromise. Mediation is voluntary, and Shelterwell provides these services at no cost to the landlord or tenant.

    Landlords are required to provide verification that they are the property owner or have full authority to negotiate and make agreements on the owner’s behalf. A copy of the lease and a ledger showing what is owed by the tenant are required.

  • To begin the process, fill out this form. We will contact you for more information and to request the required documentation.

    While either party can request mediation, both the tenant and landlord must agree to participate. We will contact the tenant to request their participation and schedule the mediation. Should your tenant decide not to participate, we will notify you and advise you of the next steps.  

  • After the tenant confirms they want to participate, you will receive an electronic Consent to Mediate form. The form must be completed within three (3) business days of receipt. Have the lease, ledger, and documentation of ownership/authority to negotiate ready to provide upon request.

    Consider the issues between you and your tenant and any proposed outcomes you would like to discuss. The more prepared you are, the easier and faster mediation will be. 

  • If an agreement is not reached, either party may pursue remedies available to them under the law. We recommend that both parties seek the advice of an attorney and proceed accordingly.

    If mediation does not produce an agreement, it does not mean you cannot still attempt to communicate with the other party. We recommend still trying to end your case as amicably as possible.  

Frequently Asked Tenant Questions

  • Successful mediation relies on cooperation and communication. You will work with a court-approved mediator who guides the conversation and negotiates the agreement. The mediator is not a judge, attorney, or decision-maker, nor are they advocating for the landlord. The mediator will first speak to you and your landlord separately, listening to everyone’s concerns, and then work with you together to reach an acceptable agreement. If you and your landlord reach an agreement, the mediator will write a detailed description of the decision and agreed-upon next steps for you and your landlord to sign and follow. 

  • Shelterwell provides mediation services at no cost to landlords or tenants. Pre-filing mediation can be conducted in person (Oklahoma County only) virtually, through Zoom, and generally takes less time than traveling to and attending court.

    Everything discussed in mediation is confidential, and pre-filing mediation allows landlords and tenants to discuss issues outside of the courtroom and avoid the uncertainty and stress of appearing before a judge.

    While we cannot guarantee that pre-filing mediation will prevent an eviction from being filed, the goal of pre-filing mediation is for tenants and landlords to reach an agreement and for the tenant to avoid having an eviction on their record.

  • We ask that tenants approach mediation with an open mind and willingness to compromise. Mediation is voluntary, and Shelterwell provides these services at no cost to the landlord or tenant. Tenants may be asked for demographic information that is part of Shelterwell’s funding requirements. Information will be kept confidential and not discussed during mediation.

  • To begin the process, fill out this form. We will contact you for more information and to request the required documentation.

    While either party can request mediation, both the tenant and landlord must agree to participate. We will contact your landlord to request their participation and schedule the mediation. Should your landlord decide not to participate, we will notify you and advise you of the next steps

  • After your landlord agrees to proceed, you will receive electronic Consent to Mediate and Mediation Intake forms through your email. Please complete within three business days of receiving. Have your photo ID and a copy of your lease ready to provide upon request.

    Consider the issues between you and your landlord and any proposed outcomes you would like to discuss. The more prepared you are, the easier and faster mediation will be.  

  • If an agreement is not reached, either party may pursue remedies available to them under the law. This may include your landlord exercising their right to file an eviction. We recommend that both parties seek the advice of an attorney and proceed accordingly.

    If mediation does not produce an agreement, it does not mean you cannot still attempt to communicate with your landlord. We recommend still trying to end your case as amicably as possible.