Landlord–tenant disputes often turn on documents created before anyone expected court. A chronological, complete file helps counsel identify missing information and procedural issues.
Start with the tenancy documents
Collect the original lease, every rider and amendment, renewals, guarantees, applications, assignments, sublease documents, and any writing that changed the parties’ obligations.
Organize notices and proof of delivery
Keep complete copies of rent demands, cure notices, termination notices, renewal communications, access notices, and proof showing when and how each document was delivered.
Build a payment record
Gather rent ledgers, receipts, canceled checks, bank records, electronic payment confirmations, subsidy records, credits, disputed charges, and communications explaining payment allocation.
Document property conditions
Preserve dated photographs, video, inspection reports, repair requests, work orders, contractor invoices, code records, and access communications. Keep originals and avoid adding misleading captions.
Save the complete court file
Bring petitions, answers, affidavits, motions, orders, stipulations, warrants, notices of appearance, adjournment notices, and the next scheduled date.
Create a short event timeline
Note the beginning of the tenancy, lease changes, payment disputes, complaints, repairs, notices, communications, and court events. Identify supporting records.
Do not use self-help
Parties should obtain advice before changing locks, removing property, interrupting services, withholding access, or taking other unilateral action that may violate an order, lease, or law.