Contracts and Conflicts: Landlord and Tenant Legal Consciousness on Reddit

• In Event: 50414 - Citizens Interpretations and Experiences of Law

Abstract

In this project, I will analyze the discrepancy between the explicit legal nature of a rental lease and the interpersonal negotiation and enforcement of this document between landlords and tenants. Through the digital medium of Reddit posts, I plan to illuminate misunderstandings, frustrations, and conflicts arising from the contractual and interpersonal relationship between landlords and tenants. Initial findings suggest that there are variations in the manner in which rental leases are enforced. These variations speak to both parties’ display of legal consciousness, or the extent of the landlord or
tenants understanding of contractual clauses in their agreed-upon rental lease. Variations in rental lease enforcement have tangible implications for tenants perception of housing stability, particularly for those in challenging economic circumstances.

Author

• Grace Charlotte Sementilli, University at Buffalo