(Any “Wicked” fans out there?)

Stephen Schwartz probably didn’t have landlord/tenant law in mind when he penned that iconic line, but time and again, it rings true in the world of rental relationships. Whether you’re a landlord trying to be flexible or a tenant hoping for understanding, too often, good intentions lead to bad outcomes, especially when it isn’t in writing.

I’ve seen it firsthand: clients who try to be kind and accommodating are the very ones who end up in legal trouble. So, let’s take a cue from Glinda and Elphaba and remember this: If it’s not written, it didn’t happen.

Whether you’re dealing with a stranger or a family member, here are some key principles for keeping your landlord/tenant relationship legally sound and drama-free:

📝 1. Read the Lease

It sounds simple, but many skip this step. Both landlord and tenant should read the lease thoroughly and understand every provision—especially the rent due dates, grace periods, penalties, and maintenance obligations. Surprises are great in musicals, not contracts.

💬 2. Set Clear Expectations

Landlords, be upfront about what you expect when the property is returned. Do you require professional cleaning? Will you accept normal wear and tear? Use a move-in checklist to note imperfections up front—this helps avoid disputes when it’s time to move out.
Tenants, take this seriously. Walk through the entire property. Ask yourself, “Would I want to be charged for this later?”If the answer is no, document it.

📸 3. Take Pictures—Lots of Them

In a world where we all carry high-resolution cameras in our pockets, there’s no excuse not to document everything.

  • Landlords, photograph every room and appliance after a tenant vacates. Bonus tip from my paralegal: start with a photo of the front door showing the address, so you can match the pictures to the right property.
  • Tenants, do the same when you move in and again when you move out. You’ll thank yourself later.

📧 4. Keep the Lines Open—and in Writing

Good communication is the key to avoiding conflict. Have a phone conversation? Follow it with an email summarizing what was said.
If you agree to something informally—like holding a security deposit check for 30 days—put it in writing as an addendum to the lease signed by both parties.

Landlords, if you don’t intend for emails or texts to modify the lease, say so. Make that expectation clear both in your lease and in your follow-up communication.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t take a wizard to build a respectful, well-documented landlord/tenant relationship. Just be clear, be kind, and most of all—get it in writing.

So go forth and be Glinda—or Elphaba, if that’s your style. But whatever you do, don’t let a good deed go punished.