Dilapidations Surveys
Dilapidations are claims for damages, made by the landlord of a commercial building in relation to its condition. A schedule of dilapidations may be needed if a leased property has fallen into disrepair, or if a tenant has made alterations to the property without permission. Dilapidations claims can be made either during the course of a lease, or when the tenant gives back the premises.
Schedules of dilapidations
As dilapidations surveyors, we produce schedules of dilapidations for all types of commercial buildings. A schedule of dilapidations will include a review of lease documents, inspection of the property and a review of the costs involved for any works required.
We provide bespoke advice for landlords, recommending the best course of action before any claim is made. We will also handle the negotiation with your tenant or their dilapidations surveyor (if required).
Received a schedule of dilapidations?
If you are a tenant and receive a dilapidations claim from your landlord, the amount of work and the costs involved can be alarming. We're here to help you navigate the claim and come to an agreement with your landlord.
Dilapidations shouldn't be a penalty. We'll review your lease, discuss the dilapidations claim with your landlord (or their dilapidations surveyor), negotiate on your behalf and recommend a settlement when we believe a fair solution has been reached.
Dilapidations assessments
If you are a tenant and wish to budget for future dilapidations when you leave your property, a dilapidations assessment can help.
We'll review the lease, inspect your property and produce a high level summary of 'worst case' costs. We'll also provide bespoke advice on how to reduce the risk of a future dilapidations claim, when to engage with your landlord and what questions to ask when you decide to leave.
Dilapidations Surveys FAQs
Dilapidations are claims for damages made by a landlord in relation to the condition of a leased commercial property. They usually relate to repair, decoration, reinstatement or unauthorised alterations, depending on the terms of the lease.
A dilapidations matter can arise during the lease or when the tenant returns the premises at the end of the lease.
A schedule of dilapidations is a document setting out alleged breaches of the lease relating to the property’s condition. It may identify repair works, reinstatement works, decoration requirements and associated costs.
As dilapidations surveyors, we can prepare schedules of dilapidations for landlords by reviewing the lease documents, inspecting the property and assessing the costs involved for any required works.
A dilapidations claim can be made during the course of a lease or when the tenant gives back the premises. The timing will depend on the lease, the condition of the property and the nature of the alleged breaches.
For landlords, early advice can help clarify the best route before making a claim. For tenants, advice before lease end can help with budgeting, planning works and reducing the risk of a more difficult claim later.
Dilapidations are usually linked to the tenant’s repairing obligations under the lease, but the position depends on the lease wording, the condition of the property, any alterations made and the circumstances of the claim.
Dilapidations should not simply be treated as a penalty. The claim should be reviewed carefully so the works, costs and settlement position can be properly assessed.
Dilapidations costs are assessed by reviewing the lease, inspecting the property and considering the works required in relation to the tenant’s obligations. This may include repairs, decoration, reinstatement of alterations and other relevant items.
We can review the costs involved, advise on the reasonableness of the claim and negotiate with the landlord, tenant or their surveyor where required.
If you receive a schedule of dilapidations, it is worth getting advice before agreeing to the works or costs claimed. The amount can feel alarming, but not every item may be straightforward or agreed.
We can review your lease, inspect the property, assess the claim and negotiate with your landlord or their dilapidations surveyor. The aim is to help you understand your position and work towards a fair settlement.
Yes. If you are a tenant and want to budget for potential dilapidations before leaving a commercial property, a dilapidations assessment can help.
We can review the lease, inspect the property and provide a high-level summary of potential worst-case costs. We can also advise on ways to reduce the risk of a future claim, when to engage with your landlord and what questions to ask before you leave.