Surveys and dilapidations, on the tenant's side.
Pre-acquisition surveys, schedules of condition, and dilapidations defence at exit. We give you an independent view of a building before you commit, and defend you against the claims landlords make when you leave.
Know the building before you commit.
We carry out the due diligence before you take a lease, with building and condition surveys and a schedule of condition that records the state you took the space in. Then we advise on issues in the building's fabric throughout the lease. An independent expert on major building issues is worth having on your side.
What a dilapidations claim is.
At the end of a lease, and sometimes during it, a landlord can claim the cost of putting the premises back into the condition the lease requires. You either carry out the repairs or pay the landlord's agreed cost of doing them.
Why claims need an expert.
In principle it is simple: inspect, agree the cost, settle. In practice the valuation, the building costs and the legal principles all have to be argued, including statutory limits such as section 18(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927, which can cap what a landlord recovers. Acting only for occupiers, we negotiate entirely in your interest.
Strategy and budget, through to settlement.
We advise on strategy and budgeting well before the end of the lease, then handle every negotiation through to an acceptable settlement, whatever the property's type, age or condition.
What’s included
- Pre-acquisition surveys
- Schedules of condition
- Dilapidations claim defence
- Strategy and budgeting
- Negotiation to settlement
Questions we’re asked
What is a dilapidations claim?
A claim by the landlord for the cost of returning the premises to the condition the lease requires, usually made at the end of the lease. It can be settled by carrying out the works or by paying an agreed sum.
When should we think about dilapidations?
Before you sign. A schedule of condition at the start of a lease records the state you took the space in, which can limit what is claimed at the end.
Can a dilapidations claim be reduced?
Often, substantially. Claims are open to challenge on valuation, costs and legal grounds, and section 18(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927 can cap the amount recoverable. Across the lifecycle we've reduced average dilapidations claims by 78%.