Commercial Surveys

Dilapidation

Whether from a Landlord or a Tenant perspective, dilapidations may be regarded as either maintaining the value of an investment or minimising what can be a hidden yet substantial cost of occupation. In either case, early representation by a specialist surveyor is essential.

When a tenant leaves leased premises, they must normally pay for, or deal with any defects or disrepair. These defects and disrepairs are what we mean by dilapidations. A surveyor can help by establishing the condition of the premises and can report on what work is needed to fix the disrepair. Before a tenant starts the lease, they should consider the cost of any dilapidations.

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It is often the prelude to the landlord entering the premises, carrying out the work and then recovering the cost from the tenant (assuming it to be permitted under the lease). Our qualified and experienced surveyors take great care when preparing these interim schedules to observe the exact provisions of the lease.

Schedule of Condition

A lease will normally require you to maintain the property in good repair. Just occasionally the lease may state that you have to return the premises to the landlord at the end of the lease in better condition than they were at the beginning.

In all cases you need clear evidence of the condition of the building when you took it on. A survey will provide this. A Schedule of Condition that is attached to and is part of the lease at the outset is your safeguard for later.