Dilapidations Surveys
Dilapidations are claims for damages that a landlord can put forward if a tenant has not left the building the way they should have under the terms of the lease.
A schedule of dilapidations is typically served by the landlord to the tenant towards the end of the lease term. Should there be disagreement over the schedule, a surveyor may be appointed to contest the claims on behalf of the tenant.
Whether you are a landlord looking to recover costs for damages, or a tenant who has been served an unexpected schedule of dilapidations, we can help. Our qualified surveyors are experienced in providing dilapidations advice, and negotiating a positive outcome.
For expert advice and support relating dilapidations claims:
Call 0117 942 7876, email, or complete
our enquiry form.
It pays to have an expert on your side
Our qualified surveyors have negotiated dilapidations for a wide range of clients and are experienced in providing sound advice and negotiating a positive outcome.
Having an experienced dilapidations surveyor on your side can make a huge difference. The situations in which our surveyors can advise include:
- Preparing and serving dilapidations claims for the landlord during and at the end of the term
- Responding to, and managing, dilapidation claims on behalf of the tenant
If you have any questions about dilapidations, view our frequently asked questions or get in touch with one of our expert surveyors today.
Dilapidations Advice
It is beneficial for both landlords and tenants that the dilapidations process be initiated well before the end of the lease period, helping avoid unwanted complications, or even costly legal battles.
Serving a schedule of dilapidations before the tenant has vacated the building also allows the tenant to opt to carry out repairs themselves, which can deliver savings for both parties.
Dilapidations – advice for landlords
No landlord wants to have to pay for unexpected repairs and redecoration when a tenant moves out. They want their tenant to leave the property in a good state of repair, as defined in the terms of their lease.
Also, to avoid loss of income, landlords usually want to achieve a quick turnaround, with their new tenant moving into the premises as soon as possible. This can be significantly delayed if there is work required to return the premises to the desired state of repair.
To help landlords through the process and achieve a positive outcome our experienced surveyors will:
- Conduct a detailed review of the terms of the lease to assess exactly what condition the tenant was meant to keep the building in
- Carry out a thorough inspection of the premises and list any issues or breaches that the tenant has caused
- Produce a schedule of dilapidation with a associated costs
- Serve the schedule of dilapidation to the tenant
If the tenant does not agree with the points raised in the schedule of dilapidations they may choose to appoint their own surveyor. In this case we will:
- Negotiate with the tenant’s surveyor to reach an agreement that is acceptable to both sides.
Dilapidations – advice for tenants
When a tenant takes on a building lease it will contain an obligation to keep the property in good condition. If at the end of the tenancy the landlord feels the building has not been left in the expected condition as defined the terms of the lease, they can put forward claims for damages in a schedule of dilapidations.
A schedule of dilapidations can come as an unexpected surprise to a tenant. Should they not agree with the points raised in the schedule, they may choose to appoint their own surveyor.
To help tenants through the process and achieve a positive outcome our experienced surveyors will:
- Conduct a detailed review of the terms of the lease and dilapidations claims
- Inspect the premises to review issues or breaches listed in the schedule
- Respond to the schedule, contesting any unfair claims for unnecessary repairs or excessive costs
- Recommend options for addressing claims – such as the tenant carrying out repairs and redecoration to help reduce costs
- Negotiate with the landlord’s surveyor to reach an agreement that is acceptable to both sides.
Schedule of condition
There are typically four key clauses relating to property maintenance in a lease: repair, decoration, reinstatement, and compliance. Perhaps surprisingly, decoration often brings about the highest claims.
Both landlords and tenants can choose to protect themselves by having a Schedule of Condition, a report which documents the property’s state at the start of the lease.
The Schedule of Condition serves as a useful ‘before and after’ comparison of the state of the property when the lease ends, and can be used to either support claims for damages, or defend against unfair claims.
Who we work with
We have acted and negotiated dilapidations for a wide range of clients including asset managers at larger organisations and commercial agents for smaller premises.
The types of building we have worked on dilapidations for includes:
- Small retail units
- Industrial estates
- National supermarkets
- Office blocks
- Medical centres
- Dental practices
- Warehouses
- Night clubs
- Restaurants
- Large commercial estates
Get expert advice on dilapidations
Whether you are an aggrieved landlord looking to recover costs for damages, or a tenant who has been served an unexpected schedule of dilapidations, we can help.
Our qualified surveyors are experienced in providing dilapidations advice and support and helping negotiate a positive outcome.
Having an experienced surveyor on your side can make a huge difference to any dilapidations claims process.
Our experts
Richard Sherwood
Chief Operating Officer
Richard is a member of our senior management team. A highly experienced building surveyor, he has worked on numerous dilapidations projects and is adept at helping commercial landlords and tenants achieve the best possible outcome.
Ben O’Brien
Chief Executive Officer
Ben is part of the senior management team at Easton Bevins. An experienced building surveyor, he has worked on numerous dilapidations projects. With an acute attention to detail and tenacious approach Ben has helped clients - both landlords and tenants - achieve a positive outcome.
Local dilapidations surveyors
With offices in Birmingham, Bristol, London and Manchester, we offer dilapidation surveys throughout the UK.
Dilapidations Case Studies
Dilapidations News
Interim Dilapidations – What are your options as a landlord?
Posted 1 April 2022 By Easton Bevins
During the course of a lease, a tenant can fall short of their responsibility to maintain or decorate a property. They may also make alterations to the property without their landlord’s permission...
Read moreGet in touch
For more information please complete the enquiry form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
Fields marked * are required.