Dilapidations claims at the end of a commercial lease can run into tens or hundreds of thousands of pounds. Landlords present schedules of repair, reinstatement, and redecoration that tenants are expected to fund. Without professional advice, tenants often overpay significantly.
We act for both landlords and tenants on dilapidations matters, providing independent surveys and expert assessments that ensure claims are fair and evidence-based.
What Dilapidations Are
Dilapidations are the breaches of a tenant’s lease obligations relating to the condition of the property. Most commercial leases include repairing covenants requiring the tenant to maintain the property in a specified condition and return it at lease end in that state.
A dilapidations schedule itemises the alleged breaches and the cost of remedying them. Landlords typically instruct a surveyor to prepare this schedule, and the resulting claim can be substantial.
Why Tenants Need Independent Advice
Landlord-instructed schedules are prepared to maximise the claim. That’s not dishonest — it’s the landlord’s surveyor doing their job. But it means the schedule may include items the tenant isn’t responsible for, inflated cost estimates, and works that aren’t genuinely required by the lease.
We review schedules on behalf of tenants, challenging items that are overstated, incorrectly attributed, or beyond the tenant’s obligation. In our experience, it’s common to negotiate reductions of 30-50% from the initial schedule amount.
What We Do
Pre-lease assessment. Before signing a new lease, we assess the property’s current condition and prepare a Schedule of Condition. This photographic record documents the property’s state at lease commencement, limiting the tenant’s repairing obligation to that baseline. This simple step can save thousands at lease end.
During the lease. Interim inspections identify developing issues that can be addressed before they become major liabilities. Proactive maintenance during the tenancy reduces the dilapidations exposure at lease end.
At lease end. We prepare a response to the landlord’s schedule, challenging items that are overstated or inappropriate, and negotiate a fair settlement. Where necessary, we provide expert evidence to support the tenant’s position.
The Value of Early Advice
The earlier you engage professional advice, the better your position. Tenants who commission a Schedule of Condition at lease start and manage repairs proactively during the tenancy typically face significantly smaller dilapidations liabilities than those who leave everything until the final inspection.
If you’re entering, occupying, or approaching the end of a commercial lease, contact us to discuss your dilapidations position.
