Dilapidations

A lease to occupy property is a contractual relationship between the owner of the property and the occupier. Whilst a great deal of attention is given to the rent, rent review clause, length of lease etc experience has shown us that often the implications of the maintenance and repairing covenant is not given the same level of priority. This can often prove to be a very costly oversight particularly towards the end of the term when the question of dilapidations is addressed.

Proper identification of the tenant’s obligations by reference to the lease provisions is essential. These should be considered both at the outset when agreeing terms for occupation of a property and at an early stage when the term of occupation is coming to the end. This advice is important to both Landlord and Tenant to ensure that the covenants in the lease are properly addressed at each stage.

Our Surveyors have the experience and detailed knowledge to deal with the complex and often contentious issues which can arise with dilapidations.

We always recommend an early instruction, while the tenants still have opportunity to carry out works to the property themselves.