Commercial
Dilapidation Survey.
Understand your dilapidations liabilities in relation to your property lease with clear, expert advice from Fourth Wall.
Why Do You Need a Dilapidations Survey?
If you are a landlord or tenant, you need an inspection of your property prior to a new tenancy or a lease ending – this is called a dilapidations survey. Dilapidations refers to the condition of a property prior to or during its occupancy or when a lease ends.
Both occupiers and landlords can stand to lose substantial sums of money if their dilapidation liabilities are not understood. Prior to signing a lease, both parties should record the condition of the property (ideally through a schedule of conditions), and understand their liabilities and repair responsibilities in relation to the lease to ensure their investment is protected during the lease and at lease end – this is where a Fourth Wall dilapidations survey comes in.
During the term of the lease, an occupier needs to plan for their repair obligations well in advance of the expiry of the lease to protect their deposit and the ability to break a lease. As the end of the lease nears, unless the occupier has completed all the repair work required under the lease, the landlord will issue a schedule of dilapidations to the tenant outlining the work required to comply with the tenant’s obligations whilst under the lease.
At lease expiry, if a tenant fails to return the property to the landlord in the condition required by the lease, the landlord will seek to recover the costs for such works through dilapidations as a claim for the damages.
Both landlord and tenant need to understand their obligations in relation to the lease, and a dilapidation survey can ensure that everyone is on the same page. Get in touch for expert advice from our independent chartered surveyors.
If you’re still unsure on what a dilapidation survey is, we’ve written a blog post discussing when they are needed, who’s responsible for them, and understanding your rights as a landlord or tenant which may offer some insight.
Benefits Of A Dilapidations Assessment For Tenants
Cost Planning: Dilapidations assessments allow tenants to anticipate and plan for potential costs associated with restoring the property to its original condition. This enables better financial planning and avoids unexpected financial burdens at the end of the lease.
Negotiation Opportunities: Whether prior to leasing a property, approaching a lease break date, rent review or lease expiry: tenants have the chance to discuss the assessment findings with the landlord. This negotiation can lead to a fair and reasonable position that takes into account the tenant’s perspective.
Legal Protection: By addressing dilapidations promptly and thoroughly, tenants reduce the risk of potential legal disputes and costly legal proceedings. Adhering to lease obligations demonstrates a commitment to compliance and cooperation.
What is Included in a Dilapidations Assessment?
A comprehensive inspection of all physical elements of your property, including but not limited to doors, walls, pipes, windows, roof and more.
A jargon-free, complete report of any damage or changes to the original structure of the property which may include elements such as cracks, dampness and mould.
A dedicated surveyor providing expertise and guidance to ensure a fair and reasonable settlement is reached.
A summary of relevant lease obligations, any breaches of lease agreements and where the responsibilities lie for these breaches.
A summary of estimations of the cost required to complete the works and advice on timescales to complete this.
Honest advice if and when required, from a team of professionals who have your best interests at heart.
Why Choose Fourth Wall For Your Dilapidation Survey?
At Fourth Wall, we pride ourselves on creating a comprehensive dilapidation surveying process for all our customers so they can understand their properties and the aspects that matter the most. We stay clear of the old-fashioned jargon-heavy approach and instead focus on providing quality advice that both tenants and landlords can rely on. Our team understands the importance of being fair towards both parties, which is why we offer reliable, trustworthy, and transparent services from the get-go. To start your journey with Fourth Wall book a free no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly chartered surveyors.
Dilapidations Survey FAQs
Browse some of the common questions that our team are asked when it comes to choosing the survey that’s right for you.
How Much Does a Dilapidation Survey & Report Cost?
There is no set cost to how much a dilapidation report costs; it depends on the size, value and complexity of the property, the extent of damages as well as other factors that the surveyor will take into account. If you are interested in finding out more about having a dilapidation survey conducted for your property, contact one of our team for a no-obligation consultation and quote.
When is a Dilapidation Survey Required?
A landlord, property manager or tenant will commonly request a dilapidation report to be carried out prior to a new tenancy or if a tenant is coming to the end of their lease. This is to see any damage that has been caused to the property and see what needs repairing in relation to the tenant’s responsibilities.
Who Pays For a Dilapidations Survey?
Dilapidation surveys are very common towards the end of a lease and each party will pay for their own surveyor to negotiate the dilapidation claim. Our team can offer you advice either as a tenant or landlord to ensure that legalities are dealt with promptly.
Who Can Carry Out a Dilapidations Survey?
A chartered building surveyor, like ourselves, is the person who typically carries out a dilapidations survey. This is because we have the knowledge and expertise to conduct the survey by following (and going above and beyond) the RICS guidelines and dilapidations protocol legislation.
How is Dilapidation Calculated?
We conduct a thorough inspection of the property, identifying its condition in relation to the lease and identifying repairs the tenant is required to put right under the terms of their lease. Prior to the lease being agreed upon, we’ll also put together a schedule of conditions to record the condition of the property. We’ll identify costs for any defects and negotiate with the other party on reasonable costs and liabilities.
What is the Timeline For Dilapidations?
The sooner the tenant is served a dilapidation claim, the better for both parties. We’d recommend getting a dilapidation survey completed no more than 56 days (which is considered a “reasonable timeframe” after the lease ends, or sooner if possible. However, by law, you do actually have up to 6 years to commence a claim against a previous tenant.
What Our Clients Say.
We could tell you how great our team and services are, but that would be too easy. Why not take a look at what some of our previous clients have said?
Ready to take the next steps?
Book Your Comprehensive Dilapidations Assessment Survey
Disputes can be common between landlords and tenants over dilapidations surveys, so you want to ensure that you’ve got a quality surveyor in your corner who has the expertise to ensure a fair outcome. We’ve created a simple and comprehensive service to suit people in these scenarios so the process can be as easy as possible. Simply fill in the contact form below, or contact us by email or phone for a free consultation with our friendly team.
Local Knowledge
National Coverage.
We have surveyors based across England in our regional offices. With expert knowledge of their local areas, you know you’re in safe hands.
Fourth Wall // Yorkshire
Sheffield
Cubo Work, 38 Carver Street
Sheffield
S1 4FS
Fourth Wall // Midlands
Birmingham
Cubo Work, 4th Floor,
2 Chamberlain Sq
Birmingham
B3 3AX
