Commercial
Dilapidation Surveys For Landlords
Dilapidation surveys are used before, during, or at the end of an occupancy to assess the property’s condition. Landlords like yourself can then use the information provided to issue a ‘schedule of dilapidations’, which lists repairs or lease breaches your tenant is financially responsible for, and the actions and costs involved in resolving these issues.
Why Are Dilapidation Surveys Important?
As a landlord, it’s important to protect your investment. Dilapidation surveys are beneficial for this, as they allow you to manage and record evidence for any potential disputes. They can be used to hold your tenants accountable for the state of the property at the end of the tenancy.
If your property is left damaged or in a state of disrepair, your tenant may be responsible for covering the costs of returning it to its previous condition, saving you money in the long run. These can include:
- Legal Costs: If it’s specified in the lease, your tenant may be liable for the legal costs incurred during the dilapidations process. For example, the fees of the landlord’s surveyors or solicitors.
- Repair Costs: This could include fixing any structural damage (if included in the lease) or repairing wear and tear that is deemed to be beyond reasonable use.
- Redecoration: You may need to repaint or refinish surfaces to return them to the condition outlined in the lease. This could also include the removal of branding or added partitions, for example, in a commercial property.
- Rent: If dilapidation work extends beyond the term of the lease, or repairs delay a new occupant moving in, your tenant may be responsible for the rent payments lost during this period.
When Should A Dilapidation Survey Be Completed?
Dilapidation surveys should take place at least six to twelve months before the end of the current tenancy on your property. You should allow as much time as possible for your tenants to resolve any issues or carry out repairs before they vacate the property. Addressing these issues early can also reduce the financial impact they may have, as repairs are less likely to delay any subsequent occupancy – meaning you can remarket and rent out your property much faster after each tenancy.
What Is Included In A Dilapidations Assessment?
Honest advice from a team of professionals who have your best interests at heart.
- A detailed inspection of the physical elements of a property, including doors, walls, pipes, windows, and roofs.
- An in-depth, jargon-free report of damages or changes to the property’s structure, including cracks, dampness, or mould.
- A dedicated surveyor focused on using their expertise to reach a fair and reasonable settlement.
- A summary of the occupant’s lease obligations, any agreement breaches and the placement of responsibility for these breaches.
- Cost estimates of the necessary works and some advice on the timescales that may be involved in completing them. Dilapidation surveys are a great tool for keeping a tenancy transition as smooth as possible. You won’t simply receive a report of the property’s current condition, but several other pieces of vital information, including:
How Can Fourth Wall Help You With Dilapidations?
To help you get the most out of your property investments, the team at Fourth Wall will give you everything you need to know about dilapidations. Our quality advice and transparent services are backed by years of experience and local knowledge, so you can be sure they’re receiving the best, jargon-free advice survey. We’ll put property owners at the forefront of this process and do everything we can to get them to a fair conclusion.
If you’re ready to move forward, why not get a quote today? Alternatively, click below to book a free, no-obligation consultation.
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Dilapidation Survey FAQs
How Much Does A Dilapidation Survey Cost?
The price of a dilapidation survey and report varies depending on the size, value, and complexity of the property. Other factors, like the extent of damages, will also be taken into account by the surveyor.
If you’d like to find out more about the possible costs involved in dilapidation surveys, get in touch with our team for a no-obligation consultation and quote.
Who Pays For A Dilapidation Survey?
Each party (both you and your tenant) will pay for their own surveyor to negotiate a claim. Our team will focus on giving quality advice, with the aim of reaching the best possible solution for you as a landlord as promptly as possible.
Who Can Carry Out A Dilapidations Survey?
Dilapidation surveys are typically carried out by chartered building surveyors, like the team here at Fourth Wall. We have the knowledge and expertise to conduct the survey, going above and beyond the RICS guidelines and legislation.
If you’re looking to get a dilapidation survey for your property but don’t know where to start, contact our experts today. We’ll provide amazing services, perfect for protecting your property.
What Is The Timeline For Dilapidations?
The sooner you serve a tenant a dilapidation claim, the better. We recommend getting the survey completed no more than 56 days after the lease ends, as this is considered a ‘reasonable timeframe’. However, by law, landlords have up to six years to commence a claim against a previous tenant.
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 // South East
Areas We Cover
London
Mayfair
Pimlico
Kensington
Westminster
Lambeth
Islington
Enfield
Camden
Barnet
Belsize Park
Hampstead Heath
Finsbury Park
