Dilapidations

Chris Barber: a specialist recommended by FindaLondonOffice

Is this subject important to all tenants?: Yes. When a tenant signs a lease with a landlord the tenant contracts with the landlord to look after the space, and included is that the property must be maintained and redecorated by the tenant during the lease and also at the end.
Can dilapidations claims by the landlord be challenged or reduced?: Yes. The Landlord’s position can be challenged by a suitably qualified surveyor familiar with the workings of the Landlord & Tenant Acts that largely govern this subject.
Does the Landlord always get the cost of the works needed right?: No. Often their financial assessment of the tenant’s liabilities can be overstated merely as a mechanism to help in their negotiating process. This overstating can result in the tenant paying out too much money , unless challenged by someone who really knows what it should cost to do the work needed
Can an appeal process be adopted?: Yes. The Dilapidations Surveyor negotiates a prudent settlement of the claim, and the charges for this work will relate to the success of the negotiations.
Recommendation: Get an advisor to check your actual Dilapidations liability. It could result in a substantial saving