A survey can be completed before, during or near the end of a commercial lease. An early survey gives tenants more time to understand their repair duties and plan any work. Landlords can also arrange a survey before the lease ends to identify possible breaches and prepare a Schedule of Dilapidations.
What is a dilapidation survey?
A survey, or building condition report, offers a detailed examination of a property’s health. It looks at everything from structural integrity to smaller cosmetic flaws. This inspection covers the exterior and interior spaces, individual rooms, and key systems such as heating, helping to make sure no detail is missed.
During the survey, any signs of decay in the building will be flagged as dilapidation. A detailed report will then give a clear picture of the property’s condition and estimate repair costs. This assessment helps everyone involved understand what maintenance is needed and what the financial implications may be.
Benefits of Dilapidation Surveys
- Give landlords and tenants reassurance of a building's condition
- Save money by preventing people overpaying for repairs that are not their fault
- Ensure a building is safe for tenants, employees and the public
- Help avoid disputes for who is responsible for repairs
A dilapidation report covers:
- Full building condition report
- Comprehensive building deterioration analysis
- Risk Assessment
- Budget Costs for Remedies
- Evidence of Condition
- Prioritisation of Repairs
Maximise Your Property Value
We saved a tenant in Oxford a quarter of a million pounds.
The landlord served their Dilapidations Claim at £300,000.
We reached a settlement with the Landlord of the building at £50,000, thus saving £250,000 from the landlord's original claim.
We saved another client in the Isle of Wight £70,000 with our dilapidations services.
The landlord served their Dilapidations Claim at £95,000
We reached a settlement with the Landlord of the building at £25,000, saving £70,000 from the landlord's original claim and repairs that were not the tenant's fault.
Get Dilapidations Surveys and Reports
Dilapsolutions provides clear surveys and reports for commercial property. We help landlords and tenants find and deal with any repair issues.
Our team works across the UK and Ireland. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation chat about your property and the support you need.
Surveys for Tenants and Landlords
- Dilapidation surveys inspect properties to evaluate their condition both before and after construction.
- This essential process involves conducting an inspection of the property, capturing detailed images, recording measurements, and documenting the current condition of the building.
- The surveyor will conduct a thorough assessment of the property to identify any damage that may have occurred during construction.
- These surveys play a crucial role in resolving legal disputes that may arise between various parties involved in construction projects.
- One of their primary roles is to determine liability for damages associated with the project.
- The report is vital for identifying key actions to repair and restore the damage of the property.
- For the most accurate property condition assessments before and after construction, it is essential to rely on the expertise of a seasoned surveyor.
What do dilapidation surveys include?
A comprehensive assessment of the property's condition, including a detailed inspection of all building components and systems.
- Radiators and Heating Systems
- Fire Escapes and Fire Safety Routes
- Hazardous Areas
- Electrical and Power Systems
- Windows and doors
- Staircases and Lift Systems
- IT and Communications
- Air Conditioning and Fans
- Grilles and Diffusers
- Lighting and Fittings
- Walls, Floors and Ceilings
Who needs a dilapidations survey?
Both landlords and tenants can use a dilapidations survey to check a property’s condition. A landlord may need one to identify repairs before a lease ends. A tenant may need one to check which repairs they are responsible for.
Dilapsolutions has helped clients across the UK and Ireland avoid unnecessary repair costs. Our surveyors inspect the building and explain their findings in a clear report. This helps you understand the property’s condition, plan your next steps and deal with any claim.
When is a Survey Needed?
Prior to a property lease
A tenant may arrange a dilapidations assessment prior to taking a lease:
- Ensures the tenant that the property is in proper condition and safe for occupancy before leasing
- Helps to ascertain future liability
- Can avoid unexpected costs for repairs that were present prior to the contract starting
A landlord may arrange a survey prior to issuing a lease:
- Provides the landlord with a list of expected remedials at the end of the contract
- Helps to ascertain future liability
- Can be fundamental in preventing disputes and potential court proceedings down the line
At the end of a property lease
A tenant may arrange a survey at the end of a lease:
- Assists the tenant in avoiding unnecessary expenses for repairs that are not their responsibility
- Clarifies the necessary steps and identifies which sections of the lease agreement were violated
- Can help prevent potential disputes in the future
A landlord may arrange an assessment survey at the end of a lease:
- Determines if all necessary repairs and maintenance agreements have been carried out
- Assists in negotiations
- Assesses the condition of a property before any contract changes take place
Realise Benefits of a Dilapidations Survey Analysis
Our team consists of chartered building and valuation surveyors who are uniquely positioned to provide guidance and support in navigating the complexities of property assessments. Whether you are the owner of the building or a tenant, our professionals will help you achieve the best possible outcome.
We specialise in conducting dilapidation services for all types of commercial properties across the United Kingdom & Ireland.
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Commonly Asked Questions
When should a dilapidations survey be carried out?
What does a dilapidations survey cover?
The surveyor will inspect the accessible parts of the property. This may include:
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Walls, floors and ceilings
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Windows and doors
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Heating and air conditioning systems
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Lighting and electrical fittings
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Staircases and lifts
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Fire escapes and safety routes
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Toilets, wash basins and showers
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Alterations made by the tenant
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External areas covered by the lease
The exact inspection will depend on the property and the terms of the lease.
Do I need to provide a copy of the lease?
Yes. The lease sets out the tenant’s duties for repair, decoration and reinstatement. The surveyor may also need licences for alterations, plans, previous reports and other property records. If a claim has already been made, you should provide the Schedule of Dilapidations and any supporting documents.
What is the difference between a dilapidations survey and a Schedule of Condition?
A dilapidations survey checks the property for repair issues and possible breaches of the lease. A Schedule of Condition records the state of the property at a specific point in time, often before a tenant moves in. When attached to the lease, it may help limit the tenant’s duty to return the property in a better condition than it was at the start.
Can tenants arrange their own dilapidations survey?
Yes. Tenants can appoint their own surveyor before or after receiving a landlord’s claim. The surveyor can inspect the property, review the lease and check whether each claimed item is reasonable. They can also prepare a formal response and negotiate with the landlord’s surveyor where needed.
What happens after the survey?
The surveyor will prepare a report explaining their findings. Depending on the circumstances, this may include recommended repairs, estimated costs and evidence such as photographs. Dilapsolutions can then advise on the next steps. These could include preparing or responding to a Schedule of Dilapidations, negotiating a settlement, or considering how the issues affect the property’s value.
Why is valuation advice important in dilapidations claims?
A valuation surveyor assesses whether disrepair alleged by the landlord genuinely affects value or future lettability. In many cases, challenging this valuation reduces claims significantly by avoiding a purely cost-based approach.
How does the two-surveyor approach benefit tenants?
Tenants receive advice from both a Building Surveyor and a Valuation Surveyor for a single fee from the outset. This often leads to lower settlement figures and stronger negotiation position.
What is FRS 102 and why does it matter in dilapidations?
FRS 102 is an accounting provision applicable in both the UK & ROI, whereby a company can obtain full corporation tax relief on capital set aside annually to accrue to a professionally estimated dilapidations liability sum at lease end/break. This is the “Dilapidations Liability Assessment” provided by a chartered surveyor.
Dilapsolutions
Chartered Surveyors
We are the only dilapidations consultancy in the UK & Ireland that provides both Chartered Building and Valuation Surveyors, ensuring the best results for our clients.
