WGM’S TOP 10 DILAPIDATION TIPS – LANDLORDS

  • Perform regular inspections of your asset to ensure your tenant is looking after the property – you could have the option of serving a repairs notice mid-term under the Jervis v Harris Clause in the lease.
  • If the tenant is looking to undertake alterations, appoint a Chartered Building Surveyor to undertake a technical review of those alterations and advise on the default reinstatement position.
  • Instruct a Chartered Building Surveyor to inspect and prepare a schedule of dilapidations 6-12 months prior to lease end – the fees are nearly always recoverable.
  • Compile the specification of works and tender early so you are ready to commence works as shortly after lease expiry to mitigate loss and minimise potential void periods.
  • Competitively tender the works to a minimum of 3 contractors including a recommended contractor from the outgoing tenant.
  • Undertake the statutory testing as soon as the lease expires to evidence any disrepair caused by the tenant.
  • Ensure your Chartered Building Surveyor is driving the claim forward and complying with the Dilapidations Protocol.
  • If a prospective tenant is unable to take occupation of the premises as a direct consequence of the tenant’s breaches of lease, make sure this is accurately recorded in writing so it can be used to support a loss of rent and consequential losses claim.
  • If you are negotiating with a prospective tenant and have to make a concession to the lease structure / rent, ensure this is adequately recorded in the head of terms as it may be used in negotiations to evidence loss.
  • Check the Chartered Building Surveyor acting on your behalf is in fact a dilapidations specialist.
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Dan Metcalf Building Surveying Lead for WGM Building Consultancy

CONTACT OUR HEAD OF BUILDING SURVEYING

DAN METCALF

Telephone: 07735 233 642

Email: dan@wgm-bc.co.uk