Dilapidations Surveyors in Leeds
AT THE END OF A LEASE
Independent dilapidations advice in Leeds for landlords and tenants, from RICS chartered building surveyors based in Horsforth, working across Yorkshire and further afield.
THE BASICS
What are dilapidations?
Dilapidations are the repair and reinstatement obligations a tenant owes under a commercial lease, and the claim that can follow when a property is handed back in a worse condition than the lease requires.
A Schedule of Dilapidations identifies, by reference to the repairing covenants in the lease, where the tenant is in breach. The works needed to put the property right are documented with their associated costs. The schedule is typically prepared by a chartered surveyor on behalf of the landlord and delivered through the landlord's solicitor.
WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?
Dilapidations claims for landlords and tenants in West Yorkshire
For landlords
We prepare the schedule of dilapidations and the costings, checked against the lease, so your claim is clear and supported. We also advise on negotiation at lease end.
For tenants
We assess your obligations before the lease ends, so you know what the lease requires of you and where you stand. Our advice is independent and clear.
TWO KINDS OF SCHEDULE
Interim and terminal schedules of dilapidations
The same document can serve different purposes, depending on when it is prepared.
Interim dilapidations
An interim schedule is prepared during the lease. It identifies breaches of the repairing covenants while the tenant can still put them right, and helps a landlord keep a record of the property's condition.
Terminal dilapidations
A terminal schedule is prepared as the lease comes to an end. It sets out the works the landlord says are required, with their costs, and is the basis for negotiation between the parties.
BEFORE AND AFTER
Schedules of condition and where disputes arise
The best time to protect a tenant or landlord is at the start of a lease. A schedule of condition records the state of the property on day one, giving both sides a reference point if dilapidations are raised later.
Disputes tend to arise over what the lease actually requires, the extent of the works claimed and what those works would cost. Where a matter cannot be settled between the parties, David J Knight MRICS MISVA, a Chartered Building Surveyor qualified in 1990, can act as an expert witness.
Knight Surveys is a family-run, RICS-regulated practice in Horsforth, Leeds. You deal directly with David and Joe Knight MSc MRICS, whose advice is independent.
Also from our commercial team: schedules of condition, rebuild cost assessments, drone roof surveys, and all commercial building surveying.
QUESTIONS
Dilapidations questions
What is a schedule of dilapidations?
A schedule of dilapidations identifies, by reference to the repairing covenants in the lease, where the tenant is in breach. It records the works needed to put the property right, with their costs. It is typically prepared by a chartered surveyor on behalf of the landlord and delivered through the landlord's solicitor.
Do you act for tenants as well as landlords?
Yes. We prepare schedules and costings for landlords, and we assess tenants' obligations so they understand what the lease requires before it ends. Our advice is independent whichever side you are on.
What is the difference between interim and terminal dilapidations?
An interim schedule is prepared during the lease to identify breaches of the repairing covenants. A terminal schedule is prepared as the lease comes to an end and sets out the works and costs the landlord is claiming.
How does a schedule of condition affect a dilapidations claim?
A schedule of condition records the state of the property at the start of a lease. It gives both sides an agreed reference point if dilapidations are raised later, and its effect depends on how the lease refers to it.
DISCUSS A DILAPIDATIONS MATTER
Tell us what you need
Send an enquiry and we'll call you to discuss the property, or we can email the fee quote if you prefer.
CALL
0113 293 0600
admin@knightsurveys.co.uk
VISIT
Network House, Lister Hill, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5AZ
