Dilapidations Services
C W Johnson Limited Chartered Surveyors provide professional dilapidations advice to landlords and tenants in accordance with the RICS Dilapidations Guidance Note and professional statements. Our services are delivered objectively and proportionately, with a focus on resolving dilapidations matters efficiently while properly reflecting lease obligations and the principles of loss.
Strategic Dilapidations Advice
We provide early and ongoing advice to landlords and tenants on dilapidations matters, including interpretation of lease covenants, assessment of potential liabilities, and strategic options at all stages of the lease lifecycle.
Interim Schedules of Dilapidations
We prepare Interim Schedules of Dilapidations during the term of a lease, identifying alleged breaches of repair, decoration, alterations, and statutory compliance covenants. These schedules are prepared in accordance with RICS guidance and are intended to be a management tool rather than a terminal claim.
Terminal Schedules of Dilapidations
At lease expiry, we prepare Terminal Schedules of Dilapidations that set out alleged breaches of lease and the remedial works required. Schedules are prepared clearly, accurately, and in compliance with the RICS guidance note.
Dilapidations Claims and Negotiation
We act for landlords and tenants in the presentation, assessment, and negotiation of dilapidations claims. Our advice reflects the statutory cap on damages, the principle of diminution in value, and the requirement for claims to be reasonable and properly substantiated.
Defence of Dilapidations Claims
We advise tenants on responding to dilapidations claims, including review of Terminal Schedules, assessment of liability, preparation of responses, and negotiation of settlement on a sound and defensible basis.
Quantified Demands
Where acting for landlords, we prepare Quantified Demands in support of dilapidations claims, setting out the landlord’s loss in a transparent and proportionate manner, as required by RICS guidance. Where acting for tenants, we review and challenge Quantified Demands as appropriate.
Reinstatement and Lease Exit Advice
We advise tenants on reinstatement obligations, alterations, and yielding up requirements at lease end, enabling informed decision-making and effective exit planning.
Professional and Independent Advice
All dilapidations advice is provided by Chartered Surveyors acting independently and in accordance with RICS professional standards, ensuring that advice is objective, credible, and robust.
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What are dilapidations?
Dilapidations refer to breaches of lease covenants relating to the condition of a property. This typically includes repair, decoration, reinstatement of alterations, and compliance with statutory requirements.
What is the difference between interim and terminal dilapidations?
Interim dilapidations arise during the term of a lease and are intended to address ongoing breaches.
Terminal dilapidations arise at or after lease expiry and relate to the condition in which the property is yielded up.
What is a Schedule of Dilapidations?
A Schedule of Dilapidations is a document prepared by a surveyor that identifies alleged breaches of lease covenants, specifies remedial works, and, where appropriate, provides a cost assessment.
What is a Quantified Demand?
A Quantified Demand sets out the landlord’s alleged loss arising from breaches of covenant, rather than simply the cost of works. RICS guidance requires Quantified Demands to be clear, evidence-based, and proportionate.
Who pays for dilapidations?
Liability depends on the lease terms and the condition of the property at relevant times. In terminal dilapidations, damages are subject to statutory limitations, including the cap based on diminution in value.
What is the statutory cap on damages?
Under Section 18(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927, damages for breach of repair covenants are capped at the reduction in value of the landlord’s interest caused by the breach.
Can a landlord claim if the building is to be redeveloped?
If a landlord intends to carry out works that would render the tenant’s repairs valueless, this may limit or extinguish a dilapidations claim, subject to evidence.
How can dilapidations disputes be avoided?
Early professional advice, clear communication, and compliance with RICS guidance can significantly reduce the risk of disputes and help achieve timely, cost-effective settlements.
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C W Johnson Limited Chartered Surveyors is a RICS-regulated practice. All services are provided in accordance with the RICS Global Professional and Ethical Standards, relevant RICS professional statements, and applicable guidance notes ensuring that our services are delivered with integrity, independence, and a commitment to best practice. Clients can be confident that our advice is professional, transparent, and compliant with current RICS guidance.
The information provided on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute specific professional advice. Formal advice will only be provided following receipt of written instructions and confirmation of agreed terms of engagement.
Any opinions expressed are based on information available at the time of instruction and may be subject to change as further information becomes available or circumstances alter.
No responsibility is accepted to third parties who rely on information contained on this website without our prior written consent.
C W Johnson Limited Chartered Surveyors operates a formal Complaints Handling Procedure in accordance with RICS requirements. Details are available on request.
Professional Indemnity Insurance is maintained in accordance with RICS regulations.