Dilapidations

Dilapidations

Our specialists can provide expert help and advice to navigate any dilapidation challenges you face. Get in touch for assistance.

Updated 28th January 2025

What is a dilapidations survey?

Dilapidations are best described as lease exit costs to the tenant who must restore the property to its pre-let condition, which could mean repairing any damage caused or undoing any cosmetic alterations. An occupier will usually receive a Schedule of Dilapidations at the end of their lease period, which can often lead to disagreements between tenant and landlord.

Our experience in mediating and solving disputes is a core strength within the Eddisons Building Consultancy team. We specialise in advising both owners and occupiers on legal and valuation issues surrounding dilapidations reports upon the expiry of a commercial or residential lease.

"Addressing dilapidations early is vital to avoid costly disputes, maintain property value and ensure compliance with obligations. Expert guidance safeguards landlords and tenants, providing clarity and fair resolution in the lease-end process."

Ian Harrington
Regional Managing Partner (North)

Dilapidations services for landlords

  • Preparation and production of Schedules of Condition
  • Preparation and production of Interim Schedules of Dilapidations
  • Preparation and production of Terminal Schedules of Dilapidations
  • Final Claim negotiation
  • Strategic guidance to Landlords nearing the end of Tenant lease
  • Review of “stalled” Dilapidations negotiations

Dilapidations services for tenants

  • Preparation and production of Schedules of Condition
  • Defence of Interim Schedules of Dilapidations
  • Defence of Terminal Schedules of Dilapidations
  • Dilapidations assessments for Budgeting or Acquisition
  • Advice on Repairs Notice
  • Building contracts management

If you would like to learn more about our dilapidations reports, contact one of our experts today to see how we can assist you.

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Advice for Dilapidations

Contact our team today for advice on dilapidations surveys, schedules of condition and more. 

We typically reduce tenant liabilities by an average of 40% to 45%, and can support you at every stage through the dilapidations process. 

How to carry out a dilapidation survey

Once you instruct our RICS-certified Surveyors to complete a dilapidations survey, they will usually follow these steps:

  1. Inspection – A detailed property assessment is conducted. It will evaluate its current condition, including structural elements, interior and exterior finishes, and more
  2. Documentation – Photographs and notes are taken to record defects, wear and non-compliance with rent agreements
  3. Lease review – The lease terms are analysed to identify repair and reinstatement obligations
  4. Dilapidations report preparation – Your surveyor will create a comprehensive document, detailing breaches and associated repair costs
  5. Negotiations – Any disputes will be supported by an Eddisons expert, ensuring both parties are happy with the outcome

How do Eddisons manage lease-end dilapidations?

Our experienced team, consisting of chartered RICS surveyors, works with owners and occupiers of both commercial and residential property on many lease-end issues including guidance on dilapidations. 

Typically, our process begins with you telling us about your situation. This could be that you are a landlord needing a dilapidations report or a tenant who wants to dispute one. We will then arrange a free consultation with one of our specialists who will offer bespoke advice and provide quotes, timeframes and any other details you require.

We reduce tenant liabilities by an average of 40-45% and can support clients at every stage throughout the process. Whichever side we act for, we get the optimal result for your peace of mind.

Experts in commercial property

Contact our team of leading auctioneers, property agents, and RICS-qualified surveyors today.

Why should I choose Eddisons for dilapidations surveys?

Choosing Eddisons gives you access to 180 years of property experience and over 450 specialists. Our dilapidation surveys are available at our 30 offices nationwide, so you should rarely be far from an expert. 

Our work is also highly rated, with 100% of reviewers recommending us on Reviews.IO. Take a look at their comments to see why you can rely on Eddisons.

Arrange a RICS dilapidations survey now

Our residential and commercial dilapidation surveys ensure occupiers and landlords comply with the initial lease agreement. Please call 0800 051 2593 or complete the form below if you want to arrange one today. You can also learn more about us and our work by reading our news and insights articles.

Pages related to dilapidation reports

What are dilapidations?
What are dilapidations?
How to avoid a large dilapidations bill when vacating a commercial property
How to avoid a large dilapidations bill when vacating a commercial property
Do you need a reinstatement cost assessment?
Do you need a reinstatement cost assessment?
How to avoid disputes about dilapidations
How to avoid disputes about dilapidations
Schedules of condition
Schedules of condition

Case Studies

Lease acquisition for Pinnacle International Freight
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Lease acquisition for Pinnacle International Freight

Demolition Works at Round Spinney
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// Building Consultancy

Demolition Works at Round Spinney

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Pre-acquisition consultancy for warehouse giant

Bradford Live – Photographic Schedule of Condition
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Bradford Live – Photographic Schedule of Condition

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Your commercial property dilapidations team

Ian Harrington
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Ian Harrington

Regional Managing Partner (North)

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Joseph Fitzsimmons
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Joseph Fitzsimmons

Director

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Adam Finch
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Adam Finch

Director

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Ashley Parkinson
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Ashley Parkinson

Director

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Frequently asked questions about dilapidation reports

Who pays for a dilapidations report?

The tenant is usually the one who pays for the dilapidations report, alongside any damages that are found in the survey. This will typically be written into the original lease agreement.

How long does a landlord have to claim dilapidations?

Landlords should serve a dilapidation claim within 56 days of the end of the lease agreement. If you need assistance with this, please call 0800 051 2593 and we will be happy to support you.

Do I have to accept the outcome of a dilapidations report?

No. It is not uncommon to dispute a dilapidations report’s findings. We understand that this can be daunting, so we will be on hand to ease the burden. Contact us today if you need help with this.

How much does a dilapidation survey cost?

You can normally expect to pay anywhere from around £200 to over £2,000. This will ultimately depend on the building's size and complexity as well as your specific requirements.

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