Hampstead, London NW3 RICS Regulated
Request a Consultation

Dilapidations

Advice on lease-end repair liabilities, schedules, claims and negotiated outcomes across commercial property.

Lease Liabilities Schedules & Responses Settlement Strategy
Overview

Commercial property advice where repairing obligations and exit exposure need to be understood clearly

Dilapidations advice is used to assess lease obligations, quantify repair liability and support a reasoned position for claim preparation, response or negotiated settlement.

The instruction may be required by landlords preparing terminal schedules, by tenants responding to claims, or by clients needing a clearer view on cost exposure before lease expiry, surrender or re-letting.

Our role is to help clients understand what the lease requires, what works are genuinely in issue and how technical and commercial positions can be presented clearly.

Who This Service Is For

Landlords and tenants who need a defensible position on lease-end liability

Landlords Tenants Managing agents Asset managers Investors Legal advisers

The instruction is relevant where repairing, reinstatement and decoration obligations may affect lease strategy, financial exposure or the timing of exit, settlement or reletting decisions.

When To Instruct Us

Typical stages at which dilapidations advice is required

  • Before lease expiry where potential liability needs to be assessed early and planned properly.
  • When preparing or responding to an interim or terminal schedule of dilapidations.
  • During negotiations where parties need technical support on scope, causation or reasonableness of claimed works.
  • Where settlement strategy needs to be informed by lease wording, physical condition and likely loss position.
What We Review

The main issues typically considered during a dilapidations instruction

The precise scope depends on the lease and the property, but the instruction is generally structured around obligations, condition and the realistic extent of recoverable works or damages.

Lease Obligations

Repairing, reinstatement, decoration and yielding-up covenants relevant to the premises and the point at which liability is assessed.

Condition of the Premises

Physical inspection of the property to identify disrepair, alterations, outstanding obligations and the likely scope of remedial works.

Claim & Settlement Position

Reasonableness of the schedule, likely cost implications and technical matters influencing negotiation or formal claim progression.

Deliverables

What the report covers

  • Preparation or review of schedules of dilapidations and supporting commentary.
  • Advice on lease obligations, disrepair scope and reinstatement issues.
  • Reasoned response schedules or landlord claim support, depending on the appointment.
  • Commentary on likely cost exposure and negotiation priorities.
  • Support toward commercially sensible settlement discussions or next-step action.
Our Approach

Technical and lease-led advice aimed at practical outcomes

We start by understanding the lease position, the property type and the client objective, whether that is claim preparation, defence, early exposure review or negotiated settlement support.

Our reporting is intended to separate genuine liability from overstatement, explain what is technically in issue and help the client move toward a proportionate commercial outcome.

Related Services

Other instructions often considered alongside dilapidations

FAQs

Common questions about dilapidations

Can you act for both landlords and tenants?

Yes, subject to conflicts and appointment terms. The role is to provide independent professional advice on the lease obligations, condition issues and likely extent of liability.

Is a schedule of dilapidations only prepared at lease end?

No. Schedules may also arise during the term of a lease, but terminal dilapidations at or near lease expiry are the most common instruction type.

Will the advice include cost commentary?

Yes. Where relevant to the appointment, the advice can comment on likely cost exposure and the reasonableness of works said to arise from the lease obligations.

Can you help once the claim has already started?

Yes. Clients often instruct after a schedule has been served, where they need a technical review, response strategy or support through negotiation.

Request a Consultation

If you need clear advice on lease-end repair liability, schedules or settlement strategy, we can help.

Request a Consultation