Contact specialist property disputes solicitor, Mike Hansom on 01225 462871. Alternatively, you can email him or complete the Contact Form at the foot of this page. |
A claim for Dilapidations is a claim by a landlord against their tenant at the end of a lease for a breach of a lease term requiring the property to be returned in a good state of repair and decoration. This is notwithstanding the condition the property was in at the start of the lease.
The claim will be for the cost of repair and/or decoration, together with loss of rent while those works are undertaken.
Dilapidations can be very contentious. The tenant may feel they have looked after the property and returned it in good condition, but the landlord will often see things very differently, especially if they have to carry out works to the property before it can be re-let.
“Thank you [Mike Hansom] for your amazing persistence, dedication and kindness toward me during this difficult time.” JD, September 2019
Our recommendations
Whether you are a landlord or a tenant:
- We recommend that you use a building surveyor with experience of dilapidations.
- We recommend that the process begins before the end of the lease (typically 3 to 6 months). A building surveyor will prepare a schedule of terminal dilapidations with the proviso that it is subject to change if further dilapidations are discovered. The schedule will notify the tenant of the breaches by clear reference to the terms of the lease and provide costings for undertaking any repair work and decoration.
“I am thrilled to inform you Mike that the money was received by the deadline. May I convey my very many thanks for everything you have all done to bring this unfortunate situation to a close.” AS, February 2018
Whether you are a landlord or a tenant facing a dilapidations claim, you need clear and practical advice on what you are entitled to expect legally, and how best to approach the resolution of the problem.