Commercial Property Dilapidations Lancashire

Finding the right business premises can be a struggle and when something suitable comes onto the market, it can be tempting to rush in and snap it up. However, commercial property Tenants who do so may come to regret their haste if they later find themselves facing a hefty dilapidations claim!

The fact is that Leases on commercial premises can have onerous terms and conditions in respect of a Tenant’s responsibilities to repair and upkeep the condition of the property, often leaving the Tenant responsible for thousands of pounds worth of repair works when they vacate the premises.

Many Tenants are unaware as to the extent of their potential dilapidations liability and often only find out at the end of their occupation that they are responsible for dilapidations – sometimes including repairs to the building (roof, external fabric, internal areas, external grounds and services), full redecoration (internally and externally), statutory obligations (e.g. provision of an asbestos survey, electrical safety certificates, gas safety certificates, etc.), Landlord’s Surveyor’s fees and Solicitor’s fees, as well as (potentially) loss of rent.

A Chartered Building Surveyor with knowledge of commercial properties and dilapidations claims will be able to alert you to what you will actually become responsible for according to the terms and conditions of the Lease – something that many businesses often don’t fully appreciate.

Steps that should be taken include:

  • During the term, establish the works that you as the Tenant is responsible for. Plan early and allow yourself enough time to budget and to complete works before vacating.
  • Before exiting the property, take early advice from a Chartered Building Surveyor who can advise you of your responsibilities and assist with exit strategies, dilapidations tactics and organising repair works.
  • If you do vacate the property and receive a Schedule of Dilapidations from the Landlord afterwards, quickly ensure that you appoint a Surveyor who is experienced in the dilapidations process.

Dilapidations claims can run into thousands of pounds depending on the size of the building and level of disrepair. By taking the advice from a Chartered Building Surveyor and following the precautions detailed above, you can limit your liability significantly.

Also, at the pre-Lease stage, it is advisable that the condition of the building is thoroughly recorded in a Schedule of Condition. A Schedule of Condition is a detailed photographic and written record of the condition of the property at the start of the Lease term that provides protection to an ingoing Tenant by limiting the extent of work that the Landlord is able to include in a dilapidations claim on lease expiry.

We are frequently amazed by the number of Tenants who don’t even take the simple step of having a Schedule of Condition appended to the Lease. Considering the potential dilapidations liability they are taking on under the terms of some Leases, this small and relatively inexpensive step could save them several thousands of pounds when the Lease comes to an end.

For further information on Dilapidations Claims, Schedules of Condition, break clauses, Pre-Lease advice, and condition surveys of property prior to taking a Lease, please contact us.

Preston Office
Telephone: 01772 458866
Blackburn Office
Telephone: 01254 260196
Clitheroe Office
Telephone: 01200 320040
Lancaster Office
Telephone: 01524 899850
Manchester Office
Telephone: 0161 265 0070
Lea Hough is a trading name of Lea Hough & Co LLP, which is a Limited Liability Partnership registered in England and Wales under partnership number OC306054.
Registered Office: Oakshaw House, 2 Capricorn Park, Blakewater Road, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 5QR