ABOUT 4CONSTRUCT'S DILAPIDATION SERVICES
Our team can assist when it comes to end of lease dilapidations
At 4construct, based in Oxford and serving clients across the UK, we understand that dilapidations can be a significant concern for both landlords and tenants. From our perspective as surveyors, it all boils down to the condition of a leased property at the end of a tenancy and whether it meets the obligations set out in the lease agreement.
We act as your dedicated expert to ensure your property is returned in the condition agreed upon in the lease. Our services include:
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Preparing a Schedule of Dilapidations: This is a detailed, formal document outlining all breaches of the lease, the specific disrepair, the required remedial works, and an estimated cost. We reference the exact clauses in your lease to build a robust claim.
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Quantified Demand: We'll then prepare a financial breakdown of all costs, which can include not only the repair work but also loss of rent during the repair period and our professional fees.
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Negotiation and Strategic Advice: We'll expertly negotiate with the tenant or their representatives to achieve a fair and swift settlement, advising you on the best strategy to meet your objectives.
How 4construct can help Landlords
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In essence, dilapidations refer to the disrepair or deterioration of a property that goes beyond normal "fair wear and tear," resulting from a tenant's failure to comply with the covenants (rules) within their lease. These covenants typically cover:
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Repair: This is the most common aspect, covering everything from minor cosmetic damage to more significant structural or mechanical issues. If a tenant hasn't maintained the property as per the lease, that's a dilapidation.
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Redecoration: Many leases specify how often a property should be redecorated. If the tenant hasn't kept to this schedule or standard, it falls under dilapidations.
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Reinstatement: Often, tenants make alterations to a property during their lease – think new partitions, removed walls, or altered layouts. The lease usually requires them to remove these alterations and return the property to its original state. Failure to do so is a dilapidation.
What are Dilapidations?
We work to protect your interests and ensure you're not paying for more than you're contractually obliged to. Our services for tenants include:
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Reviewing and Challenging Claims: We meticulously review the landlord's Schedule of Dilapidations, identifying any inflated, inaccurate, or unjustified claims that aren't genuine breaches of your lease.
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Preparing a Counter-Schedule: We can prepare a counter-schedule that disputes claims, proposes alternative, more cost-effective solutions, and ultimately aims to reduce your financial liability.
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Negotiation: Our surveyors will skillfully negotiate with the landlord's team to achieve the lowest possible settlement for you.
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Pre-Lease Exit Advice: We can conduct a proactive survey before your lease ends to identify potential dilapidations issues. This allows you to address them on your terms, potentially saving you significant costs down the line.
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Schedule of Condition: Crucially, we always advise tenants to commission a Schedule of Condition at the start of a lease. This document records the property's exact condition when you move in, providing vital evidence to prevent you from being held responsible for pre-existing disrepair when you move out.
How 4construct can help Tenants
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Collaborate with the 4construct team
At 4construct, our deep understanding of lease law, building pathology, and the RICS Dilapidations Guidance Note means we're perfectly placed to handle these complex matters. We focus on clear, evidence-based advice and robust negotiation to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients, whether you're in Oxford or anywhere else across the UK.