Dilapidations is another word for a tenant’s obligations to maintain, repair and decorate a commercial property during a lease. These requirements are often overlooked by tenants. But as the need for maintenance and repairs increases over time, tenants may run into some surprises at the end of a lease. While a dilapidations lawyer can always be consulted for expert advice, this post serves as a brief guide for tenants. Being prepared from the start may reduce your need for a dilapidations lawyer.

Recommendations from a dilapidations lawyer

Any dilapidations lawyer will recommend that you pay attention to relevant maintenance needs, as stipulated in your lease, on an ongoing basis. Although most business owners will agree that it is wise to keep expenses to a minimum, certain repair needs simply cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is best to follow the advice of the dilapidations lawyer and stay up to date on necessary repairs and decoration needs.

It is the tenant’s responsibility to maintain a commercial property, and ignored issues will only worsen over time, leading to even more expenses. Turning a blind eye may also lead to a reduction in sales if a shop or an office must be closed down for maintenance. However, do consult a dilapidations lawyer if the landlord’s surveyor seems to exaggerate. Not all surveyors’ claims have legal support, and in some cases, you may want an expert to assess the merits of the claim.

Considerations towards the end of a lease

What should a commercial tenant consider when the property lease is coming to an end, according to a dilapidations lawyer? The landlord will reassess the premises when you have left the building and provide you with a figure and a detailed breakdown outlining the dilapidations. If you are unsure how to proceed and the costs appear exaggerated or unfair, seek professional advice from a dilapidations lawyer.

There are several common defences to dilapidation claims that you may want to consult a dilapidations lawyer about. If, for example, the landlord intends to redevelop or demolish the building, they may not have a legal right to make any claims at all.