Dilapidations is a term used to cover defects or disrepair which a tenant will be required to deal with or pay to have remedied when they vacate the premises they have leased.
A modern commercial lease will describe in detail the obligations placed on the tenant in keeping the property in good repair and decorative condition throughout the term. However, older leases may not be so clear and open to interpretation.
When acquiring property either under a new lease or by assignment, it is essential that the exit liabilities are closely considered and that adequate financial provision is made. A detailed schedule of condition can serve to protect the interest of an ingoing tenant by limiting the extent of work that can be claimed on expiry.
Whether acting for the landlord in preparing a schedule of dilapidations, or for the tenant in defending a claim made by the landlord, Goodman Mann Broomhall’s in-depth knowledge of case law and procedures surrounding this complex area of Landlord & Tenant law has enabled us to provide a strategy for both landlords and tenants in this field and to achieve many commercial and pragmatic settlements for our clients.
