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SCHEDULE OF    
DILAPIDATIONS

Schedules of Dilapidations are a crucial document that outlines the necessary repairs and maintenance obligations at the end of a lease. This detailed plan meticulously identifies any defects in the property’s condition. Whether you’re a landlord looking to safeguard your investment or a tenant preparing for the end or interim lease, reach out to AMS Surveys to book an inspection. Successfully identify the remedial works required at your property and ensure they’re actioned by the responsible parties.

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WHAT ARE SCHEDULES OF DILAPIDATIONS

Schedules of Dilapidations, prepared by Chartered Building Surveyors, are comprehensive documents that provide a detailed breakdown of the repairs required to restore a property to its original condition, as outlined in the lease agreement.

 

These documents serve as a guide for tenants, outlining the necessary repairs to reinstate the property to its original state. They encompass a wide range of issues, from major structural damage to wear and tear that fall under the tenant’s responsibility under the lease terms.

 

The primary objective of a Schedule of Dilapidations is to safeguard the property’s value by ensuring its condition remains intact.

 

Additionally, these documents may include sections of the lease agreement that have been breached. They also provide detailed information about all the items in a commercial rental property that are liable for repair by the tenant under the lease terms.

 

If you, as a tenant, have unexpectedly received a Schedule of Dilapidations, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the process of responding to dilapidations claims.

SCHEDULE OF DILAPIDATIONS

Dilapidations refer to the condition and physical state of tenanted property, encompassing both leisure and commercial properties. Specifically, dilapidations pertain to breaches of the agreement between a tenant and landlord regarding the maintenance and repairs of a rental property.

 

  • The purpose of the Schedule of Dilapidations is to outline all the repairs that a tenant must complete to maintain the property’s value and prevent future repair costs from escalating.

  • Tenant responsibilities outlined in the schedule include redecoration, remedial works, and repairs for damage caused by mistreatment, poor repairs, or neglect of maintenance.

  • Furthermore, the schedule serves as a comprehensive list of agreed-upon tenant obligations, ensuring clarity and transparency for lease compliance regarding maintenance expectations.

  • Consequences of non-compliance with the schedule include the potential for a Dilapidations Claim to be issued by the landlord during or after the lease term.

DON’T PAY FOR REPAIRS THAT ARE NOT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

A Schedule of Dilapidation report is a document outlining any breaches of repairing obligations and other clauses within a lease agreement. It identifies any repairs, redecoration, maintenance, or refurbishment work that a tenant is required to undertake to ensure that the property is returned to the landlord in the condition specified by the lease terms. 

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DILAPIDATIONS CLAIMS EXPLAINED

A Schedule of Dilapidation is typically a lease 'Interim Schedule of Dilapidation' or prepared at the end of a lease period as a 'Terminal Schedule of Dilapidation'. The repairs identified can be known as a Dilapidations Claim and allow you to outline the repairs your tenant is responsible for before they exit the contract. These will be based on your lease agreement and the original property condition using the Schedule of Condition, if you have one.

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HOW IS A SCHEDULE OF DILAPIDATIONS PREPARED AND ISSUED?

Landlords usually issue a Schedule of Dilapidations using an assessment by a surveyor. The surveyor inspects the property to determine if any lease terms have been violated. The Schedule is typically issued before the lease ends, allowing the tenant to access the property for necessary repairs.

 

There are three types of Schedule of Dilapidations to be aware of:

 

Interim Schedule of Dilapidations: Usually implemented to promptly inform the tenant of an urgent issue and ensure compliance with repair requirements as soon as possible. These schedules are issued during the lease period.

 

Terminal Schedule of Dilapidations: More detailed and identify specific disrepair issues on the site or building that need immediate attention. These schedules are issued during the last three to 18 months of the lease.

 

Final Schedule of Dilapidations: Covers issues like remedial works and their estimated costs. This schedule is typically issued when the lease has expired but repairs have not been completed.

 

The primary purpose of a Schedule of Dilapidations is to safeguard the property’s value by maintaining its condition. It helps assess the building’s integrity from its structural components to minor damage.

 

A Terminal or Final Schedule of Dilapidations usually outlines the necessary repairs and estimates the costs. This information can prevent more costly repairs from becoming necessary if left untreated. An Interim Dilapidations Schedule may be issued early in the lease to serve as a reminder of the repairs that must be completed by the end of the lease. This can help avoid unexpected costs at the lease’s end.

 

If dilapidated repairs are not completed by the lease’s expiration, the tenant may face a dilapidations claim. This claim could take the form of quantified demandsBefore responding, a tenant should evaluate the accuracy of the schedule of dilapidations against the tenant’s obligations outlined in the lease. Additionally, tenants should confirm the costs (if provided as quotes). The tenant may find it beneficial to seek assistance from a Chartered Dilapidations Surveyor to facilitate this process. In the event of a court claim, a property expert witness may be necessary to support the tenant’s position.

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TAKING A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO PROPERTY OWNERSHIP

If you plan to lease property for residential or commercial use, it’s vital that a Schedule of Condition is undertaken before the lease begins. As a comprehensive report that outlines the original condition of the building before the entry of the new tenant, this can prove invaluable when raising dilapidation claims.

If you’d like to learn more about the nature of either of these reports or require advice from our property experts contact AMS Surveys today.  

  • What is a Level 3 Survey?
    A level 3 survey is more thorough and detailed than than a Level 2 and will address matters such as the materials used for each part of the building, defects and remedial options as well as issues related to the future maintenance of the property.
  • How much does a Level 3 survey cost UK?
    A Level 3 Home Survey, sometimes called a Building Survey, costs £800 on average, though it can be as cheap as £600 and as expensive as £1,200. A Building Survey is the most comprehensive of all the survey types.
  • Is a RICS Level 3 worth it?
    Level 3 (Building or Structural Survey) This type of survey is more in-depth than a Level 2. It's also the best option for unusual or older properties, those that have undergone significant alterations. This type of RICS survey will cover: The property's overall condition in detail, including both major and minor defects.
  • Does a level 3 survey check for damp?
    The surveyor uses equipment such as a damp meter, binoculars and torch, and uses a ladder for flat roofs and for hatches no more than 3m above level ground (outside) or floor surfaces (inside) if it is safe to do so. So yes, the property is checked for signs or evidence of damp, however this may recommend a Damp and Timber Survey whereby chemical testing and analysis may be required.
  • How long does a Level 3 survey take to complete?
    The RICS Home Survey Level 3, also known as a full structural survey and previously as a RICS Building Survey, is the most thorough survey RICS offers. It can take around 2-4 at the property, maybe more depending on the size, type and condition for the surveyor to complete a Building Survey. It then takes several hours more to produce and write the report.
  • Is a Level 3 survey structural?
    The RICS Home Survey Level 3 has often been previously referred to as a “full structural survey” or “building survey”. The report can be on an RICS Home Survey Level 3 template or can be to the surveyor's bespoke design. Level 3 reports are conducted by Building Surveyors. Whilst the structure is reported upon, it does not necessarily provide a detailed investigation of structural issues such as subsidence or cracking which usually requires intrusive investigation. In which case you may need a Structural Inspection.
  • What areas does AMS SURVEYS cover?
    We cover: Cheshire, Lancashire, Liverpool and Manchester and everywhere in between.
  • What are the red flags on a house survey?
    Property surveyors can identify issues that may impact a buyer's decision to continue with the purchase. These red flags could include structural damage, unapproved extensions, damp or subsidence. Ultimately it depends on the cost of those repairs and whether you are able to negotiate the purchase price or willing to accept risk and the cost of those repairs.

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PROTECTING YOUR PROPERTY INVESTMENT

Think you may need to raise a dilapidation claim? Allow our team to help conduct a full inspection of your rental property in Liverpool and offer the evidence you need.

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