Dilapidations Surveyor London
Hire the best dilapidations surveyor London has. TCL can carry out a detailed property assessment to document that condition of a building at the end of a lease or tenancy. Whether you’re a property owner, tenant, or building manager, a dilapidations survey is an important way of accurately documenting the condition of the property when the lease comes to an end.
What Is A Dilapidations Survey?
A dilapidations survey documents the condition of a property at the end of a lease or tenancy contract. The exact scope of a dilapidation survey can vary but, generally, this type of survey includes general wear and tear, as well as damage to the property and its fixtures and fittings.
Over the course of a tenancy, general wear and tear can occur as the building is used for its intended purpose. However, additional wear and tear may occur if either or both the landlord and the tenant neglect the property or fail to undertake essential maintenance works. Furthermore, notable damage may occur due to misuse or if an issue, such as a leak or flood, isn’t repaired and resolved.
When carrying out this type of survey, our dilapidations surveyors in London will provide a comprehensive assessment of the condition of the property on a particular date and time. This can be used by the landlord, property manager and/or tenant to determine what work is required to restore the property to its prior condition and who is liable for the associated costs.
Tenant vs. Landlord Obligations
Both tenants and landlords have legal obligations that they must uphold throughout the course of the tenancy. A residential landlord must ensure that all gas and electrical equipment is safely installed and maintained, for example, while a tenant may be liable for keeping the interior in good repair and reporting issues within a specified timeframe.
If either or both the landlord and tenant fail to meet these obligations, it can negatively impact the condition of the property. As a result, dilapidations will occur at a faster rate and increased remedial or repair works may be required.
Common Dilapidations Issues in London
The condition of a property can change over time but the conduct of a tenant and landlord can affect what dilapidations occur throughout a tenancy. Common dilapidations issues that are seen in London include:
- Failure to maintain
- Physical damage
- Unauthorised alterations
- Lack of compliance
- Failure to repair
Legal Implications
The legal consequences of dilapidations can be lengthy and costly, particularly if either party has misunderstood or wilfully ignored their obligations under the tenancy agreement. If a tenant fails to repair physical damage they have caused to the property, for example, the landlord may pursue them for the cost of repair and the loss of rent while the repairs are completed. Conversely, a tenant may argue that they are not responsible for the cost of restoring the signs of general wear and tear that have occurred during the tenancy.
It’s not unusual for legal action to arise due to such disputes but a comprehensive survey carried out by a dilapidations surveyor in London can help to identify the issues and determine their cause, thus highlighting who is legally responsible for resolving them.
Negotiation and Resolution
Once dilapidations have been accurately identified via a survey, their cause and attribution can also be identified. At this point, it is often clear who is liable for the cost of restoration and repair. In some instances, landlords and tenants may be able to negotiate and share the cost of restoring the property to its pre-tenancy condition.
What’s more – the results of dilapidations survey can provide the impartial and unbiased information that’s needed to resolve these issues without resorting to expensive court proceedings or protracted legal action.
Get in Touch with TCL Surveyors today
To find out more, contact RICS regulated TCL Surveyors now 020 3176 0029 or email us at info@tcl-surveyors.co.uk.