Commercial Dilapidations Surveys Birmingham

Expert commercial property dilapidations assessments for landlords and tenants

By Michael Thompson, MRICS
December 18, 2024
11 min read
Commercial Property Birmingham

What are Commercial Dilapidations?

Commercial dilapidations refer to breaches of lease covenants relating to the repair, maintenance, and reinstatement of commercial premises. In Birmingham's competitive commercial property market, dilapidations disputes are increasingly common as leases expire.

Birmingham Commercial Property Context

  • £45M+ in annual dilapidations claims across Birmingham commercial properties
  • Average claim value: £85,000 for office properties, £120,000 for industrial
  • Settlement rate: 73% of cases resolve without court proceedings
  • Section 18 reductions: Average 40% reduction in initial claims

Repair Obligations

Failures to maintain and repair the property according to lease covenants

Reinstatement

Removing alterations and returning premises to original condition

Decoration

Internal and external decorative works as specified in lease terms

Our Dilapidations Survey Services

Landlord Services

  • • Pre-lease expiry condition assessments
  • • Formal dilapidations schedules
  • • Section 18 compliance reviews
  • • Settlement negotiations
  • • Expert witness services
  • • Recovery strategy advice

Tenant Services

  • • Response to dilapidations claims
  • • Counter-schedule preparation
  • • Diminution valuations
  • • Negotiation support
  • • Expert determination representation
  • • Exit strategy planning

The Dilapidations Process

1

Initial Assessment

Comprehensive inspection of commercial premises to identify breaches of lease covenants and assess repair obligations.

Deliverable: Detailed condition report with photographic evidence and preliminary cost estimates.
2

Schedule Preparation

Formal schedule of dilapidations prepared in accordance with RICS guidance and legal requirements.

Deliverable: Legally compliant schedule with detailed specifications and quantum assessment.
3

Negotiation & Settlement

Professional negotiations to achieve fair and reasonable settlements, considering Section 18 limitations and diminution values.

Outcome: Mutually acceptable settlement avoiding costly court proceedings.

Expert Dilapidations Advice

Facing a dilapidations dispute? Our experienced commercial surveyors provide expert assessments and strategic advice for all parties.

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