The End of Your Lease: How to Minimise Dilapidations Costs as a Tenant
The end of a commercial lease often comes with a nasty surprise: a dilapidations claim.
This is where the landlord seeks compensation for any disrepair, decoration failures, or alterations you made during your tenancy.
Without professional advice, tenants can find themselves facing hefty bills sometimes far higher than necessary.
At Bramble & Wagg, our chartered surveyors help Nottingham business owners minimise dilapidations liabilities and protect their hard-earned profits.
What Are Dilapidations at the End of a Lease?
Dilapidations refers to breaches of lease covenants relating to the physical condition of the property.
Landlords have the right to claim costs for putting the premises back into the condition required under the lease.
Common claims include:
- Repairs to walls, floors, ceilings
- Removal of partitions or alterations
- Repainting and redecoration
- Electrical and mechanical reinstatement
- Reinstatement of original layouts
The problem?
Many tenants are unaware of their obligations until the landlord’s Schedule of Dilapidations arrives and by then, it can be expensive.
Common End-of-Lease Mistakes Tenants Make
Without guidance, tenants often:
- Leave repairs until after vacating, losing the chance to fix issues themselves more cheaply
- Accept landlords’ repair quotes without challenging them
- Underestimate what ‘full repairing and insuring’ (FRI) clauses really mean
- Forget that even minor defects can add up quickly
Dilapidations is not just about damage, it’s about what the lease says you must do.
How to Reduce Your Dilapidations Liability
Smart tenants take action early.
Here’s how:
- Review your lease terms: Understand exactly what you’re required to do.
- Undertake a dilapidations survey: Get independent advice before your lease ends.
- Plan repairs yourself: It’s usually cheaper to fix issues proactively than to pay inflated landlord charges later.
- Negotiate the claim: Even if a Schedule of Dilapidations is issued, the final settlement is often negotiable.
At Bramble & Wagg, we regularly help tenants cut dilapidations claims significantly by spotting overstatements and negotiating on their behalf.
The Role of a Chartered Surveyor in Managing Dilapidations
Working with an experienced chartered surveyor ensures:
- A clear understanding of your repairing liabilities
- Accurate costings of legitimate (and illegitimate) claims
- Skilled negotiation with landlords or their surveyors
- Minimising business disruption and unexpected financial strain
Early advice can save you thousands.
Protect Your Business with Expert Dilapidations Advice
Facing a dilapidations claim?
Or nearing the end of your lease?
Contact Bramble & Wagg’s lease advisory specialists today and let us help you protect your business with expert dilapidations advice tailored to Nottingham tenants.
