Dilapidation Survey UK: A Complete Guide

Dilapidation Survey UK: A Complete Guide

Professional surveyors are required to follow the guidelines provided by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The dilapidation surveyors in the UK follow the guidance note on dilapidations.

If you are a landlord or tenant of a commercial or residential property, you must understand the UK dilapidation survey process. If you are to serve a schedule of dilapidation or have been served the same, you should read on to learn more about the process.

What is a dilapidation survey, and what does it include?

A dilapidation survey is a detailed condition assessment of a building conducted by a professional surveyor to prepare a dilapidation survey report on its conditions. The surveyor may also include general wear and tear of the building during the survey process. A dilapidation survey may be conducted at the beginning of a new tenancy to evaluate the building's current position. It can also be undertaken during or at the end of the lease term.

The tenants generally bear the cost of the dilapidation survey, but they may claim a partial or total amount if it is proved that they have not damaged the property.

The survey generally includes an assessment of damages to the internal and external walls, the condition of flooring, fittings, and fixtures, the condition of the external grounds, driveways, or footpaths, etc.

What is the role of a dilapidation surveyor?

Depending on the context, a dilapidation surveyor primarily serves three roles: adviser, expert witness, or dispute resolver.

As an adviser, the surveyor is responsible for identifying and advising on the breaches of covenants and suitable remedies. The preparation of property survey reports such as schedules of dilapidation, quantified demands or responses, negotiation with parties, and valuation advice from the surveyor help reach a settlement.

A dilapidation surveyor acting as an advisor can not be accepted as an expert witness. The surveyor must receive formal instruction from a client to prepare and provide evidence of the wear and tear of a property for a proceeding. A surveyor acting as an expert witness can only produce evidence before a tribunal, and the appointment of an expert witness is made after a formal direction by the tribunal. A surveyor is responsible for providing unbiased evidence or dilapidation survey report regardless of his employer- the tenant or the landlord.

The landlord or tenant can appoint a dilapidation surveyor as a dispute resolver. A surveyor working as a dispute resolver can also be appointed by a formal appointing body such as the RICS Dispute Resolution Service. The main objective of a dispute resolver is to help both parties resolve disputes related to dilapidation.

What is the process of conducting a dilapidation survey?

Conducting a dilapidation survey involves several stages. The surveyor must consider proper property documentation, inspect the property, prepare a schedule of dilapidations, and finally serve the schedule before the tenants.

During the documentation phase, a surveyor needs to collect and review all the documents related to the property. The surveyor should review lease terms, licences for alterations to the property, any notices served under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, a statement of the landlord's intention, and any other agreements.

If a surveyor is asked to inspect a property, he should communicate with the client or legal advisors before making the property accessible. The surveyor should note the type of location at the time of giving the property on lease and the standard of property repair in the locality.

Upon inspection of the property, the dilapidation surveyor must prepare a Schedule of Dilapidations, which is served to the tenants. The schedule naturally includes details of documents considered for evaluation, the relevant clause of the lease and alleged breach, possible remedy, and its relevant cost. The surveyors must be responsible for not overstating the damages in the schedule of dilapidation.

Finally, the surveyor prepares a dilapidation survey report and, based on it, a schedule of dilapidation. The schedule of dilapidation can be served at mid-term or at the end of the lease term.

Conclusion

Dilapidation surveyors are responsible for conducting surveys and providing dilapidation survey reports in the UK. Professional surveyors are required to follow the guidelines formulated by RICS. Considering all the relevant documents, surveyors deliver solutions that help to settle with the two parties.

Commercial Dilapidation London offers expert surveying solutions from our team of experts. Our experts will ensure that you get the best service for your work.