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Dilapidations Claims

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Simon Waterfield
  • Simon Waterfield
  • Partner & Solicitor
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  • Commercial Property Dilapidations Claims
Meet the team

Resolving property disrepair issues

When a tenant enters into a commercial lease, disputes can often arise over who is to be liable for the cost of putting the property back into a suitable state of repair. This is referred to as ‘dilapidations’ and can become an issue both during the lease term and towards the end. In the latter context, this is known as ‘terminal’ dilapidations.

In essence, dilapidations are items of damage or disrepair caused to commercial premises by a breach of a tenant’s repairing covenants. The starting point will be the wording of the repairing covenant itself, which will set out the tenant’s obligations.

There are both statutory safeguards in favour of the tenant and a number of ‘self-help’ remedies to assist the landlord.

UK laws regarding dilapidations

In terms of tenant protections, Section 1 of the Leasehold Property (Repairs) Act 1938 (where it applies) may preclude a landlord from seeking damages from a tenant during the term where they have been served a counter-notice to a Section 146 Notice (Notice) within 28 days of the tenant receiving it.

At the end of the term, Section 18(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927 can sometimes limit the landlord’s damages claim to the diminution in value (if any) of the landlord’s reversion caused by the tenant’s breach of repairing covenant. This is sometimes referred to as the ‘Section 18 cap’.

In terms of landlord ‘self-help’ remedies, the threat of forfeiture (provided the lease contains a suitable re-entry clause) after the service of a Section 146 Notice can often be a useful tool to persuade the tenant to comply with their repairing obligations.

In addition, most modern commercial leases contain an express right to allow the landlord to enter the premises to carry out works themselves and recover the cost of doing so from the tenant as a debt. This right arises where a commercial lease has a Jervis v Harris clause (named after the case of Jervis v Harris [1995] EWCA Civ 9).

Dilapidations claims and disputes can often involve complex contractual obligations and valuation and surveying issues, so it is vital that legal advice is sought at the earliest point, regardless of whether you are the landlord or tenant in the dispute.

How we can help with dilapidations claims

At Nelsons, our property dispute solicitors advise commercial landlords and tenants regarding dilapidations claims.

For landlords, our aim to get the property in the best possible condition and minimise the costs for the landlord to put right the disrepairs. Whilst for tenants, we will look to minimise their costs as much as possible. We have a proven track record of getting the best possible outcome for our clients.

Not all dilapidations claims need to become long, drawn-out legal disputes. Our team manages risks, anticipates issues and look to resolve each dispute in the most time efficient way possible. With Alternative Dispute Resolution at the forefront of the way in which we work, only the most rooted disputes make their way to Court. When they do, our solicitors’ strategic expertise counts for everything.

Our expert team is recommended by the independently-researched Legal 500 as one of the top teams of specialists in the country.

If you are involved in a dilapidations dispute or think you may become involved in a claim, please contact us to discuss how our property dispute solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham can help you. For a quick response to your enquiry, call us now on 0800 024 1976 or use our online enquiry form.

  • "Absolutely first rate communication. All actions taken are clearly explained and all advice given very easy to understand. Could not be any more helpful."

    Client Feedback
  • "Nelsons Solicitors Limited's team, which is based in Nottingham and Derby, has particular expertise in commercial and residential landlord and tenant disputes, planning law cases and breach of contract disputes. Simon Waterfield has vast experience of landlord and tenant disputes, including those concerning forfeiture, dilapidations and contested rent review applications. He also has niche expertise in flooding disputes. 'Friendly and professional' associate Oliver Maxwell is particularly active in commercial landlord and tenant matters, easement disputes and claims involving the interpretation and enforcement of overage agreements."

    Legal 500
  • "Nelsons' approach is always commercial, and you are always left with the feeling that its team is giving you the right advice, rather than the advice that feathers its own nest."

    Client Feedback

Find out how Nelsons can help you. Contact our friendly team for a guaranteed fast response.

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Nelsons Solicitors Limited is a limited company registered in England and Wales (Reg No: 07219010) and a wholly owned subsidiary of Nelsonslaw LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (Reg No: OC335458).  Their registered offices are at Pennine House, 8 Stanford Street, Nottingham, NG1 7BQ. A list of members of Nelsonslaw LLP may be inspected at the registered office. Nelsons Solicitors Limited and Nelsonslaw LLP are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Nelsons Solicitors Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Our notaries are regulated by the Faculty Office. Nelsons Solicitors Limited’s VAT No is 385 184 329.

 

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