Why a dilapidation survey is important for you as a tenant or landlord 

As a tenant of a property, you will probably have signed documentation informing you of any damages that will fall in your responsibility at the end of a tenancy agreement, should there be any.

In cases where the landlord is making claims, repairs to the property can often be costly and in some cases, claims can be unfair.

Dilapidation Surveys are there to make sure that both parties are aware of the current damages to the property, backed up with photographic and written evidence either during a term of tenancy or when a lease is about to end.

Landlords

For landlords, there’s a risk that future tenants might not treat your property with respect, resulting in damages and costly repairs.

With a dilapidation report, you can rest assure that damages made to the property are evident and can be compensated for.

It’s important to note that as a landlord, you should not expect the property to be returned in brand new condition, rather only the condition specified in the lease agreement. Wear and tear should be taken into consideration if you’re making a claim of a broken contract.

Schedule of Condition is a record of the state of the property at the start of a tenancy. It acts as a point of reference for the property’s condition later on in the contract. This is an important aspect of leasing a property, as any damages can be noted and the person responsible can be identified.

Dilapidation surveys can also be utilised during restoration. Should there be a need for significant repairs, they can be used to restore the property to its original state.

Tenants

For tenants, dilapidation reports provide reassurance that any significant damages that were within the property prior to your tenancy agreement are evident so that you won’t fall victim to heavy fines should your landlord make a claim.

It’s important to know your rights when it comes to signing a tenancy agreement. Always check the contract for details on liabilities. Damages out of the ordinary should be discussed so that you don’t leave with excessive fees when you exit the agreement.

Your contract is likely to imply that you have an obligation as a tenant to not cause any damage to the fixtures and fittings of a property, however, any basic repairs to do with installations are likely to be carried out by the landlord.

If the property is left in an unrepaired condition and you have been given a schedule of dilapidations from your landlord you may be liable for repair costs, loss of rent or your landlord’s professional fees.

If you think your landlord has made an unfair claim, it’s a good idea to seek professional advice from a qualified dilapidation surveyor.

For qualified and fully accredited expert surveyors in Borehamwood, look no further than Simon Levy Associates. Our fully qualified RICs surveyors are here to provide knowledge and expertise for your next dilapidation survey, giving you peace of mind when renting or letting a property.

We provide a full dilapidation report for both parties and ensure that any claims made are fair and realistic.

Contact us today to start your dilapidation report in Hertfordshire.