Why You Need a Dilapidation Surveyor

If you are near the end of your lease or mid-term, your landlord will likely require a dilapidation schedule. This is to ensure that the premises are being maintained according to the lease contract and should be reasonable. There ought to be sufficient time to complete any necessary work prior to the end of the lease. However, if you feel that you are being asked to cover repairs that were not included in the lease or for damage that occurred before you arrived, you’ll want a dilapidation surveyor.

Prevent Future Repairs of Pre-existing Damage

Ideally, you’ll have a survey conducted before you commence the lease. This will indicate the current condition of the premises and any areas that are structurally unsound. The report may include things like water damage or cracks in the building, cracks in the masonry, damage to footpaths and roads, issues with the gutters, and poor drainage of the area, among other problems.

In most cases, the report will include photographs and video, as well as a detailed written description. This is all used to prove what damage existed prior to the lease and will save you plenty of money from an unscrupulous landlord.

Challenge an Unfair Claim

If your landlord insists that you repair certain areas of the building that you deem to fall outside the terms of the lease, it may be necessary to bring an expert in. The surveyor will examine the property and determine what is fair to include in the dilapidation.

It’s important to have an unbiased contractor come in for the survey, as they will do what is fair in the situation, making it work for both tenant and landlord.

Get a Clear Idea of Structural Condition Before Building

Are you considering construction on a building or area that may not be structurally sound? A dilapidation surveyor is a good choice to determine how secure an area is for construction and whether you will need to take extra precautions to avoid potential issues in the building or on the site.

It’s also helpful to perform a survey to ensure the site is restored to its original state once the construction work has been completed. Everything from footpaths and roads to gardens and decorations will need to be replaced as they were before.

Are you in need of a dilapidation surveyor? Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, Simon Levy can help. Contact us now for more information.