Creating Dilapidations Claims – Part 1: Due Diligence & Inspection

The first part of a two-part discussion about best practice in preparing commercial dilapidations claims. This first part will cover due diligence and site data: the gathering of information to produce the claim:

In the office before the inspection:

• Initial enquiries, conflict checks, quotes, and landlord’s intentions
• OneNote lease documents analysis
• Researching floor areas, parties, agents, news, etc.
• Tips for tenants responding to their landlord

On site:

• Taking leases to site, including using tablets
• Site sketch on the lease plan
• Laser measurements
• Cameras
• Using GoPro, drones, and other equipment
• Notepads and dictation

Back in the office:

• Photographic schedules
• Creating schedules of dilapidations
• Tips for tenants: Scott Schedule responses

Speakers

Speakers
Simon Hartley, Partner, Weightmans

Simon is Weightmans’ London Head of Property Litigation following its merger with RadcliffesLeBrasseur. He provides comprehensive advice on all facets of contentious commercial and residential real estate disputes with particular specialisms in insolvency issues, dilapidations, and commercial property management disputes. Simon has over 20 years’ experience.

David Blackmore, Blackmore BS

David has been a commercial building surveyor specialising in dilapidations for over 30 years. He formed and led Savills’ Dilapidations Consultancy for 14 years before creating his own independent dilapidations consultancy practice (now with offices in London, Bristol and Newcastle) in 2016.