Dilapidations Services

Clear, Strategic Advice on Commercial Dilapidations

Dilapidations can have significant financial implications at lease expiry, during occupation or when negotiating exit or renewal. At James Scott Associates, we provide clear, independent and commercially focused dilapidations advice to help clients understand their position and manage risk effectively.

We act for both landlords and tenants, providing strategic, proportionate advice aligned with the lease, the property and the commercial objectives of the instruction.

Terminal & Interim Dilapidations

Dilapidations claims can arise at different stages of a lease, and the timing has a direct impact on strategy and outcome.

Interim Dilapidations

Interim Dilapidations arise during the term of a lease and relate to alleged breaches of repairing or maintenance obligations before lease expiry.

We advise on:

Whether a landlord is entitled to pursue an interim claim
The appropriateness and timing of service
The scope and validity of alleged breaches
Commercial implications for both parties

Interim schedules are often used strategically and require careful handling.

Terminal Dilapidations

Terminal Dilapidations arise at or following lease expiry, where the tenant has failed to comply with lease obligations.

Our services include:

Preparation of Terminal Schedules of Dilapidations
Assessment of reinstatement and yielding-up obligations
Advice on limitation, supersession and Section 18 considerations
Strategic advice on claim strength and recovery

Early advice can significantly influence settlement outcomes.

Schedules of Dilapidations & Quantified Demands

We prepare and review:

Schedules of Dilapidations
Quantified Demands, where required

Quantified Demands set out the alleged breaches and the landlord’s financial claim. These must be prepared carefully to remain defensible, proportionate and aligned with statutory requirements.

Our approach ensures:

Claims are evidence-led and technically sound
Costs are realistic and justifiable
Risks of challenge are reduced

Negotiation & Settlement Support

Dilapidations rarely resolve themselves on paper alone. We regularly act on behalf of clients to negotiate and settle dilapidations claims, providing commercial and technical leverage.

Acting for Landlords

We can:

Prepare and serve Schedules and Quantified Demands
Advise on negotiation strategy
Represent landlords in dilapidations negotiations
Maximise legitimate recovery while avoiding dispute escalation

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Q: What is the difference between interim and terminal dilapidations?

Interim dilapidations arise during the term of a lease and relate to ongoing repairing or maintenance obligations. Terminal dilapidations arise at or following lease expiry and concern the tenant’s failure to comply with lease covenants at the end of the term. The timing of the claim has a significant impact on strategy and outcome.

Contact our specialist team today and find out how we can help.

Tel: 01253 429 196

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Acting for Tenants

We can:

Review landlord schedules and quantified demands
Challenge scope, cost and validity of claims
Advise on mitigation, supersession and settlement strategy
Represent tenants in negotiations to reduce exposure

This service often delivers significant cost savings and clarity.

Costing, Strategy & Legal Alignment

Our dilapidations advice considers:

Lease interpretation and repairing covenants
Reasonable cost of works
Diminution in value where relevant
Alignment with Section 18(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927
Likely commercial and legal outcomes

Where required, we work closely with solicitors to support formal proceedings.

Integrated Support Beyond the Claim

Where works are required or agreed, we can also provide:

Repair specifications
Cost management advice
Project management of remedial works
Advice aligned with future asset strategy

This provides a seamless route from claim to resolution.

Why Choose James Scott Associates for Dilapidations?

Chartered Building Surveyors with commercial expertise
Experience with interim and terminal dilapidations
Preparation and review of Quantified Demands
Strategic negotiation and settlement support
Independent, evidence-led advice
Integrated cost, project and dispute expertise
Established North West practice

At James Scott Associates, our Dilapidations services provide clarity, control and commercially focused outcomes — helping clients manage exposure and protect value.

Dilapidations FAQs

What are dilapidations?

Dilapidations are breaches of lease obligations relating to the condition, repair, decoration, alteration or reinstatement of a commercial property. Claims can arise during the lease term or at lease expiry and may result in a financial settlement or remedial works.

What is the difference between interim and terminal dilapidations?

Interim dilapidations arise during the term of a lease and relate to ongoing repairing or maintenance obligations.

Terminal dilapidations arise at or following lease expiry and concern the tenant’s failure to comply with lease covenants at the end of the term.

The timing of the claim has a significant impact on strategy and outcome.

What is a Schedule of Dilapidations?

A Schedule of Dilapidations is a formal document setting out alleged breaches of lease obligations, the remedial works required and, where appropriate, associated costs.

Schedules can be prepared for both interim and terminal claims.

What is a Quantified Demand?

A Quantified Demand sets out the landlord’s financial claim for alleged dilapidations. It must be prepared carefully and in line with statutory requirements to remain defensible and proportionate.

Quantified Demands are commonly used in terminal dilapidations claims.

Do I need to respond to a Schedule of Dilapidations?

Yes. Whether you are a landlord or tenant, early professional advice is strongly recommended. A reasoned response can influence negotiations, limit exposure and help avoid unnecessary dispute.

Can dilapidations claims be negotiated?

Yes. Most dilapidations claims are resolved through negotiation rather than litigation. Professional representation can significantly improve outcomes by ensuring claims are properly assessed, costed and challenged where appropriate.

Do you act for both landlords and tenants?

Yes. James Scott Associates act for both landlords and tenants, providing balanced, independent advice tailored to the client’s position and objectives.

How is the value of a dilapidations claim assessed?

Claims are typically assessed based on:

Lease obligations and repairing covenants
Reasonable cost of remedial works
Statutory limitations, including Section 18(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927
Diminution in value, where relevant

Each case is assessed on its own merits.

Can dilapidations be settled financially instead of carrying out works?

Yes. Many claims are resolved through a financial settlement, particularly at lease expiry. Strategic advice is essential to ensure settlements are fair and defensible.

Do you provide negotiation and settlement services?

Yes. We regularly support clients through dilapidations negotiations, including review of schedules and quantified demands, development of negotiation strategy and representation through to settlement.

Can you manage the remedial works if required?

Yes. Where works are agreed or required, we can prepare specifications, provide cost advice and manage the remedial works through our Project Management services.

When should I seek dilapidations advice?

Early advice is always recommended — ideally before lease expiry, at the point a Schedule is received, or when planning an exit or renewal strategy.

How can James Scott Associates help?

We provide clear, strategic dilapidations advice, from preparation and review of schedules through to negotiation and settlement, supported by strong technical, cost and project expertise.