Office Dilapidations

If you’re vacating a commercial property that you’ve leased you will likely be required to restore the property back to its original state before you entered the tenancy agreement, this is referred to as a dilapidation.

It can be a difficult process to understand and manage, but don’t worry we have you covered. In our simple guide, we’ll explain what dilapidation means, who is responsible and how you go about carrying out the works involved. Answering all of your frequently asked questions.

We work with both tenants and landlords across the UK carrying out office dilapidation projects to ensure the spaces are put back to their original condition.

What does dilapidation mean?


Dilapidation as a term means an area of damage or decay to a property. It refers to any repairs or works needed to ensure a property is put back to its original state by the tenant at the end of a tenancy or lease. 

Therefore, if you are a tenant of a property you will find details in your lease agreement that explains what the condition of the property should be. Any repair or restoration works that are required are called dilapidations. 

It most commonly happens at the end of a lease where you will be required to put the property back to how you first had it when you started the tenancy.

What exactly is an office dilapidation?


If you lease your office space, at the end of the agreement you may need to carry out works to put the property back to its original state, an office dilapidation. Alternatively, some landlords will agree on certain elements of it together with you, to confirm which aspects of works need to be carried out. 

The details and clause will be found in your tenancy agreement, and any further correspondence with your landlord should be kept as evidence to avoid any future discrepancies.

What does an office dilapidation include?


All projects are different depending upon the space. The agreement will also give a good sense of what is required to be carried out. An office dilapidation will include refurbishment or fit out works to put the property back to its original state. 

Works can typically include;

All projects are different depending upon the space. The agreement will also give a good sense of what is required to be carried out. An office dilapidation will include refurbishment or fit out works to put the property back to its original state. 

Works can typically include;

  • Decoration
  • Repairs
  • Partition Walls
  • Flooring
  • Ceilings
  • Fixtures & Fittings

Decoration

Repairs

Partition Walls

Flooring

Ceilings

Fixtures & Fittings

How much does an office dilapidation cost?


The cost really does depend on the scope of works that is required. Decoration and repairs for example are likely to be cheaper than more complex works like ceilings. 

There are probably works that you can discuss with your landlord and come to arrangements on, and it’s certainly going to be more cost effective for you to arrange the works than it will for your landlord to charge you back for.

Who pays for the dilapidation costs?


In a commercial office lease, the tenant is legally responsible to carry out and pay the costs for the dilapidation works, putting the property right before leaving the premises. 

Failure to do so could result in a legal battle, as it is part of your lease contract. Landlords could claim any damages, cost of work, and in some cases the loss of rent from a new tenant due to the works not being completed. 

It is therefore important to read and understand your tenancy agreement before anything is signed so that you know what dilapidation works may be required. This might make you consider what office fit out works you carry out as you move in, because you will need to revert it back. Also, before agreeing to a lease it is advisable to seek legal advice. 

Having an understanding of your responsibility and keeping up with maintenance and repairs in the property throughout the lease period will help to reduce costs at the end. If you have kept the property in good condition it is much more cost effective.

Our office dilapidation services


As an experienced office fit out and refurbishment company, we can manage your office dilapidation project from start to finish. 

If your commercial lease is coming to an end then get in touch with us today to discuss your dilapidation project, we’ll make the process quick and seamless for you to vacate the property with no fuss to your business or your landlord.