Tenants Top 5 Dilapidations Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

In this guide, we highlight the Tenants Top 5 Dilapidations Mistakes and, crucially, how to avoid them.

Navigating the world of commercial property leases can be complex, especially when it comes to dilapidations. A lack of understanding can lead to costly mistakes for tenants when a lease ends.

By being proactive and well-informed, tenants can protect their interests and avoid expensive surprises.

1. Failing to Understand Lease Obligations

The Mistake :
Many tenants sign lease agreements without fully understanding the repairing, decorating, reinstatement, and yielding-up obligations. These clauses are often complex and favour the landlord.

The Consequence :
Misunderstanding these responsibilities can result in costly end-of-lease dilapidations claims.

How to Avoid It :
Always consult a specialist dilapidations surveyor before signing. Request a lease review and negotiate a Schedule of Condition to cap your liability.

2. Ignoring Dilapidations During the Lease Term

The Mistake:
Many tenants ignore maintenance obligations until lease expiry, thinking repairs can wait until the end.

The Consequence:
Deferred maintenance often results in higher costs and more extensive works, inflating the landlord’s claim.

How to Avoid It:
Implement a planned maintenance programme and schedule periodic inspections with a building surveyor.

3. Overlooking the Importance of a Schedule of Condition

The Mistake:
Entering a lease without a Schedule of Condition can expose tenants to liability for pre-existing issues.

The Consequence:
Tenants may be required to return the property in better condition than received, even if damage pre-dated the lease.

How to Avoid It:
Ensure a professionally prepared Schedule of Condition is attached to your lease to fairly define your obligations.

4. Failing to Engage Early with Dilapidations Claims

The Mistake:
Tenants sometimes ignore or delay responding to a Schedule of Dilapidations.

The Consequence:
Delay weakens negotiating power and can lead to inflated settlements or unnecessary litigation.

How to Avoid It:
Instruct a dilapidations surveyor immediately when a claim is received to scrutinise the claim and defend your position.

5. Misunderstanding Reinstatement Obligations

The Mistake:
Tenants may believe they can leave alterations behind without consequence.

The Consequence:
Most leases require reinstatement unless formally waived in writing. Failure to comply can lead to major claims.

How to Avoid It:
Keep detailed records of alterations and landlord communications. Plan reinstatement works before lease-end to control cost and timing.

Tenants Top 5 Dilapidations Mistakes Summary: Proactive Planning is Key

Dilapidations can be a legal and financial minefield. However, the most common errors – the Tenants Top 5 Dilapidations Mistakes – are completely avoidable with the right approach.

Seek professional advice before signing any lease.

Secure a Schedule of Condition at lease start.

Maintain the property during occupation.

Engage early with any claims.

Review and act on reinstatement responsibilities.

With expert support, tenants can reduce exposure, protect their position, and exit with confidence.

Tenants Top 5 Dilapidations Mistakes - How We Can Help

At Anstey Horne, we support tenants throughout the lease lifecycle – from pre-lease negotiation to end-of-lease strategy. Our experienced surveyors manage risk, negotiate claims, and ensure you meet obligations fairly and efficiently.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you avoid these Tenants Top 5 Dilapidations Mistakes and other common dilapidations pitfalls.

Tenants Top 5 Dilapidations Mistakes - Resources

Dilapidations Blog for further information on a range of Dilapidation topics.

Contact

Our expert team have extensive experience of dealing with all dilapidations matters. We act for both landlords and tenants, ensuring a global approach to the dilapidations process.

Also see our recent article for a step-by-step guide to Responding to a Schedule of Dilapidations.

We assist commercial landlords and tenants on all aspects of lease obligations, repair and dilapidations.

We provide specialist surveys, new lease schedules of condition and general dilapidations advice.

For any help or advice on repair obligations, Dilapidations issues; or to commission a schedule of condition for a new lease call us on 020 4534 3132 or contact one of the team :