Landlords and Tenants are increasingly focused on early assessment of the scope of repair, reinstatement and decoration works to be undertaken at the end of a tenancy.

Under commercial property leases, the repair liability usually falls on the Tenant. To return the property to the Landlord in accordance with relevant clauses.

• A repair clause will typically state the Tenant is to keep the Premises in good and substantial repair and condition. In some cases, limited to condition at the commencement of the lease term, detailed by a schedule of condition.
• A reinstatement, or yield up clause, requires the Premises to be returned to the Landlord in accordance with covenants of the lease. Including removal of alterations where specified, making good damage occasioned by such removal and if appropriate, replacement of Landlord fixtures and fittings.
• Decoration clauses determine the frequency of redecoration. Usually, to include the last 12 months of the term. The materials, standard of workmanship and colours to be approved.

Martyn Howard at Drake Howard Property has seen a huge increase in commissions in the last year, from both Landlords and Tenants. From Landlords to survey and draft claims in the form of a Schedule of Dilapidations. From Tenants, seeking guidance as lease expiry approaches and/or, to defend claims from the Landlord.

Experience gained from many years in a commercial property management capacity has enabled Martyn to keep up to date with repair law and the protocols required to prosecute, or defend, dilapidations claims.  The Surveyor has earned a solid reputation in the field and is increasingly engaged in office, industrial and warehouse dilapidations instructions.

These instructions frequently culminate in project management of strip-out, repair and decoration work, engaging builders, and trades from an impressive list of contractors employed over many years. Knowledge and expertise saving capital for Client Landlords or Tenants.