Dilapidations claims advice at lease exit.
Robust analysis and rebuttal of landlord dilapidation claim.
Civic Centre Esher, dilapidations advice, Surrey County Council
10
year
lease of Civic Centre Esher.
8,000
sq ft
office suite of 1980s framed construction.
21
%
Reduction in cost.
Challenge
Vail Williams was appointed by Surrey County Council to manage their exit from an 8,500 sq ft office at the Civic Centre in Esher as part of a wider project to streamline office space, enabling reinvestment in other areas.
Our building consultancy team was instructed to represent the Council and handle dilapidation matters following receipt of the landlord’s schedule of dilapidation.
How we helped
- Reviewed the lease terms, Schedule of Condition and Licences to Alter to understand our client’s reinstatement and repair obligations.
- Examined the landlord’s Schedule of Dilapidation outlining lease breaches and associated costs to rectify these.
- Inspected the premises, measured the space to cross check reported breaches and works required.
- Prepared a robust response to the dilapidations claim and negotiated a mutual settlement based on our client’s true liability, in a timely manner.
- It was not feasible for our client to carry out the works prior to lease expiry without major disruption to staff.
“Vail Williams was professional and diligent throughout, focusing on the detail. We are delighted with the exit terms agreed. Nicki Rought in particular provided excellent communication and regular updates. Despite a protracted negotiation, she managed our expectations and handled our dilapidation process with competence and expertise.”
Melissa Bromham, Head of Corporate Assets and Place at Surrey County Council.
Result
- We successfully agreed a settlement in lieu of the tenant’s reinstatement, repair and decoration obligations under the lease.
- Following an extensive review of the reported breaches and calculations, we identified areas where savings could be negotiated.
- As a result of our robust analysis and rebuttal based on our client’s true liability, we negotiated a 21% decreased in dilapidations costs.
Get in touch
If you think you may need similar support to that described here, or you would simply want to have an informal chat with a member of our team to discuss your property needs, get in touch.
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