Dilapidation Reports Explained: Essential Elements and Why They Matter

A dilapidation report includes information about a property’s condition. A chartered dilapidation surveyor properly surveys a building and records its condition. If you are a landlord, tenant, or property manager, a dilapidation report will be beneficial in determining the property's condition. Landlords mainly use the report before and after leasing their property. If any damage is found to the property, the landlord can make a dilapidation claim to the tenant. This blog will explore essential elements of a dilapidation survey and how it helps landlords and tenants in the UK. But first, let's understand what a dilapidation report is.

What is a Dilapidation Report?

After surveying a building, a surveyor prepares a report that includes any damages or general condition of the property. This report is referred to as a dilapidation report. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors provide guidelines, and building surveyors must follow them to survey a building. If you are a landlord, hire a professional surveyor and prepare a dilapidation report before leasing your property.

Essential Elements of a Dilapidation Report

A dilapidation report includes several elements, such as the property details, any damages in the property, or recent changes made by the tenant. Let's discuss these aspects in detail.

Property Details

Each dilapidation report must include the complete address of the property so everyone understands which property the report is referring to. If you need to go to Court to resolve any disputes about the property, the address will help to identify it.

Photographic Evidence

With modern technology's innovation, you can also include visual evidence of the property in the report. Your dilapidation surveyor may use a simple mobile camera to take a clear picture of the property. The surveyor may also take photos of the damaged part of the property to present its condition.

Structural Observations

Besides photographic evidence, the surveyor may also consider the property's structural condition. If your building is too old, it may develop structural issues. Alternatively, if your tenants have damaged the property’s structure, the report will also include that.

Condition of Fixtures and Fittings

The report also includes a list of interior and exterior elements of the building. It may include the lights, carpets, windows, electrical wiring, furniture and more. The surveyor will record their present condition. It will help to determine if they are damaged at the end of tenure.

Surveyor’s Notes

At the end, the professional briefly notes his overall observation. This may include the condition of the property and any possible risks associated with it. If the risk factors are severe, the surveyor will offer a possible solution.

Why Dilapidation Reports Matter

In the UK, a dilatation report mainly helps to resolve the conflict between the landlord and the tenant regarding property damage claims. Let's see how both of these parties benefit from the report.

Benefits For Landlords

If you own the property, a dilapidation report can protect you from baseless claims from the tenant. They cannot avoid property damage claims if you provide them proof of property condition before you lease the property. And it can only happen if you give a dilapidation report.

Benefits For Tenants

If you are a tenant, a dilapidation report can help you save yourself from unfounded property damage claims. You can present the report and clear yourself from the damage claim.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Dilapidation Reports

Always remember there is no room for mistakes when preparing a dilapidation report. To avoid errors, try remembering the following points. Never forget the importance of photographic evidence when preparing the dilapidation report. Visual evidence speaks for itself about the property's condition. Always use a skilled and qualified surveyor to conduct property surveys for your building. Their years of industry experience help mitigate the challenges of preparing dilapidation reports.

How to Get a Professional Dilapidation Report

Each property survey presents unique challenges. Only an experienced and reliable building surveyor can understand and resolve property survey challenges. This is why hiring a professional and experienced surveyor is necessary. But how do you know who is experienced and provides reliable services? To learn about their experience, you must ask them questions about the project and its outcomes. Ask him about his strategy to resolve conflict between two parties. You can also ask for their previous building survey projects and their outcomes. This will help you understand their capability to resolve any existing issues or to protect you from future complications.

Conclusion

Therefore, a dilapidation report has several benefits, including property condition evaluation, existing damage documentation, and conflict resolution between tenants and the landlord. You must prepare a dilapidation report before you lease your property to the tenant. The surveyor will include visual evidence and personal notes in the report. This will help determine if the tenants damaged the property in any way in the future. Look no further if you need a professional hand in dilapidation repair work! Contact Dilapidation Contractors today. Our reliable service across the UK ensures quick repair work and provides value for your money.