Dilapidations Solicitors
Facing a schedule of dilapidations at the end of your business lease? Or pursuing a claim against a commercial tenant who’s left your property in disrepair? Our dilapidations solicitors will help you navigate the process, protect your position and get the right outcome.
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Alternatively, talk to one of our team members on 0330 111 3131 or via our online enquiry form.
What are dilapidations?
Dilapidations involve breaches of repair obligations in leases of commercial property. When a business tenancy ends, landlords may serve a schedule of dilapidations claiming the tenant owes money for repairs or reinstatement. These claims are governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927 and follow strict Pre-Action Protocols. Both landlords and tenants need specialist advice to protect their position. Whether you’re dealing with a dilapidated building requiring extensive repairs or negotiating a schedule of dilapidations, early legal advice protects your commercial property interests.
Commercial dilapidations disputes we can help with
We act for both commercial property landlords and business tenants in commercial property lease dilapidations and business lease disputes across the country. As specialist schedule of dilapidations solicitors, our team will review your lease, assess the claim, gather expert evidence and handle negotiations. We’ll be upfront about where you stand and the best way to resolve the dispute, whether that’s through negotiation or court proceedings.
Landlords pursuing dilapidations claims
Our commercial property dilapidation claims solicitors help landlords prepare robust schedules of dilapidations and pursue fair compensation for end-of-lease breaches. We make sure your terminal dilapidations claim complies with the Pre-Action Protocol and instruct building surveyors to assess the works required.
When tenants challenge your claim, we negotiate settlements that reflect the true cost of putting the property right, accounting for Section 18 diminution valuations where necessary. We also handle interim dilapidations during the lease term where tenants try to avoid their obligations. From preparing quantified demands to pursuing court claims, we protect your commercial property investment at every stage.
Tenants defending dilapidations claims
If you’re a business tenant facing a schedule of dilapidations, we’ll review the claim to identify weaknesses and challenge unreasonable demands. Whether you’re dealing with terminal dilapidations at lease expiry or claims relating to a break being exercised, our commercial property dilapidation claims solicitors protect your position from day one. Many commercial landlords overstate the works required or fail to account for Section 18 limitations on recoverable damages.
We instruct independent surveyors to assess what’s genuinely required and prepare Scott Schedules that clearly identify disputed items. Our dilapidations solicitors negotiate fair settlements and defend you in court if the landlord won’t be reasonable. We also advise on supersession and change of use defences where the landlord’s plans would render repairs valueless, and help you understand your reinstatement obligations when responding to schedules.
How the dilapidations process works
- Review the lease and schedule
We start by reviewing your lease to establish what repair, reinstatement and decoration obligations apply. For landlords, we assess whether the schedule of dilapidations is properly prepared. For tenants, we identify potential defences and weaknesses in the landlord’s claim.
- Serve or respond to the schedule
For landlords, we help you serve a compliant schedule of dilapidations and quantified demand within 56 days of lease end. For tenants, we assist with preparing a detailed response to the Scott Schedule within 56 days, challenging items that aren’t your responsibility or where the landlord has overstated costs.
- Get expert evidence
We instruct experienced building surveyors to assess the property and produce reports. Independent expert evidence is crucial for establishing what works are genuinely required, their cost, and whether Section 18 limitations apply. This evidence often drives settlement negotiations.
- Negotiate settlement
Most dilapidations disputes settle once both sides have expert evidence. We push for a fair outcome based on what the property actually needs and what the law allows the landlord to recover. If settlement fails, we’ll take the case to court and represent you throughout.
Why choose Slater Heelis for dilapidations
Experience in commercial dilapidations disputes
We’ve handled dilapidations claims across the country for years, acting for both landlords and tenants in commercial property disputes. Our solicitors understand the Pre-Action Protocol requirements, know how Section 18 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927 limits claims, and can spot when a schedule needs challenging or when a tenant’s defence won’t hold up. Whether you’re pursuing a claim or defending one, we’ll give you a realistic view of your position.
Local solicitors who know the area
We’re based in Manchester, Sale and Chester, with offices nationwide, so you can meet us face-to-face when you need to talk things through. Dilapidations disputes often involve complicated landlord-tenant relationships and real financial pressure, so it helps to have local solicitors who understand the North West commercial property market. We also have extensive experience with dilapidation disputes nationwide.
Recognised excellence you can trust
We’re listed in The Times Best Law Firms for 2026, and The Legal 500 recognises us as one of the leading firms in the North West. With over 1,400 reviews and an average rating of 4.9/5 on ReviewSolicitors, our clients trust us enough to recommend us to their families and friends.
If you’re facing a schedule of dilapidations, pursuing a claim against a former tenant, or dealing with a dilapidated building at the end of a lease – our team is here to help.
Call us on 0330 111 3131 or get in touch through our online enquiry form to speak with our dilapidations solicitors.
We’re based in Manchester, Sale, and Chester with offices open for face-to-face meetings, and we also work with clients across the UK. You’ll get regular updates at every stage while we handle all the legal work and take the pressure off you during what’s already a complicated situation.
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