Tenant-Side Dilapidations Advice – Deeside Office Building

Overview

Location: Deeside (CH5 area)

Property type: Modern two-storey office building

A tenant required independent advice on potential dilapidations exposure for a modern two-storey office building in Deeside (CH5 area). The aim was to identify likely claim drivers, distinguish disrepair from maintenance expectations, and prioritise actions that reduce exposure before positions harden.

Findings

• Rainwater goods and associated detailing were identified as a key claim driver due to visible condition issues and downstream risk.
• Localised external joinery and decoration condition was inconsistent, with elements likely to be interpreted as repair/decorations liabilities.
• Movement joints and sealant interfaces showed age-related deterioration that could contribute to moisture ingress if left unmanaged.
• Trip hazards and minor site defects were noted as practical items commonly raised within schedules.
• Some items required careful lease calibration to separate true disrepair from cyclical maintenance.

Recommendations

• Prioritise rainwater goods inspection, clearance and targeted repairs to reduce visible defects and downstream deterioration risk.
• Address obvious safety-related trip hazards and minor defects that are low-cost to remedy but high-visibility at exit.
• Plan targeted external decoration and joinery repairs where condition would reasonably be read as tenant liability.
• Renew failing sealants / movement joint interfaces where deterioration could allow moisture ingress.
• Use a calibrated evidence pack (photos + short justifications) to support negotiation positions and avoid over-scoping.

Outcome

The advice provided a practical exposure reduction plan, focusing on high-leverage repairs and clear evidence for negotiation. This helped the tenant prioritise actions with the best cost-to-risk benefit.