Tenant alterations are usually carried out under a “Licence for Alterations” – a legal document annexed to a lease which sets out the reinstatement requirements at lease expiry. Badly drafted, however, these licences can provoke some of the most significant and contentious disputes between landlords and tenants. Being established experts in dilapidations we know that dealing properly with alterations at the time they are carried out can significantly reduce the scope for dispute for both parties.
Insight
Getting a licence for alterations right is essential for landlords and tenants. Over the past decade we have dealt with thousands of terminal dilapidations claims and, time and time again, we find that licences for alterations are inadequate, ambiguous or both. Ironically our experience in dealing with the aftermath of poor licences means that we are very well-placed to undertake objective reviews of draft licences before any alterations work is started. Careful assessment at this crucial stage, including ensuring that the condition of the property is properly documented, will ensure that the reinstatement provisions will be unequivocal at lease determination.
Knowledge
Working for either landlord or tenant, a thorough understanding of the construction process and the landlord and tenant relationship enables us to take a practical approach to dealing with the issues, whilst minimising risk and maximising opportunity.
Monitoring Experience
Significant alterations to a building can pose a risk to investment value. We can deal with the technical and contractual aspects of large-scale tenant alterations and monitor alterations on behalf of landlords and tenants to ensure that, for example, statutory consents are obtained, warranties provided for, variations documented and works carried out to an acceptable standard.
Speed
As with most commercial property agreements, we know that both parties will expect a prompt, efficient and cost-effective service. With one of the largest teams of independent surveyors we can meet these demands.
Tenant alterations products
- Review tenant's proposals for landlord
- Monitor tenant's works for landlord
- Submit tenant's proposals for tenant
- Agree licence for alterations for landlord
- Agree licence for alterations for tenant
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