What to ask a dilapidations surveyor before you stop trading
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Tell the surveyor which closure decision their advice must inform. An owner considering closure may need to understand the likely work, compare an approach to negotiations, or find out how much occupied space must be released for further investigation.
Those are different instructions. Explain which decision is approaching and agree what the surveyor will provide to inform it.
The RICS dilapidations standard applies in England and Wales. Section 3 addresses the scope of an instruction, including specialist input and further inspections. It supports a precise brief; it does not establish your liability or turn an early inspection into a final settlement.
A brief you can adapt
Write the following in ordinary language before seeking a proposal:
The intended business change. State whether the site will close, move or continue in a smaller area. Give the preferred date and explain whether a property adviser has confirmed the exit route.
The decision needed. For example: “We need to compare arranging advised reinstatement work with discussing a financial settlement.” Avoid asking for every possible service when one decision is still unresolved.
The evidence available. List the lease documents, condition records and alterations history. Attach a missing-document list instead of letting gaps emerge halfway through the instruction.
The present site activity. Explain where the business still operates, what areas are inaccessible and who can arrange access. Tell the surveyor about known relevant site information rather than expecting them to infer it from the asset list.
The required output and timing. Agree the form of advice, material limitations, further enquiries and a reporting date that fits the business decision.
Check what the proposal includes
A proposal should make it possible to see who will do what. Ask whether the instruction includes costing work, reviewing specialist reports, negotiations, further visits or a later check after equipment has gone. Establish how additional work would be agreed.
A building services specialist may be needed for a question outside the surveyor's own scope. Ask who appoints that specialist, who pays them and how the result reaches the person advising on the overall premises position.
Avoid treating a single fee comparison as a comparison of equal services. A lower figure may cover an initial inspection while another includes a later visit or discussions with the other party. Read the exclusions alongside the deliverables.
Tell the surveyor what will change after the visit
An inspection of a full workshop may leave some areas unseen. If machines are due to leave later, record when access might improve and whether another inspection should be planned. Do not arrange invasive inspection or building work on your own assumption that it is permitted.
The findings may affect whether reinstatement starts before trading stops. They may also help the owner compare works with a negotiated settlement. Keep both decisions open until the relevant advice is available.
When discussing a closure sale with UK Auction Group, identify any release dates awaiting that property advice. The useful information is which areas or fitted items remain conditional, and when the business expects an answer.
Find related property questions in Leaving business premises.
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This guide is general information and education only. Legal, tax, employment and safety decisions may need a qualified adviser who knows your situation. Read the disclaimer.