Handing back a leased commercial property is about more than clearing the contents — it is about meeting the specific obligations set out in your lease. Getting this wrong can lead to a dilapidations claim after you have already moved on. This checklist covers what to confirm before the handover date. It is general information, not legal advice.
Before you book the clearance
- Check your lease for repair, reinstatement and redecoration obligations.
- Compare the property's current condition against any schedule of condition.
- Confirm whether alterations need to be removed (reinstatement) or can stay.
- Photograph the property at handover as your own record.
What “dilapidations” actually means
Dilapidations is the legal term for a tenant’s obligations relating to the physical condition of a leased property when the lease ends — typically repair, redecoration and reinstatement of any alterations made during the tenancy. If a landlord believes these obligations have not been met, they can serve a schedule of dilapidations setting out the alleged breaches and the cost to put them right. This is a formal process, subject to its own pre-action protocol before it reaches court, but it is far easier to avoid than to resolve after the event.
Checking your lease obligations
Before booking an end-of-lease clearance, it is worth confirming, ideally with a solicitor or commercial surveyor if the wording is unclear:
- Whether the lease requires reinstatement of any alterations you made
- What condition the property must be returned to
- Any specific redecoration or repair clauses
- Deadlines relative to the lease end date
The schedule of condition, if you have one
If a schedule of condition was recorded at the start of your tenancy — a written report, often with photographs — this can limit your repairing obligations to no worse than that recorded condition, rather than a higher standard. If you have one, it is worth having it to hand when planning the clearance, so the scope of work matches what is actually required rather than more than necessary.
A handover checklist
Before the handover date:
Photographing the handover
Regardless of what the lease requires, photographing the property on the day of handover — every room, with a timestamp if possible — gives you your own record of its condition. If a dilapidations dispute is raised later, this is often the most useful evidence a tenant has, since it shows the actual state of the property at the point of handover rather than relying on memory or a landlord’s later assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I definitely need a strip-out at the end of a lease?
Not always — this depends entirely on your specific lease terms. See the related guide on commercial clearance scope and strip-out boundaries for how to check.
What if I don't have a schedule of condition?
Without one, your repairing obligation is more likely to be judged against the property's original condition at the start of the lease, which can be a higher bar. This is worth clarifying with a solicitor if there is any uncertainty.
Can a dilapidations claim be raised after I've already left?
Yes, and this is exactly why documenting the property's condition at handover matters — it is your evidence if a claim is made after the event.
How far in advance should I start planning the clearance?
As early as possible once your lease end date is known, particularly if a strip-out or specialist work is required, since this takes longer to arrange than a simple contents clearance.
Key takeaways
- Check your lease's repair and reinstatement obligations before booking a clearance.
- A schedule of condition, if you have one, can limit what you're required to do.
- Match the clearance scope to your actual lease obligations, not a guess.
- Photograph the property at handover as your own evidence.
See the related guide on commercial clearance scope and strip-out boundaries, or office clearance and strip-out and retail shop clearance. Request a quote once your obligations are confirmed.