The Landlord’s original dilapidations claim was £36,000. We negotiated this down to £9,500. That’s a reduction of 74%!
Late last year we were instructed by a company that had already vacated its offices in Wigan. Its landlord had instructed a national firm of surveyors and a very well known legal practice to help them recover what they believed were damages owed to them as a result of the tenant failing to observe its lease obligations.
The landlord’s claim amounted to over £36,000 which seemed rather high to our client. Hence their call to us.
On closer examination, it became clear that Crimeline’s landlord was claiming significantly more than it was strictly entitled to. After several months of negotiation the landlord’s position retreated first to a figure of £17,000, then to £12,500 until finally, a figure of £9,500 was agreed.
This case once again highlights the risks associated with dilapidations claims and the need to prepare early and not be swayed by a landlord’s initial claim however well supported and reasoned it might appear to be.