Defects in dilapidations: Engineering services
Abstract
Engineering services can form a large proportion of a dilapidations claim and so need to be looked at by a specialist. Some of the defects are hidden from surveyors or engineers undertaking a visual survey, perhaps because the tenant is still in occupation or access is not easy. Using some specific examples of dilapidations claims that particularly involve heating and air conditioning systems, this paper shows where disrepair was only discovered after lease end. Some useful tips are given on what to look for and when further testing or validation is recommended.
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Author's Biography
Stephen Lemmon is a partner at Hollis, heading up the in-house operational engineering team. Stephen joined Hollis in 2007 to establish a mechanical and electrical engineering team and became a partner in 2012. He is head of the London City office as well as managing the team of 35 engineers that provides support to all the company’s offices throughout the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. Stephen’s expertise is in all areas of building services including heating, air conditioning, domestic hot and cold water, drainage, electrical infrastructure and lighting. He has experience in commercial offices, industrial and residential properties, and acts for both landlords and occupiers. He is also an expert in the identification of services; technical appraisal of defects and system design and performance; assessing whether works amount to improvements; reviewing leases, licences and schedules to understand the configuration of services at lease commencement relating to various landlord and tenant matters. Stephen particularly enjoys being involved in dilapidations, rent review, lease renewal and lease enfranchisement disputes. He has considerable experience in acting as an expert and representing clients at mediation, as well as authoring numerous expert reports and being the engineering expert in hundreds of dilapidations cases. Stephen is proud to have been acknowledged by Nicholas Dowding and Kirk Reynolds for his assistance with the engineering services chapter in the last two editions of their book Dilapidations: The Modern Law and Practice.
Citation
Lemmon, Stephen (2016, March 1). Defects in dilapidations: Engineering services. In the Journal of Building Survey, Appraisal & Valuation, Volume 4, Issue 4. https://doi.org/10.69554/QFOZ4221.
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