Dilapidations are one of the most valuable, and most frequently mishandled, aspects of commercial lease management in London. When a lease ends, a landlord is entitled to compensation if the tenant has not maintained the property as the lease requires. The principle is straightforward, but the execution is where landlords routinely lose ground.

From the Section 18 cap and the timing of the Schedule of Dilapidations through to reinstatement obligations and the RICS Protocol, the same mistakes appear again and again across the London market, from City offices to industrial units in Park Royal. This guide sets out the six errors we see most often, and explains why each one matters.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces the most significant reform of the private rented sector in a generation. With the abolition of section 21, strengthened possession grounds, new tenant protections, and expanded enforcement powers for local authorities, landlords and agents will need to reassess how properties are let, managed, and enforced. This overview sets out the key changes, critical implementation dates, and the practical implications for those operating in the London rental market.