Dilapidations Conference

Start the Day with Confidence: Understanding the Core Concepts of Dilapidations
 
For delegates new to, or less familiar with, dilapidations, including both early-career and senior professionals from related disciplines 
 
A clear and practical overview of the key terminology, principles, and process of dilapidations. This session provides a solid grounding for anyone who wants to follow the day’s technical and legal discussions with confidence, regardless of career stage. 

Stay ahead of the evolving pressures influencing dilapidations practice in 2026.

This session brings together expert insights on commercial property market trends, economic indicators, and forecasting, offering a clear view of how shifting market conditions directly impact dilapidations claims.

You will gain practical, forward-looking perspectives to help you anticipate challenges, mitigate risk, and guide clients with confidence in a rapidly changing environment.

Explore how the surveyor’s role evolves at each stage of the dilapidations journey : from initial instruction and strategic advice to negotiation, settlement, or tribunal. This session will unpack how professional standards, the Pre-Action Protocol, and evolving client expectations are shaping responsibilities and best practice. Gain clarity on where professional judgement, collaboration, and evidential rigour are most critical, ensuring your approach remains compliant, consistent, and commercially effective.  

Refresh and update understanding of legal rules that underpin every stage of a dilapidations claim with a particular focus on ADR, Building a Case and Costs Protection.

This session provides clear, practical guidance on essential concepts and will consider how surveyors can add value at every stage of the process to support effective negotiation, protect client interests, and ensure compliance with professional standards.

Camilla Lamont, Landmark Chambers

In an increasingly outcomes-focused and regulated environment, clients expect clarity, consistency, and accountability from their advisors. This session explores what “good advice” looks like in practice — from defining competence and managing conflicts of interest to communicating uncertainty and evidencing value. Learn how transparency, documentation, and professional integrity underpin client confidence and long-term trust, ensuring your advice stands up to scrutiny and supports stronger professional relationships.  
 
Trust in Advice During End-of-Lease Negotiations 
In dilapidations cases, clients rely heavily on professional advice, whether it’s a landlord seeking to recover repair costs or a tenant defending against a claim. The quality and transparency of a surveyor’s advice can directly affect: 

• The negotiation outcome 
• The likelihood of litigation 
• The client’s perception of fairness 

This session reinforces the importance of clear, ethical, and defensible advice, especially when large sums or reputational risks are at stake. 

Session 1A 

Costing Schedules of Dilapidations: Getting the Numbers Right 
 
Accurate costing underpins all credible dilapidations claim and defence. This session explores the practical and evidential challenges of pricing schedules effectively, from applying BCIS data and market comparables to understanding the hierarchy of evidence. Gain insight into how surveyors can balance technical precision with commercial realism, manage client expectations, and navigate disputes over methodology to deliver robust, defensible advice in every instruction. 

Session 1B

Circular Fit-Out and Sustainability: The Future of Repair and Reuse 
 
As sustainability targets and circular economy principles reshape the property landscape, dilapidations practice must evolve to keep pace. This session explores how sustainable fit-out design, material reuse, and energy efficiency ambitions impact repair obligations and negotiation strategies. Hear from experts leading the shift toward circular fit-outs as they share practical insights on balancing environmental goals with lease liabilities, EPC requirements, and client expectations, and discover how surveyors can help futureproof both buildings and advice. 

Session 2A

Valuation in Dilapidations: From Evidence to Strategy

Valuation plays a pivotal role in resolving dilapidations claims, yet balancing analytical rigour with commercial judgment remains a constant challenge. This session takes a closer look at how valuers can apply sound methodologies, interpret market evidence, and manage uncertainties to deliver defensible outcomes.

Explore how the various valuation methods can be adapted to real-world dilapidation scenarios. Suggestions on how to manage client expectations, strengthen collaboration with building surveyors and legal teams, and ensure your opinion is credible.

Session 2B

AI and Technology in Dilapidations: Risks, Rewards, and Responsible Use

From data capture and analysis to client reporting and portfolio management, digital tools and artificial intelligence are reshaping how surveyors deliver dilapidations services. This session examines the opportunities and challenges of adopting these technologies, from improving efficiency and consistency to managing liability and professional risk.

Explore how RICS guidance supports responsible use of AI and technology in practice, and gain practical insight into integrating innovation while upholding professional integrity and client trust. 

The Art of Negotiation and Client Care: Lessons from the Field 
 
Behind every successful dilapidations outcome lies the ability to communicate with clarity, manage expectations, and build lasting client relationships. This energising closing session focuses on the people skills that bring technical expertise to life, from active listening and persuasion to emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. 

A panel of experienced practitioners will share real-world examples and diverse perspectives on how they navigate challenging client interactions and negotiations. They will then be joined by the moderator for a wider discussion and audience Q&A, exploring practical ways to manage expectations, resolve conflict, and deliver outcomes that satisfy both client and counterpart. 

Designed to leave you inspired and equipped, this session will strengthen your confidence, sharpen your communication, and remind you why the human connection remains the most powerful tool in professional practice.