[ Pre-Lease Surveys ]
Pre-Lease Commercial Building Surveys
A pre-lease survey is a commercial building inspection carried out before a lease is signed, identifying defects, repair liabilities and likely costs of occupation so the tenant understands what they are taking on.
CBC provides pre-lease surveys for tenants, franchisees, solicitors and managing agents across the UK. Our reports support better lease negotiations and feed directly into a Schedule of Condition where one is required.
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Trusted on Commercial Lease Matters
[ Who it's for ]
Who pre-lease surveys are for
Pre-lease surveys are most often instructed by tenants and their advisers, but landlords sometimes commission them too.
Commercial tenants
Businesses about to sign a new lease who want to understand condition and risk.
Franchisees and operators
Operators taking on retail, hospitality or service premises under a franchise model.
Solicitors
Property lawyers needing technical input to support lease negotiations.
Managing agents
Agents acting for tenants on portfolio acquisitions and renewals.
Investors
Buyers acquiring tenanted property who need a clear view of underlying condition.
[ When you need one ]
When a pre-lease survey is needed
- Before signing a new commercial lease
- Following heads of terms but ahead of completion
- When considering a lease assignment
- When taking on full repairing and insuring (FRI) obligations
- Where premises have visible condition issues at viewing
- Before fit-out planning and budgeting begins
[ Why it matters ]
Why pre-lease advice matters
Commercial leases typically transfer significant repairing obligations to the tenant. A full repairing and insuring lease can make the tenant responsible for maintaining and, at lease end, reinstating the property's condition.
Independent pre-lease advice exposes hidden risk before the lease is signed, when terms can still be negotiated and a Schedule of Condition can still be agreed and attached to the lease.
Risks of skipping pre-lease advice
- Unexpected repair and fit-out costs once you are in occupation
- Liability for pre-existing defects at lease end
- Inflated dilapidations claims that are hard to challenge
- Compliance issues that need immediate investment
- A weaker negotiating position with the landlord
- No evidence base for a Schedule of Condition
[ Our role ]
What CBC does on a pre-lease survey
We inspect the premises, identify the issues that matter commercially and translate them into clear input for your decision and your lease.
Building condition inspection
Systematic inspection of structure, envelope, services, internals and externals.
Defect identification
Clear documentation of existing defects, their severity and likely cost implications.
Lease liability review
Assessment of how condition interacts with the proposed repairing and yielding up covenants.
Dilapidations risk view
Identification of items likely to feature in a future Terminal Schedule if not addressed now.
Compliance overview
High-level review of fire, asbestos, accessibility and other compliance considerations.
Cost forecasting
Indicative repair costs to support negotiation and budgeting for occupation.
What you receive
[ Common situations ]
Common pre-lease scenarios we support
- A retail tenant signing a 10-year FRI lease in a high street unit
- A franchisee opening a new café, restaurant or gym
- An office occupier moving into a previously occupied floor
- A logistics or trade counter operator taking on a warehouse with roof concerns
- A multi-site operator standardising due diligence across a roll-out programme
- A tenant with limited in-house property expertise needing independent advice
Pairs with a Schedule of Condition
Pre-lease surveys and Schedules of Condition are designed to work together. We can prepare both in parallel so the tenant signs the lease with a clear view of risk and a robust schedule attached.
Learn about Schedule of ConditionPre-lease surveys: frequently asked questions
In-depth guides for prospective tenants
Pre-lease checklist for commercial tenants
Building, lease clause and risk-reduction checks before signing.
What is a Schedule of Condition?
How the document protects you once the lease is signed.
Tenant leasehold property risk
Identifying, pricing and reducing leasehold exposure.
Sector-specific commercial property advice
Retail, office, industrial and franchise sector guidance.
Related lease services
Pre-Lease Surveys Across the UK
We provide pre-lease surveys services nationwide. Select a location for city-specific information and local expertise.
[ What Our Clients Say ]
"CBC produced a detailed schedule of condition within days which helped us avoid potential lease disputes."
Property Director
Commercial Tenant Client
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Tell us about the property and the lease stage you are at. We advise tenants, landlords, solicitors and agents across the UK.