• Record the condition of the workplace before you sign the lease – your own ‘Schedule of Condition’
• Understand the full implications of a ‘rent free’ benefit – in terms of your repair commitment
• Agree a License to Alter before you start putting your stamp on your workplace - obtaining the landlord’s approval to carry out improvements or alterations first, will prevent any future threat of ‘breach of lease’ claims
• Dilapidations is an inevitable cost – IFRS16* allows you to allocate your dilapidation costs to the balance sheet
• Keep the premises in good repair (through proactive maintenance), as it minimises end of lease headaches
• Exit planning – do it early
• Consult a qualified Dilapidations specialist – it will prove a wise investment

*IFRS16 is an accounting standard which applies to leased assets and liabilities – including property leases