Defects claims

Defects claims may arise during the defects liability period (or maintenance period) after completion of the project or at any time during the limitation period (often referred to as 'latent' defects).

Chartered surveyors are often the first source of advice on defects claims, either because they were involved in the construction of the project or because the client's principal and immediate concern is to rectify the defect. The question of compensation comes later.

Chartered surveyors should understand how defects claims can be brought, as well as understand their client's entitlement to financial recovery.

This section is maintained by Jonathan Hutt and Rebecca May of Taylor Wessing LLP.

RICS standards: Dilapidations

Document template: Schedule of dilapidations