Following the introduction of new legislation in 2008, rates have been applied in full to empty properties (with some minor exceptions).

This is the parties’ signature of their documents being Landlord’s Schedule of Dilapidations and the Tenant’s Response.

The Energy Act (2011) is the central pillar of the Coalition’s programme relating to energy and climate change. It focuses on improving the energy efficiency of buildings and includes three major elements in the Green Deal, Energy Company Obligation and Private Rented Sector regulation. The Act makes it unlawful to let premises that do not meet minimum energy efficiency standards from April 2018 (set as a minimum EPC rating of E), thereby making it unlawful for landlords to rent buildings with an F or G EPC rating until certain energy efficiency improvements are made. While the energy efficiency improvements required by the Act, exceptions to the rule and links to the Green Deal are yet to be confirmed, the direction of travel has been clearly defined.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are required for buildings when they are sold, built or let. The certificate identifies how energy efficient a building is by providing a rating from G (least efficient) to A (most efficient). It is accompanied by a report providing recommendations for potential improvements to the building and indicative costs, pay back periods and carbon impacts.

An estate charge is that part of the tenant's service charge liability relating to the maintenance of the estate on which a commercial property is situated. Includes, for example, landscaping, maintenance and lighting of estate roads, as well as security.

Estoppel is the legal principle whereby one party is held to have varied its rights by its actions, and in doing so has given another party sufficient encouragement to act to its detriment in a way contrary to any existing relationship.

The yield that is applied to the projected income on the assumed sale date of the investment.

Expert determination in the UK involves an independent third party, acting as an expert deciding a dispute using their own knowledge and experience. This is a common way of resolving rent review and valuation disputes. It is seen as quicker and cheaper than arbitration and particularly suitable to specialist property disputes.

An expert witness is required to assist the court or tribunal to understand complex technical matters on which their decision might be based. Experience in the subject matter of the dispute is critical and the choice of expert witness can make or break a case. Expert witnesses appear in most property disputes, whether before the courts or arbitrators. While appointed by one of the parties, they have an overriding obligation of impartiality to the court or tribunal.

A valuer who, together with any associates, has no material links with the client, an agent acting on behalf of the client, or the subject of the assignment.