A survey will help to ensure that the premises are in good condition and suited to your purposes. Even if any repairs will be the landlord's responsibility, problems (and any necessary remedial work) could interfere with your business. Any adverse results from a survey can also be used as part of your negotiations.
Moreover, leases generally give you some or all of the responsibility for maintaining and repairing the premises, or even for reinstating them to their original condition (see 18 below). In these circumstances, a survey is essential.
On the other hand, if you are taking a short term licence on office space where you will be responsible only for internal condition, you may feel that a visual inspection is sufficient. Even so, it may be worth investing in a photographic survey to provide evidence of the premises' original condition in case of any future dispute.
