DILAPIDATIONS, ACTION FOR

dilapidations, action for (d<<schwa>>-lap-<<schwa>>-day-sh<<schwa>>nz).Hist. An action

brought by a new incumbent of a benefice for damages rising from the disrepair of the houses or

buildings on the benefice. • The incumbent — whether of a rectory, a vicarage, or a chapel — sued

the executors or administrators of the  incumbent’s deceased  predecessor (who  was not liable for

the  disrepairs while  living).  The  incumbent  of  a  benefice was  bound  to  maintain  the  parsonage,

farm  buildings,  and  chancel  in  good  and  substantial  repair,  restoring  and  rebuilding  when

necessary,  according  to  the  original  plan.  But the  incumbent  did  not  have  to  supply  or  maintain

anything in the nature of ornament. [Blacks Law 8th]