Schedules of Condition

T: 0161 518 8671

E: bc@roger-hannah.co.uk

 

If you are in the process of letting a property, undertaking building works or works to a Party Wall structure, it is essential you understand the importance of having a Schedule of Condition.

 

Benefits of a Schedule of Condition

What is a Schedule of Condition?

A Schedule of Condition provides a detailed record of a property or building at a specific point in time.

 

Typically a Schedule of Condition includes a written description with photographs that show the condition of the various elements of a property or structure.

 

The purpose of a Schedule of Condition is to provide an accurate record of the property’s condition, for use as reference in the event of a dispute and / or claim for damages in the future.

 

Commercial Lettings

A Schedule of Condition is often used in real estate transactions, when a tenant is taking on a lease for a property.

 

The Schedule of Condition is a way for both Landlords and Tenants to protect themselves and their interests by outlining and agreeing the state of a property at the outset. Avoiding potential disputes and costly claims for damages during the team or at the end of a lease. This is often invaluable where the property being leased is not new and subject to age related wear.

 

Conversely, a Schedule of Condition can help a landlord where the property to be leased is new, or refurbished to a good standard of repair, which can be evidenced in a Schedule of Condition and the standard of repair it should be returned at lease end, by the tenant.

Construction Works

When undertaking construction works, it is good practice to prepare a Schedule of Condition to record the condition of existing neighbourly structures and properties prior to works being undertaken.

 

This can help protect against potential claims for damages after works have begun and can also be used to establish any liability and the extent of remedial works needed in the event of damage being caused as a result of the works.

Party Wall Structures

The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 provides a framework for resolving disputes between property owners and developers in relation to Party Walls and Structures.

 

In the event of a dispute arising under the Act, the onus is on the Building Owner undertaking work to prove any damage to a neighbouring property wasn’t caused by the works.

 

Preparation of a Schedule of Condition prior to undertaking any works to an existing Party Wall, structure and / or adjacent excavation works is essential to provide evidence of the existing condition prior to commencement and can be used to ascertain fairly whether damage has occurred, avoiding any potential disputes which may arise.

Who should prepare a Schedule of Condition?

It is recommended that a Schedule of Condition is prepared by an independent chartered surveyor. As a Schedule of Condition is intended to be an impartial, factual record of the property’s current condition and requires experience to prepare concisely.

 

If you need any further advice regarding a Schedule of Condition our RICS qualified surveyors can advise you on all aspects of obtaining one prior to the signing of a new lease or undertaking works.

 

Key contacts

Neil O’Brien

BSc (Hons) MRICS IMAPS
  • Director

Contact Us

Steven Whittle

BSc (Hons) MSc MRICS
  • Director

Contact Us

James Rowcroft

BSc (Hons) MRICS
  • Associate Director

Contact Us

Phil O’Brien

BSc (Hons) MRICS
  • Associate Director

Contact Us