Schedules of Condition

When you move out of a building you’ve leased, there will almost certainly be a clause that requires you to make good any wear & tear and alterations, i.e. to return the premises to their original condition; this process is known as dilapidations.

We recommend that our clients have a Schedule of Condition prepared prior to occupation in order that it can be referred to at the end of the term when negotiating the dilapidations. This document includes photographs and descriptions of the demise, in particular highlighting any imperfections, such as the water ingress illustrated. 

Why do I need a schedule of condition?

We can help you to negotiate the tasks and costs that constitute your dilapidations liability, but how do you know what condition the building was in at the start of the lease?

Life is made much simpler for all concerned and, more importantly, there will be a stronger argument to reduce your costs if there is an accurate record of the original state, in the form of a schedule of condition. 

So if, for example, an area of ceiling was stained at the end of the term and the landlord expected you to make it good, a photograph to show that the condition was the same as when you moved in would save you this cost.

How do I get a schedule of condition? 

We will recommend this as part of any project we do for you and are happy to undertake the work on your behalf.

Typically the cost of the site inspection, photography and production of the Schedule of Condition report itself costs from £1,500, depending on the size of the space; a small proportion of the amount it can save.

It pays to plan ahead

While moving out may not be your first thought when moving in to a new property, our forward planning and project management can substantially reduce a tenant’s dilapidations liability.