Lynwoods Building Consultancy - Schedules of Condition

SCHEDULE OF CONDITION

When agreeing a lease on a commercial property, a schedule of condition is one of the most valuable documents you can have in your file. Leases contain obligations for tenants to repair and maintain the property to an agreed standard. Usually, the lease will either require the tenant to repair and maintain the full interior and exterior of the building, or just the interior.

A schedule of condition records the condition the property is in at the start of the lease. This helps to protect tenants against claims for existing damage and disrepair around the property caused by the previous occupiers.

A schedule of condition can not only help tenants to save thousands of pounds in repair bills – often tens of thousands on larger properties – it can also make the lease-end settlement process easier to resolve with the landlord. However, this document has to be comprehensive in order to offer the level of protection required.

some schedules fall short of their intended impact because:

Roof Coverings

The roof and gutters of the building have not been inspected due to access constraints. Unwillingness to access these difficult areas often leads to them being missed.

Demised Area

Only the building itself has been inspected. The full demised area – including the external yards and boundary fences – has not been inspected.

Photos Etc.

The photographs within the schedule are taken on low resolution cameras, or there is an insufficient number of them to properly demonstrate the condition of the property.

Joint Agreement

The schedule has not been agreed and signed off by both parties. There is no mention of the schedule in the final lease document.

examples of recent surveys carried out:

A full schedule of condition on a new-build storage and logistics unit

A schedule of condition on the roof to a 1960’s storage and logistics unit

A schedule of condition on the interior of a three-storey high street retail shop

A full schedule of condition on a 1930's former public library building prior to a change-of-use

Our schedules of condition cover all accessible areas of the demised property. We provide inspections of roofs, gutters and other high-level parts of the premises using a variety of access methods.

Our photographs are taken using high-definition cameras. If required, we can record walk-through videos to provide you with a fuller suite of robust evidence to help protect your interests.

If you’re planning a move into a leasehold premises then contact us for advice. We can help to minimise your liabilities and get your exit strategy right from day one.