Schedule of Condition
A Schedule of Condition report documents the condition of a particular property or space at a specific time. After thoroughly assessing a property, a surveyor can draft a Schedule of Condition report. This outlines the property’s condition on the date that the assessment was carried out.
This clearly and accurately describes the property’s condition at a specific time. As such, it can be referred to in the future to evidence what condition the property was in on a particular date. Often at the start of a tenancy or before a sale.
What Is a Schedule of Condition Report?
A Schedule of Condition report is a valuable document that provides key information regarding a property’s condition on a specific date.
It is most commonly associated with tenancy and leasehold agreements. A landlord may commission of Schedule of Condition report at the start of a tenancy to document that the property is in ‘good’ condition with no signs of damage or disrepair, for example. If damage then occurs during the tenancy, the landlord can rely on the previously prepared Schedule of Condition. These reports can prove that the tenant is liable for the damage and necessary repairs.
Schedule of Condition vs Dilapidation Report: The Key Differences
A Schedule of Condition report provides a detailed assessment of a property’s condition. A Schedule of Dilapidations documents the wear and tear, damage, or modifications made to a property. They also document the repair or restoration works that are required.
Often, a Schedule of Dilapidations will refer to a previously drafted Schedule of Conditions, when documenting what repair or restoration works should be carried out to return the property to its previous state.
You can think of a Schedule of Condition as a proactive way of documenting a property’s condition. In contrast, a Dilapidations report is a reactive way to document the changes or damage that has occurred to determine who is liable for restorative works.
When Do You Need a Schedule of Condition for Your Property?
A Schedule of Condition can be beneficial in a number of situations, including:
- Prior to entering a lease
- Before starting construction or improvement works
- When planning modifications to a party wall
- Before purchasing a property
Any scenario in which the condition of a property may change can benefit from having a report drawn up. You may particularly benefit if there is any ambiguity or disputes regarding who is liable for subsequent repairs.
How Schedule of Condition Reports Can Inform Party Wall Awards
A ‘party wall’ is a wall, boundary or structure that is shared between two or more parties. A wall that adjoins two semi-detached properties is a common example of a party wall. However, a shared wall that adjoins two outhouses or even a shared fence that sits atop a boundary can also be considered a party wall.
When either party wants to undertake work on or near to a party wall, they must serve a Party Wall Notice on the other relevant party or parties. Often, a Party Wall Agreement can be made when all parties are happy for the proposed works to be undertaken. However, if the respondent party does not agree, a legally binding Party Wall Award can be drawn up to enable the works to go ahead.
Having a Schedule of Condition drawn up can help to secure a Party Wall Award. A report will provide evidence of the condition of the party wall prior to any works being carried out. If damage occurs the report can be relied upon to give an accurate description of the party wall’s original condition.
Contact TCL Surveyors to Learn More
To find out more about having a draft, contact our team now on: 020 3176 0029, email us at info@tcl-surveyors.co.uk or send us a message here.